Have Sippy Will Travel

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New York City is the largest city in North America in terms of both population and land area. As such, it’s no wonder that tourists rarely get a chance to see everything on their wish list during their stay in the Big Apple. Most citizens have yet to see it all.

Taking a self-led bike tour allows tourists to see the city on their own time while avoiding the often confusing subway routes and expensive cab fares. So reserve an affordable rental bike from Blazing Saddles, grab a map, and check out these five iconic areas for a self-led tour.

Brooklyn Bridge

Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most recognizable bridges in the world. It’s unique Gothic architecture, and hybrid design of cable-stayed and suspension style bridges make it wondrous to behold before you consider the view from the East River. Crossing the 1,500-foot bridge by bicycle gives you a stunning view of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty in the distance. Cycling across the bridge at sunset will only enhance the view but is also, unfortunately, the busiest time for tourists.

The Hudson River Greenway

If you like the idea of seeing the city while avoiding the infamous traffic jams and honking yellow cabs, the Hudson River Greenway offers an enjoyable way to do so. Along this path, you can see the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the 9/11 Memorial site, Battery Park, the Hudson River, and the Intrepid Air and Space Museum.

This option is perfect for those who wish to see the various tourist attractions without diving too deep into each experience. If you choose to take a separate tour through one of the sites, be sure to secure your bike accordingly.

Central Park

You could easily spend a day or two touring through Central Park alone. Riding a bicycle is undoubtedly the most effective way to travel through the expansive green space while taking in the hidden gems of the park. Be sure to ride through The Mall, an iconic lane seen in numerous films and television shows, and stop by the carousel and Alice in Wonderland statue.

If possible, save this trip for a nice day, so you get to enjoy the park in its entirety. Bike rentals often come with a back rack on which you can secure a picnic to enjoy by the lake or on the Great Lawn, a 55-acre field that sits at the heart of Central Park.

Ocean Parkway

While the Ocean Parkway bike path isn’t the most glamorous tour option, it is one of the most historically significant bike paths in the world. Originally built in the 19th century to separate cyclists from foot traffic, this path is the safest way to bike from Brooklyn to Coney Island. Coney Island is a huge attraction in the summer months for tourists and New Yorkers alike.

Coney Island is home to a public beach, theme park, the New York Aquarium and a museum full of weird and wonderful exhibits. In the summer, visitors swarm to Coney Island for the Mermaid Parade. Cycling is a quick way to get around and see everything.

Bike the Boroughs

If you’re an avid cyclist or just want to be able to say you came, you saw, you conquered, try biking the five boroughs. This journey could be as much as forty miles or longer, depending on the routes you take, but will offer you experiences in each unique borough of New York City.

Before you go, you’ll want to make sure you have the route mapped out and know that it is safe to cycle in that area. Create your route so that you pass by many of your bucket list items as you travel. Also, make sure you have a hotel with a hot tub to soak in after! New York may be the city that never sleeps, but you’re sure to rest well after this journey.