Renting a bike in New York is a cheap, active way to see a large part of Manhattan. It’s also a sustainable way to explore the city. Choose Central Park bike rental, discover Downtown Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge or cycle along the Hudson River. You can also bike to other places, as there are bicycle paths all over New York. Renting a bike online is easy and saves you money. The bike rentals in New York below are from companies that I’ve personally tested. Booked in advance, bike hire in New York won’t cost you more than a few dollars.
Eric's Index
- 1 Bike rentals in Central Park
- 2 Bike Rentals for Brooklyn
- 3 FAQ
- 3.1 How much does it cost to rent a bike in New York?
- 3.2 Can you bike in Central Park?
- 3.3 Is a helmet required for a bicycle in New York?
- 3.4 Can you hire bikes in Central Park New York?
- 3.5 How long does it take to bike around Central Park?
- 3.6 Is it safe to bike in New York?
- 3.7 What is better: bike rental or Citi Bike in New York?
Bike rentals in Central Park
Why not rent a bike to discover Central Park? The bike rental in Central Park is situated only a few blocks from the entrance to the park so you can pick up your bike and start cycling right away. There are special bicycle lanes in Central Park. You’re allowed to bike on the main recreation road. All traffic is one-way, which means you can only cycle anticlockwise. The scenic routes in the park are closed to cars.
If you want to stop and explore the park, you can always continue walking with your bike in hand. This way you can see Strawberry Fields, Bethesda Fountain, Jackie Onassis Reservoir and the Belvedere Castle. It’s also a great way to visit the various museums around the park. Cycling in Central Park is especially nice if you’re not such an experienced biker or a family with young children. If you’d rather not bike alone, consider joining a bike tour in New York instead of opting for Central Park bicycle rental.
Rent an bike to discover Central Park here
Rent an electric bike to discover Central Park here
Practical Information
After purchasing, you’ll receive a voucher that you can print out or show on your smartphone to pick up the bike.
- Departure point: Midtown, a few blocks from Central Park
- Price: from A$7 per hour (A$20 per hour when you rent a bike for just 1 hour)
- Opening times:
- 1 November – 31 March: 08:00 – 17:00
- 1 April – 31 October: 08:00 – 20:00
- Minimum age: suitable for all ages
- Bike helmet, lock and basket are included in the price. Children’s seats and bike trailers can be rented on the spot.
Bike Rentals for Brooklyn
Cycling is also a great way to discover Brooklyn, and many neighbourhoods are easy to explore by bike. If you cycle towards the Brooklyn Bridge, you can pass through all these neighbourhoods:
You start your bike ride in Carroll Gardens, a lively neighbourhood that is home to small local shops, cafés and sandwich shops. Red Hook is only a five-to-ten-minute cycle away and offers fantastic views of the skyline. Its former industrial buildings now house trendy restaurants, cafés and artists’ studios. You can also take your bike on the NYC Ferry from Red Hook to Governors Island and Manhattan!
Cobble Hill has beautiful streets and blends almost seamlessly into Brooklyn Heights. Continue through DUMBO and, if you feel like it, cycle across the Brooklyn Bridge to Manhattan. From there, you can cycle back to Brooklyn via the Manhattan Bridge.
Book your bike rental for the Brooklyn Bridge here
Practical Information
After purchasing, you’ll receive a voucher that you can print out or show on your smartphone to pick up the bike.
- Departure point: 514 Court Street, Brooklyn
- Price: from A$7 per hour (A$12 per hour when you rent a bike for 1 hour)
- Opening times:
- 1 November – 31 March: 09:00 – 17:00
- 1 April – 31 October: 09:00 – 19:00
- Minimum age: suitable for all ages
- Bike helmet, lock and basket are included in the price. Children’s seats and bike trailers can be rented on the spot.
FAQ
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