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?
I biked most of the Jamaica Bay bike path in Brooklyn for the first time today. It was kind of gross.
Things I had to bike through/over/past/under/around:
1) A 200-yard stretch of detour through packed dirt and deep, soft sand (Melissa actually fell while walking her bike).
2) Two miles of re-routed, bumpy bike lane.
3) Narrow paths over several deteriorating bridges — inches from parkway traffic.
4) Sand and dirt covering portions of bike path at points.
5) Low-hanging branches from nearby trees.
Time for a good Spring cleaning!
