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 haven’t been on the bridge at all this week, but it sounds like things have been pretty dicey since the southern path was closed for repairs.

At least on the Brooklyn Bridge, there’s clearly one lane for bikes and one for pedestrians…

Any stories you can share from the Willy B this week?

Next thing you know, AAA will start offering roadside assistance cyclists! Oh wait…

Streetsblog reports on some great news (!) for those of us who often make the two-wheel trip from North to South Brooklyn. Flushing Avenue is the logical connector between the Kent Avenue bike lane and Sands Street/DUMBO. I don’t find it to be too bad of a route because traffic is light, however it’s a little scary when a car flies past at 50+ mph.

Can’t wait to see how this turns out.

Others reporting on this story: The Brooklyn Paper. Gothamist.

These guys thought it would be fun to go for a ride over the Williamsburg Bridge in #snowpocalypse 2010. :-/

Another great Pedaling: NYC vid for all you foodie cyclists out there… This time they hit up Brooklyn Bowl and Brooklyn Brewery in Williamsburg.

(via @bicyclingmag)

RIP on Metropolitan and Union Aves.

(via The Brooklyn Paper)

(Double) RIP on Berry (between S. 4th and S. 5th)

(via Brownstoner)