Half Loop around Manhattan

I took advantage of my day off on Columbus Day to go for a 2 hour loop around Manhattan using my new road bike. To keep observations of the 16.77 mile bike ride concise and meaningful, I'm dividing the ride into 4 legs - i) Hudson River Greenway, ii) connection to East River Greenway, iii) East River Greenway, and iv) crosstown ride - and will only share the biggest joy and pain points.

i)  The Hudson River Greenway is by far my most favorite bike path in Manhattan. It is completely separated from car traffic by guard rails, trees, bushes, and other greenery making it super safe. There are only a few intersections with car traffic (ie: heliport, Intrepid, cruise ship piers --> all have bike specific traffic lights), otherwise it is just bike riders, joggers, and strolling pedestrians. For the most part, there is effective separation between bikers and pedestrians because pedestrians are diverted to a non-biking path directly along the Hudson River. Other parts of the path have clear signage indicating where bikers can ride and pedestrians should walk (hug the side). The path is in phenomenal condition, super clean, and best of all very scenic.  George Washington Bridge, 79th St Boat Basin Marina, World Financial Center, Statue of Liberty, and New Jersey skyline are just a few of the cool landmarks I saw on my ride from W 79th Street to Robert F. Wagner Jr Park (just south of Battery Park City). Helmet usage was mixed, but most CitiBike riders did not wear helmets.

Hudson River Greenway - south view

Hudson River Greenway - south view

I followed the esplanade that runs along the Hudson River, just south of Battery Park City, straight into Robert F Wagner Jr Park (popular spot for viewing Statue of Liberty). Although the esplanade did not have any bike lanes, it was wide enough to comfortably accommodate both pedestrians and bicyclists willing to go at a slow pace.  Path was in superb condition.

North Cove Marina - Batter Park City

ii) After exiting Robert F. Wagner Jr. Park, I found myself at the intersection of Battery Place and West Street confused and uncertain about how to safely maneuver to the East River Greenway. There was no signage on the road and no bike lanes in view, so I headed on the open road in hope of soon finding a proper path.

                      

I went east on Battery Place (pictured above), maneuvering around the tourist buses, and made a right on State St towards South Street Ferry. There was a citibike station towards the end of State St with what looked like the beginning of a marked bike path. There were pedestrians taking a stroll in the path, but they gave me the right of way as I approached them.

Choppy Bike Path - near South Street Ferry

The path didn't last very long, hence the title of the above photo. It seemed to only go from one citibike station to another. There was also a police car parked in the bike lane, which was a bit odd considering there was ample space on the street.

Bike Path approaching South Street Ferry
with a cop car parked directly on it

That bike path led only to this CitiBike station.

As I reached the above citibike station, I looked around for the next segment of the bike path. There was lack of signage and bike lane continuity here. Although I knew from experience that there was a bike path starting at the far end of the South Street Ferry terminal (pictured below), there was no signage on the road to indicate the same. I felt that it would be appropriate to put a connecting bike lane in this area or at least temporary markers on the road so that bicyclists could comfortably get on the East River Greenway.

Just to the right of that bike station is South Street Ferry terminal.
There was no bike path connecting to the East River Greenway,
which was just at the far end of the terminal. 

Finally made it to the East River Greenway.
View of South Street Ferry in the background. 

 iii) I got on the East River Greenway just after South Street Ferry. The bike path was well marked and accommodated both directions of bike traffic. As I approached South Street Seaport - Pier 17, I had to go around a UPS truck. A nuisance, but not a massive inconvenience given the wide shoulder.

UPS parked in the bike path to make a delivery across the street. 

 The signage at Pier 17 could have been a bit better. The path led me on to the below plaza, but there were no markings on the plaza guiding bikers to the next segment of the bike path. Would be a nice plus.

South Street Seaport - Pier 17

 After passing this plaza heading north, the bike path resumed and was very much protected from car traffic. There was plenty of space to accommodate both pedestrians and cyclists and the lane signage was very clear.

I continued heading along the bike path until I reached a poorly marked area below East River Park. The pavement was bumpy (see below) and not as pleasant as compared to earlier portions of this path.

I veered off the East River Greenway and got on an esplanade that goes through East River Park. I wasn't sure if biking was allowed here as there, but since there was no signage indicating otherwise I continued on my way. This ride was very pleasant, scenic, and had plenty of space for both pedestrians and cyclists. Ordinarily I would have taken the greenway that travels between this park and FDR, but going forward I'll only take this esplanade. The actual marked bike path is poorly paved and not a scenic ride. Would be nice if some signage can be put up on the bike path letting cyclists know that the esplanade is also available to them.

East River Park

I rode with ease up until I reached the below intersection/parking complex (around low E 30's). The bike lane and signage ended and no clear path was provided for bikers. I carefully rode alongside the garage. Lack of bike path continuity definitely deters me from riding on the east side.

As I exited the complex, I noticed a tiny sign indicating "bike route" and proceeded towards it while looking out for the livery cars stopped along the road. A protected bike lane resumed shortly after that sign but lasted for only a few blocks. At East 37th St, the bike path ended with a clear sign indicating no further passage was possible, so I headed west towards 1st Avenue.

1st Avenue bike path was protected in some parts and had a good amount of commuting and touring cyclists. It didn't feel as safe as the protected Columbus Ave path, possibly because it had more turning vehicles and faster flowing traffic.

       

The path then meandered between traffic on both ends with cars to the left making left-hand turns. Signage was a bit worn at parts of the street and my comfort of riding here was definitely on the low end. I wanted to make my way west, so I began looking for crosstown bike paths.

1st Avenue & 40's

 iv) I headed west on E 51st St, then made a right on Madison Avenue. I noticed a sign indicating a Bike Route to West Side. I was thrilled to get on a bike lane and made the quick left. To my disappointment, although the sign indicate a Bike Route, it did not actually mean a bike path was present. I had to share a completely unmarked, bumpy road with tons of cars and buses. It was the most dangerous road I've taken thus far on my journey in looping the lower-half of Manhattan.

53rd & 7th Ave  - West facing

53rd & 7th Ave - East facing

I was very happy to see a clearly marked bike path on 8th Avenue, so I took a right and began heading north towards Columbus Circle. I had to laugh when I saw another Bike Route sign indicating passage to the East Side on 54th Street. I had a feeling that this 'route' would be very similar to the 53rd Street Bike Route, which was not bike friendly at all.

As I approached Columbus Circle, the 8th Ave bike path veered unexpectedly from west side of the street to the east side. I didn't find the street signage directing this change to be effective.

8th Ave - approaching Columbus Circle

Overall, I found the first leg of my ride to be the most enjoyable, relaxing, and safe. The last leg of my bike ride was the most unnerving and unsafe. The middle two legs lacked proper signage and path continuity.