Cycling in the City

Cycling is not only great for your health; it’s better for the environment and less expensive than other forms of travel. Currently the city is working toward making NYC more friendly to cyclists and as a library we're trying to make information regarding cycling a little easier to find.

So, here are some helpful resources regarding cycling programs, biking clubs, books, blogs, and other practical guides. At the end of this post you’ll also find a list of library locations equipped with bike racks!

The Department of Transportation has lots of resources for cyclists on their webpage including maps, safety tips, and parking. Also keep an eye out for information regarding the city’s Bike Share programs. Citi Bike Share has been in talks for a while and due to open for the summer.

Knowing how to get where you're going can be a challenge. It's nice to know where you can find bike lanes, bike paths, or a greenway. NYC Bike Maps has what you need. Maps for each borough, for parks, and a few even outside the city. Map out your commute with the help of Ride the City. Ride the City helps to navigate NYC's Shared areas and Bike Lanes. Plus, the site includes bike shops and rentals on the map so you can find the supplies you're looking for when you're out and about.

As a cyclist, it's important to know your responsibilities and the rules of the road. The group Transportation Alternatives has some great links to bicycling laws and maps. They brought us Bikingrules.org which provides street codes both online and as a FREE PDF copy of Biking Rules (also available in Chinese and Spanish). They also have a list of "Cycling Savvy Lawyers." Plus, you can sign up to become bike friendly business and be added to the site's directory.

Also, check out Bike Blog NYC to keep up on cycling news, meet-ups, events, and other resources.

Transportation Nation has a section on bikes; it is a project from public radio stations that reports on the changing modes of transport in the U.S.

Looking for a social layer for your cycling adventure? Check out a Bike Club:

Five Borough Bike Club (5BBC)
New York Cycle Club (NYCC)
Fast and Fabulous - New York's GLBT Cycling Club

In case you missed it, Gothamist discussed bikelock etiquette and safety earlier this year and Lifehacker provided information for getting your neglected bike ready for the season and keeping it in shape for next year.

Need to take your bike on the subway? At some point you might need to. Perhaps your bike needs a repair, the weather has turned or you were injured. Keep in mind general etiquette for making the trip easier for public transportation travelers. The MTA website has information on the Bike & Ride page along with a bike safety and courtesy page.

Avoid rush hour, the trains and platforms are already crowded.
Yield to other travelers, bikes can be very difficult to maneuver around.
Enter at a booth station entrance and have a booth attendant unlock it (don’t lift over turnstiles).
Hold onto your bike, sudden movements might have it rolling away from you and hurting someone else.
Wait for stairways to clear and always carry your bike up and down the steps.
Listen to directions from police officers and MTA employees.

Pictures of cycles and cyclists in the Digital Gallery.

Library Books for Cyclists General