Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Cyclists on the Upper West Side
Top Things to Do in New York City for Cyclists on the Upper West Side
1. Central Park Loop
Pedal the iconic, car-free Central Park Drive from the Upper West Side edge, linking rolling hills, skyline views, and lush scenery in a continuous counterclockwise loop.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the city’s classic training and leisure circuit with smooth pavement, clear cycling rules, and easy access from Central Park West.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early mornings year-round, especially spring and fall; weekdays are quieter. Winter rides are calm but dress for windchill.
✓ Insider Tip:
Enter near the American Museum of Natural History and warm up before tackling the northern Harlem Hill—save a low gear for the climb.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Riders rave about the flow, safety, and scenery, calling it a must-do NYC ride that feels worlds away from city traffic.
2. Riverside Park South (Hudson River Greenway Access)
Glide along the Hudson on a flat, separated path with breezes, skyline vistas, and piers—perfect for recovery spins or golden-hour cruises.
✓ Why Go:
The Greenway segment here offers stress-free riding with water views and seamless connections north toward Riverside Park and south toward Midtown.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon to sunset for soft light and cooler temps; mornings are the calmest for uninterrupted spins.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use the 70th Street access to avoid stairs; bring a wind layer—riverside gusts can be stronger than inland.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Cyclists love the serenity and space, often citing it as their favorite ‘exhale’ ride on the West Side.
3. Columbus Avenue Bike Lane
Roll the protected southbound lane past cafés, museums, and neighborhood blocks, linking the 90s to Lincoln Square with steady, predictable flow.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the safest southbound corridor through the Upper West Side, ideal for commuting or stringing together coffee stops.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mid-mornings on weekdays for light turns; weekend brunch hours are lively but manageable with patience.
✓ Insider Tip:
Mind turning vehicles at intersections and slow near 77th Street when the Sunday market draws extra foot traffic.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Locals appreciate the protection and continuity, saying it makes downtown rides feel relaxed and efficient.
4. Amsterdam Avenue Bike Lane
Head north on a protected lane that threads through the heart of the neighborhood, connecting eateries, bike shops, and crosstown links.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the most comfortable uptown route on the UWS, perfect for stepping up pace or cruising to the 100s.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Daylight hours year-round; aim for earlier mornings to enjoy fewer deliveries and smoother signals.
✓ Insider Tip:
Time green waves by keeping a steady cadence; watch for double-parked vehicles near popular restaurants.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Riders note the consistent protection and easy access to mid-ride snacks—an everyday favorite.
5. Toga Bike Shop
A longtime cyclist hub offering gear, quick fixes, and expert advice—ideal for pre-ride tune-ups or emergency repairs.
✓ Why Go:
Reliable service and solid inventory make it a dependable pit stop before tackling park loops or river miles.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings for the fastest turnaround; weekends can be busy during peak riding season.
✓ Insider Tip:
Call ahead for same-day tweaks and stock checks; staff can suggest UWS-friendly tire pressures and routes.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Customers praise knowledgeable mechanics and fair turnaround times, calling it a neighborhood essential.
6. Master Bike Shop
Neighborhood workshop known for speedy flats, precision tuning, and commuter-friendly accessories right off Amsterdam and Broadway.
✓ Why Go:
Handy for on-the-spot fixes or last-minute lights, locks, and tubes before evening laps.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Midday midweek for minimal wait; bring your bike early on Saturdays to beat the rush.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about quick chain clean-and-lube packages—they can save a soggy ride after a river path drizzle.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Riders highlight friendly service and quick turnarounds that keep them rolling without missing a workout.
7. Levain Bakery (74th Street)
Refuel with legendary, shareable cookies or a coffee just a block from Central Park West—perfect post-climb treat.
✓ Why Go:
Carbs, coffee, and quick lines make it a beloved reward stop after laps or lane cruising.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late mornings on weekdays; afternoons can see lines, especially on sunny weekends.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a small lock—there are racks nearby—and split a cookie to keep legs lively for the ride back.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Cyclists call it the ultimate UWS pick-me-up and a sweet incentive to add one more lap.
8. Zabar’s
An Upper West Side institution for grab-and-go bagels, smoked fish, and coffee—easy fuel before or after the bike.
✓ Why Go:
Fast, hearty options and classic NYC flavors right on Broadway, steps from protected lanes.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early mornings for swift service; avoid peak Sunday brunch hours if you’re in a hurry.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order ahead on your phone and pick up curbside-friendly to minimize time off the saddle.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Beloved for quality and nostalgia, with riders citing unbeatable pre-ride bagels.
9. Grand Bazaar NYC
A sprawling Sunday market where cyclists can park nearby and browse vintage, crafts, and eats between rides.
✓ Why Go:
It turns a training day into a neighborhood experience, pairing easy bike access with local flavor.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning to early afternoon on Sundays; arrive earlier for easier bike parking.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a compact lock and cash for quick snacks; loop Central Park first, then reward yourself here.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors enjoy the community vibe and variety—an energizing mid-ride break.
10. Strawberry Fields
A peaceful Central Park memorial near the 72nd Street entrance—ideal for a quiet pause after park laps.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a reflective, shaded stop steps from bike-legal park drives, with benches to rest the legs.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early mornings or just before sunset to avoid crowds and enjoy soft light.
✓ Insider Tip:
Lock up along Central Park West and walk your bike into the memorial—riding isn’t permitted on interior paths.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Cyclists describe it as a tranquil counterpoint to hard efforts, a moment to slow down and take in the city.
