This is a mockup of a proposed greenway that would encircle Jamaica Bay, and the National Park Service would help create. I don’t think this map is actually available online anywhere yet…
We caught a glimpse today during the Brooklyn Waterfront Epic Ride.
We all know there have been a lot of improvements to the bike infrastructure in New York in recent years — and Brooklyn has been at the epicenter of that. So what, I have challenged myself to determine, are the most blissful places to bike in Brooklyn right now? Here’s what I picked (at least as of today):
5) Clinton and Henry Sts — No protected paths and lots of traffic lights, but still a couple of great streets to explore through the heart of Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens. Also connects very well to East River bridges and Red Hook. DRAWBACKS: Lots of traffic lights, so you can’t TOTALLY sit back and relax.
4) Jamaica Bay Greenway — Probably the longest stretch of separated bike path in the entire borough, from Gerritsen Beach to the Queens border near JFK Airport. DRAWBACKS: Parts of it, including many of the bridges, are crumbling or overgrown with branches. Traffic from the highway is also quite loud.
3) Kent Avenue — The new two-way bike lane from Flushing Avenue all the way to Greenpoint is fantastic, and a great place for people (bike) watching through Williamsburg! It’s also a fantastic new connection between North and South Brooklyn. DRAWBACKS: Some traffic lights and hidden driveways near the new Williamsburg condo towers.
2) Belt Parkway Bike Path — If you haven’t pedaled down this path along the waterfront in Bay Ridge, you’re missing out. It’s smooth, several miles long and has a spectacular view of Staten Island, the Verrazano Bridge and New York harbor. DRAWBACKS: It’s annoying to get to from the north, with Sunset Park not very friendly to bikes.
1) Prospect Park Loop (of course) — Three and a third miles of (mostly) car free cycling through one of the country’s premier parks. Not as crowded as Central Park. Just enough ups and downs to make it a great work out if you want. Accessible from all directions. DRAWBACKS: Wish it were even bigger!
Bonus:
Place I wish I could bike: Greenwood Cemetery — Lots of hills, well paved, great views. Wish someday I could ride my bike through it!
Place that will probably on the list next year: Brooklyn Bridge Park — The bike lane through the new park is sure to be AWESOME!
What am I missing? Did I get it all wrong?
RT @jbberk: RT @Brokelyn Cast your vote for bike-sharing in Brooklyn http://is.gd/bDSAQ
1) Learn how to change a tire tube.
2) Bike 100 miles in one day (Montauk Century 2010).
3) Figure out a good bike route from Brooklyn to Long Island.
4) Buy clipless pedals.
5) Meet lots of other Brooklyn cyclists.
6) Try commuting by bike (at least once).
7) Support great bike-friendly groups like Transportation Alternatives, Times Up and Recycle-a-Bicycle.
8) Organize a group ride.
9) Sign up for a multi-day bike trip.
10) Convince another friend or family member to get a bike and become a cyclist.
What about you?
Happy New Year from the Brooklyncyclist.com!
