New York bike tours: Everything you need to know
If you are looking for an active and exciting way to tour the Big Apple, a New York bike tour will definitely catch your eye. Think back on all your movie trivia as you ride past many different scenes, restaurants, and attractions from your favorite New York-based movies. Hop on your bike and head out for a day of sightseeing!
What are the must-see attractions to see on New York City bike tours?
You will be able to view Bethesda Fountain up close. This fountain serves as a focal point of Central Park, the largest fountain in New York, and one of the most well-known fountains in the world. Make sure to pedal around the fountain. Then check out the Angel of the Water sculpture, a bronze figure of an angel above four smaller cherubim that represent health, purity, temperance, and peace.
Love the Beatles? Idolize John Lennon? So does New York. The Strawberry Fields memorial is a 2.5-acre area, decorated with elm trees and flowers. New Yorkers dedicated it to John Lennon after his untimely death. Because of the site’s location in the designated quiet zone in Central Park, you can have a little rest. The site also includes the Imagine mosaic, a tribute to Lennon’s song and his fight for world peace.
If you are a fan of literary prowess, you will love to ride by the Literary Walk. You will first bike to the south end of the Mall, Central Park’s only straight pathway. The overarching trees that lock together provide shade and a photo op. You will then find four statues of famous writers, including William Shakespeare, Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Fitz Greene Halleck. However, you will notice that there are five statues standing on the Literary Walk. The fifth statue depicts Christopher Columbus, known as the “odd man out” since the others were prominent playwrights, poets, novelists, and essayists.
You can also cycle up to Belvedere Castle and take in the elegant miniature castle and its surrounding view. The Italian word “Belvedere” translates to “beautiful view,” which is fitting. The architects originally designed the castle without any windows or doors and simply wanted to present it as a viewing platform for the cityscape below. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop for a few knick-knacks to take home and remember your time in the city.
Do New York bike tours include a guide?
If you choose the Central Park bike rentals tour, you and your family can take off on your own and brave the new city. The tour will provide you with bikes, helmets, chain locks, and a map of New York.
The Central Park live guided bike tour, on the other hand, comes with a human map of New York. This 2-hour tour covers 5 miles of Central Park and offers 4 different time slots, so that it can work around your travel schedule. You will be able to bike through 36 Central Park highlights and listen to your guide present you with historical facts and occasional well-timed jokes.
What skill level is needed for bike tours in New York City?
The New York City bike tours travel across mainly flat, paved ground. The different tours welcome beginner bicyclists and seasoned riders alike.
Are New York City bike tours suitable for children?
Many of the tours offer a range of bike sizes so that your little ones can join you on the ride. They can also provide you with child seats for those who are not yet old enough to pedal on their own. Keep in mind that anyone under the age of 18 will need an adult present.
How long do the tours last?
Some tours designate at least a 2-hour tour time. Others allow you to rent the bikes and head out on your own for as long or as little as you would like. Particularly if you plan to embark without a live tour guide, you can rent the bikes for 1, 2, 3, 4, or 24-hour durations.
What should I bring on a bike tour in New York City?
Pack your passport or driver’s license and wear comfortable clothes and close-toed, snug shoes. Also, wear a jacket or something you can easily shed if you start to get hot. The morning and evening tours can start out with a chill, but the harder you pedal, the faster you will warm up.