Cycling Protocol for Central Park and Prospect Park

General Recommendations:

• Cyclists are subject to all laws, rules and regulations governing Central Park and Prospect Park at all times and shall act accordingly.

• Cyclists shall always yield to pedestrians, regardless of whether they are in a crosswalk. The safety of pedestrians is paramount at all times.

• Cyclists shall ride predictably at a speed appropriate to the circumstances; shall employ caution and common sense when approaching crosswalks and signal lights; and be prepared to yield and stop.

• Central Park - Cyclists should be extra vigilant throughout the south section of the Park, from West 72nd Street around to the bottom of Cat’s Paw Hill north of the Boathouse, in order to maintain safety through this narrow and congested area.

• Prospect Park - Cyclists should be especially vigilant at the Vanderbilt / West Drive crosswalk – this is at the bottom of a steep downhill, by the lake. It is an especially congested area.

• Training rides should be limited to times when the Park is least crowded (i.e., weekdays before 8am and after 8pm in the summer or 6pm in the winter) and should be kept small and take into account proximate park user traffic.  Cyclists shall employ front and rear lights before dawn and after dusk.

• Be mindful of other cyclists who might be riding with different intentions, such as commuters, casual riders, delivery workers and tourists who do not know the rules.

• In general, slower cyclists should stay left and faster cyclists should pass on the right when safe to do so.
 No cyclist may ride in the runner’s lane at any time. When passing any park users, allow several feet of clearance.
 

• Cyclists shall carry valid identification.

Notes:

Central Park and Prospect Park are two of the most visited in the City. Park goers are typically very good, understanding, and well behaved, however, on occasion, regardless of any regulations, someone, a pet, and even objects will get in the way, so please prioritize your and others safety always. Be prepared to stop.

Similarly, cyclists should have realistic expectations on when and how they can ride and train—early weekday mornings, when the park is less busy, could be good moments to train or do group rides. Busy evenings, summer weekends, days with running races, or walk events, should come with the expectation that you’ll need to ride slow and carefully. 

Your behavior as an athlete and cyclist should never be conditioned by those around you. Be courteous and gracious no matter the circumstances – especially if in a Club jersey: Represent.

For emergencies: Call 911.