Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Cyclists in Brooklyn
Top Things to Do in New York City for Cyclists in Brooklyn
1. Brooklyn Bridge Park
Roll the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway through piers, lawns, and skyline overlooks. The park links DUMBO to Cobble Hill with bike-friendly paths and plentiful racks.
✓ Why Go:
Iconic bridge-and-Manhattan views plus flat, protected segments make it perfect for leisurely spins and photo stops.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early morning or golden hour year-round; spring and fall offer mild temps and lighter crowds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ride the greenway spine and dismount on busy piers; continue south to Red Hook for a longer waterfront cruise.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Cyclists love the scenery-to-effort ratio and say the paths feel welcoming even for newer riders.
2. Prospect Park Loop
A classic 3.35-mile one-way loop with rolling terrain, canopies, and car-free hours. The loop anchors countless Brooklyn rides.
✓ Why Go:
Structured laps for fitness or easy cruise laps without intersections; bathrooms, water, and shade are close at hand.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early mornings daily; spring and autumn foliage are spectacular. Weekdays are quieter.
✓ Insider Tip:
Clockwise only—use the right lane and signal on the West Drive descents. Connect to Ocean Parkway or Eastern Parkway after.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Riders rave about smooth pavement, predictable flow, and a friendly cycling community.
3. Domino Park
Pedal the protected Kent Avenue bike lane to this waterfront park beside the old Domino Sugar refinery, then stroll the esplanade.
✓ Why Go:
Easy ride-in access, dramatic skyline vistas, and nearby cafes make it a perfect mid-ride pause.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunset in late spring through early fall; mornings for a calmer scene.
✓ Insider Tip:
Lock up at the ample racks and walk bikes on the boardwalk; continue north to Bushwick Inlet Park for extra green space.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Cyclists appreciate the seamless approach via Kent Ave and call the park a high-reward stop.
4. Eastern Parkway Greenway
A tree-lined median path linking Grand Army Plaza to Brownsville with cultural heavyweights along the way.
✓ Why Go:
Stress-lite urban riding with long, straight stretches ideal for steady pedaling and museum stops.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings and late afternoons; spring bloom and fall color are prime.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use the Brooklyn Museum as a landmark; from Grand Army Plaza it’s an easy gateway to Prospect Park or Bedford-Stuyvesant.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors say it feels like a boulevard made for bikes—orderly, shaded, and photogenic.
5. Shirley Chisholm State Park
Miles of new, car-free gravel and paved paths on former landfills turned hilltop parkland above Jamaica Bay.
✓ Why Go:
Panoramic bay views, gentle climbs, and breezes make it a rare open-sky ride in NYC.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mornings from late spring through early fall; winter is blustery but quiet.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring water—amenities are spaced out. Wider tires are comfy for gravel sections.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Cyclists call it a hidden-gem playground with big views and zero traffic.
6. Floyd Bennett Field
Ride broad airfield loops and historic runways inside Gateway National Recreation Area—flat, windswept, and atmospheric.
✓ Why Go:
Unique space to spin without city stoplights; great for intervals, skills drills, or beginner confidence building.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Calm mornings; avoid strong wind days. Spring and fall are most comfortable.
✓ Insider Tip:
Watch for occasional closures and bring layers—the wind chill can surprise even in summer.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Riders love the wide-open feel and say it’s NYC’s easiest place to find your cadence.
7. Marine Park Salt Marsh Nature Trail
Spin through Brooklyn’s largest park and pause at boardwalk overlooks teeming with herons and marsh life.
✓ Why Go:
Quiet side paths and waterfront breezes offer a restorative, nature-forward break from city streets.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mornings year-round; late spring birdlife and autumn light are highlights.
✓ Insider Tip:
Stick to shared-use paths and walk bikes on narrow boardwalk sections; restrooms at the Nature Center.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Cyclists describe it as peaceful, flat, and unexpectedly wild.
8. Bushwick Collective
Cruise a street-art district where new murals blossom on warehouses—perfect for a slow roll and photo stops.
✓ Why Go:
Grid streets make easy loops, and the visuals change constantly—every ride feels fresh.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekend mornings for clear streets; summer brings the most color and activity.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a lock and caffeinate at a nearby cafe between mural hunts; mind truck routes on weekdays.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Riders love the creative vibe and call it Brooklyn’s most photogenic urban spin.
9. Bushwick Inlet Park
A grassy waterfront escape off the Kent Avenue lane with fields, skyline views, and easy river breezes.
✓ Why Go:
Ideal pit stop on Williamsburg rides; flat access and plenty of green space to lounge mid-ride.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon into sunset from April–October; weekdays for quieter lawns.
✓ Insider Tip:
Continue north to Greenpoint or south to Domino via the protected lane; bring a blanket for cooldown stretches.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Cyclists praise the effortless access and restful setting between neighborhoods.
10. Industry City
Ride the waterfront corridor to this creative campus with ample bike parking, food halls, and sunlit courtyards.
✓ Why Go:
A practical, tasty mid-ride hub with covered racks and easy connections to Sunset Park and Bay Ridge.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Lunchtime or early evening year-round; winter rides are cozy with indoor food options.
✓ Insider Tip:
Approach via the protected 2nd Ave lane; weekends bring pop-ups and outdoor seating ideal for bike groups.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Riders call it a convenient refuel stop that turns a workout into a mini outing.
