Getting Around NYC by Bike: Why Riding Skills Matter
New York City has a huge and growing bike network, so getting around by bike is realistic for many trips. Riding here is different from riding in a quiet park, though, so a few core skills make a big difference to how comfortable you feel.
The bike network is large, and more people use it
NYC DOT describes the city's 1,550 lane miles as North America's largest bicycle network, with 99% of residents living within one mile of it. On a typical day there are over 620,000 cycling trips, and daily cycling grew 64% between 2013 and 2023, according to DOT's summary of American Community Survey data. (NYC DOT)
Bicycles follow the rules of the road
A summary of the rules from NYC and New York State sources:
- Same laws as drivers. Cyclists must obey traffic lights and signs and signal for turns. (NYS DOT)
- Ride with traffic. New York State DOT says riding against traffic is a leading cause of bicycle crashes. (NYS DOT) Citi Bike's rider guidance also says to ride in the same direction as traffic, follow all signs and signals, and yield to pedestrians. (Citi Bike)
- Use the bike lane when there is a usable one. (NYS DOT)
- Stay off the sidewalk. NYC311 says children aged 12 or younger may ride on the sidewalk, and all other cyclists may receive a summons. (NYC311)
- Helmets. New York State law requires children up to age 14 to wear certified bike helmets. (NYC311) Helmets are a good idea for everyone.
- Headphones. New York State law prohibits wearing more than one earphone while riding, and Citi Bike notes that headphones in both ears are illegal. (NYS DOT) (Citi Bike)
- Lights and gear. At night, a bike needs a white front light and a red taillight, plus a bell or other audible device and a working brake. (NYS DOT)
Rules can change, and this is a summary rather than legal advice. Check the linked official sources for the current details.
The skills that make city riding feel manageable
None of these skills are hard, but they all take practice, and they are much easier to learn in a quiet place first:
- Starting, stopping and braking smoothly, so you can react when something changes ahead.
- Steering in a straight line and looking over your shoulder without wobbling.
- Hand signals. The state rules call for extending your arm to signal turns and stops. (NYS DOT) That means riding one-handed with confidence.
- Intersections and lane position. State DOT guidance explains how to approach intersections the way you would in a car, and when taking the lane can be safer. (NYS DOT)
- Predictability. Ride in a straight line, use signals and avoid weaving, so drivers and pedestrians know what you will do.
Citi Bike and other bike share
Citi Bike is New York City's bike share system, and its riders must be 16 or older. Citi Bike's app shows routes using bike lanes whenever possible, and the company notes that it is generally safest to take a route that includes a bike lane. (Citi Bike) Once you are confident with braking, steering and signaling, bike share is an easy way to try riding in the city without buying a bike.
How we help you get there
Our Refresher & City Riding lesson ($95, 45 minutes) covers bike lanes, intersections and signaling, a Citi Bike how-to for riders 16 and older, commute route planning and a guided ride on a greenway. If you haven't learned to balance yet, start with an adult beginner lesson. You can also learn about the health benefits of cycling for extra motivation.