Best way to Central Park

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15 replies [Last post]
Anonymous's picture
Anonymous

I am new in New York and want to start riding in and around the city, as well as join the morning rides in Central Park. What is the best way from the lower East Side to Central Park? I live on 23rd and 2nd Ave.
Thank you

Anonymous's picture
Matt Z (not verified)
up 6th Ave

I would say the best way is over 23rd street and then right up 6th ave, if you are ok with city riding. You could ride towards the bike path along the river, but by the time you do that you are probably doing just as much city riding East>West as you would North>South.

There is no shame in taking the subway though if you want to be safe.

Anonymous's picture
Joe S. (not verified)

I would say 1st Ave - less traffic and fewer clueless pedestrians. Less cross street traffic means your ride up will be quicker, and you're much less likely to have a tourist step right in front of you while they're admiring the city's sights.

Anonymous's picture
Ed (not verified)
North to Central Park

I live near First Ave and 20th. Definitely ride up First, but only on the East side of the Ave. With hospitals, the UN, Con Ed, etc., blocking many possible side streets, the way is clear and fast. Go up First Ave, to 60th. Left on 60th to Fifth Ave., Left on Fifth to the entrance to Central Pk.

Anonymous's picture
Evan Marks (not verified)
1st Ave

Someone once told me it was kinda fun to ride thru the tunnel under the UN. I believed her, and tried it one day.

She lied.

Anonymous's picture
Matt (not verified)

I also live near 20th and 1st. I agree with Ed. But sometimes I turn left on 57th or 72nd instead of 60th. Sometimes I like having two lanes on the cross-streets to give me more wiggle room.

Ed, are you in PCV or ST by any chance?

Anonymous's picture
Christoph (not verified)
Thanks

Thanks Joe, up 1st seems like the best way to go. Will try it next time. I am used to ride in traffic but NYC traffic is nastier than anything I have ever been in!!
Chris

Anonymous's picture
Joe S. (not verified)

Ever been to Saigon? It makes NYC traffic seem positively sedate.

Anonymous's picture
Christoph (not verified)

Not Saigon, but India and China. But I get your point, I guess it takes some time to get used to though.

Anonymous's picture
greg (not verified)

6th avenue is possibly the worst avenue for biking in all 5 boros. Avoid at all cost.

Anonymous's picture
Philip (not verified)

"""6th avenue is possibly the worst avenue for biking in all 5 boros. Avoid at all cost.""

I'll second that. I live on 6th Ave and unless it's very early on a Sat/Sun morning I avoid it like the plague."

Anonymous's picture
greg (not verified)
best way back

2nd ave is great for bombing all the way back home. It feels mostly downhill (except for the crest at 42nd) so you can get some real speed and hit all the greens.

Anonymous's picture
jc (not verified)
Park Ave

The route we take from 35th and Lex:
West on 35th to Park.
Right on Park to 42nd St.
Left on 42nd.
Right on Vanderbilt to 46th St.
Right on 46th to Park.
Left on Park to 60th St.
Left on 60th to CP (Can't miss it)

No large trucks or buses to deal with. And in the early morning the traffic is pretty light.

Anonymous's picture
Avi Robinson (not verified)
A vote for Madison

I work on 29th and Lex, and I often ride from there to the park while commuting.

Madison is quick, straight, and mostly downhill from the 20s to 60th. I would try to reach Madison as soon as possible and then take a straight shot to the park.

I would avoid Park Av. primarily because of all the traffic lights but also because of the traffic itself.

There is no need to go out of your way to take First Ave uptown.

For the way back I agree that 2nd Ave would be the quickest and most enjoyable way.

Anonymous's picture
Rob (not verified)

I also live on 23rd and 2nd. I take 1st up to 61st, then go west on 61st to 5th, left onto 5th, next right onto 60th, voila. On the weekends and in the morning you pretty much have 1st to yourself.

Anonymous's picture
Christoph (not verified)
Thanks

Rob, thanks that sounds perfect!

cycling trips