Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Cyclists in Times Square
Top Things to Do in New York City for Cyclists in Times Square
1. Times Square plazas
Pedestrianized blocks of Broadway form the glowing heart of the city. Roll in via the adjacent bike lane, then dismount to soak in the LED canyons, street performers, and nonstop energy.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the most iconic Midtown stop for a quick breather and photos during a ride, with immediate access back to bike infrastructure when you’re ready to roll.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early morning (around sunrise) for space to maneuver and crowd-free photos; late evening for maximum neon with lighter vehicle traffic.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ride in on Broadway’s protected lane, then walk your bike within the plazas—NYC rules prohibit riding in the pedestrian zones.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Electrifying and chaotic in the best way—riders love the spectacle but appreciate getting back into the bike lane quickly.
2. Father Duffy Square
At Times Square’s north end, the red steps and open plaza offer a classic perch to watch the flow of Broadway and 7th Avenue after you hop off the saddle.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a compact, photogenic stop with great sightlines and quick re-entry to nearby lanes on Broadway and 7th.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Golden hour before sunset for warm light and fewer crowds than prime-time night.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use side streets west of 7th Avenue for bike parking; avoid leaning bikes on plaza railings to keep pathways clear.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Beloved for people-watching; busy but worth a short pause on any Midtown ride.
3. One Times Square
The New Year’s Eve Ball drop tower is a quintessential photo backdrop and an easy landmark to tick off while navigating Broadway’s bike lane.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the emblem of Times Square; a quick curbside stop adds context and a signature snapshot to your cycling route.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Night, when the facade and billboards blaze for dramatic photos.
✓ Insider Tip:
Stop at the curb on a red light cycle—never block the bike lane—to grab a fast photo, then continue south or north with the signal.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Iconic and instantly recognizable; riders call it a must-snap landmark.
4. Broadway bike lane (Times Square segment)
A protected green ribbon threading through Times Square, this segment makes an otherwise intense Midtown crossing feel manageable for cyclists.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the safest, most direct north–south passage right through the Bowtie, linking you to Herald Square and Columbus Circle.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mid-mornings or weekend mornings for smoother flow and fewer delivery stops.
✓ Insider Tip:
Watch for pedestrians stepping into the lane for photos and for turning taxis at intersections—slow and signal clearly.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Appreciated for its protection, though riders note frequent photo-takers near the buffer.
5. 9th Avenue protected bike lane
Just west of Times Square, this pioneering protected lane carries cyclists south toward Penn Station or north toward Lincoln Center with physical separation from traffic.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a stress-reduced artery to reach food spots in Hell’s Kitchen and a gateway to the Hudson River Greenway.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekend mornings for the calmest ride; evenings for a lively neighborhood vibe.
✓ Insider Tip:
Obey the dedicated bike signals—many intersections feature separate phases for turning vehicles.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Often cited as a favorite Midtown corridor for comfort and connectivity.
6. Hudson River Greenway at Pier
A few blocks west, the city’s premier waterfront bikeway offers river breezes, wide views, and a relaxed spin away from Midtown’s bustle.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the quickest path from Times Square to car-lite riding, sunsets over the Hudson, and long-distance links north and south.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunset for golden light and cooler temps; mornings for emptier paths and training pace.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pier 84 has seasonal restrooms, water, and seating—ideal for a quick refill and stretch.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Consistently praised as scenic, smooth, and confidence-boosting for newer riders.
7. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Pause your ride beside a massive aircraft carrier and jets on the Hudson—an only-in-NYC waterfront scene steps from the Greenway.
✓ Why Go:
It pairs cycling with aviation and maritime history, plus panoramic river and skyline views.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning opening hours to beat lines; windy days feel cooler along the pier.
✓ Insider Tip:
Lock up and walk the pier; even without entering, the deck displays and carrier profile make for striking photos.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Eye-opening and memorable; riders love the scale and setting.
8. Gotham West Market
A cyclist-friendly food hall in Hell’s Kitchen with ample seating and diverse vendors, perfect for refueling mid-ride.
✓ Why Go:
Close to 9th/10th Ave lanes and the Greenway, it’s an easy, tasty pit stop without detouring far from Times Square.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Lunch after a Greenway spin or post-theater evening rides.
✓ Insider Tip:
Aim for off-peak hours to snag outdoor tables where you can keep an eye on your locked bike.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Convenient, delicious, and lively—great variety for mixed groups.
9. Bryant Park
A leafy, well-kept square just two avenues east, with movable chairs, seasonal programming, and space to decompress off the bike.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a serene counterpoint to Times Square and a pleasant waypoint en route to the library and Fifth Avenue.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday late mornings for quiet; summer evenings for movies and music.
✓ Insider Tip:
Walk bikes inside the park; look for bike racks along 40th Street for quick parking.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Clean, charming, and well-run—cyclists love the easy pause close to their route.
10. New York Public Library (Main Branch)
The Beaux-Arts centerpiece beside Bryant Park rewards a short walk with soaring halls, exhibits, and a cool, quiet break from Midtown traffic.
✓ Why Go:
Culture and architecture just off your bike route—free, inspiring, and convenient.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mid-afternoon for lighter crowds between tour groups.
✓ Insider Tip:
Enter on Fifth Avenue, then exit toward 40th Street to reconnect quickly to bike lanes via 6th Avenue or Broadway.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Grand and unforgettable; a favorite non-riding highlight of Midtown rides.
