New York City has made significant strides in recent years to improve its cycling infrastructure, promote bike-friendly initiatives, and offer bike-friendly routes and scenic paths for cyclists of all skill levels. With the expansion of dedicated bike lanes and implementing programs like Citi Bike, cycling has become an increasingly popular mode of transportation in the city.
Discover New York City’s Bike-Friendly Routes
Hudson River bike path on the west side of Manhattan
From iconic landmarks like Central Park and the Brooklyn Bridge to lesser-known gems like the Hudson River Greenway, there’s no shortage of places to explore on two wheels. A Map of NYC Greenways and Cycle Routes is available in our Free NYC Travel Maps collection.
Rent a Bike in NYC
Woman ready to rent a city bike in New York, USA
Citi Bike, New York City’s public bicycle share program, offers residents and visitors a convenient and eco-friendly way to navigate the city’s bustling streets. Whether commuting to work, exploring iconic neighborhoods, or enjoying a leisurely ride along the Hudson River, Citi Bike has you covered. Transportation alternatives like Lime and Freebike also provide additional options for bike rentals, with their respective apps offering convenient access to bikes throughout the city.
Key Citi Bike Information
NEW YORK CITY – JUNE 8, 2013: NYC bike share system along city streets at night, Manhattan, New York City, USA
Citi Bike operates with thousands of bikes stationed at hundreds of docking stations throughout New York City. With over 25,000 bikes available, finding a ride is typically easy and convenient.
Renting a Citi Bike costs $3.50 for a single ride, which includes 30 minutes of ride time. Additional fees apply for longer rides. Users can sign up for various membership options, including a single ride, day pass, or annual membership, providing unlimited rides within the allotted time frame.
To rent a bike, users can use the Citi Bike mobile app or visit any docking station and follow the on-screen instructions to unlock a bike using a credit or debit card. Citi Bike operates 24/7, 365 days a year, making it a reliable transportation option for residents and tourists.
How Citi Bike Works
A man rents a bicycle from Citibank’s Citibike bicycle share program
Renting a bike with Citi Bike is simple. Users can use the mobile app to locate available bikes and docking stations or visit a nearby station in person. Once at a docking station, users can unlock a bike using the mobile app or by swiping a credit or debit card at the kiosk. The bike will then be released from the dock, and users can begin their ride.
The first 30 minutes of each ride are included in the rental fee, with additional charges for longer rides. To avoid extra fees, users can return the bike to any docking station within the designated time frame and wait five minutes before renting another bike.
Cost and Charges
The cost to rent a Citi Bike varies depending on the user’s chosen membership plan and ride duration. Here’s a breakdown of the pricing:
- Single Ride: $3.50 for 30 minutes.
- Day Pass: $12 for unlimited 30-minute rides within a 24-hour period.
- Annual Membership: Various pricing options for unlimited 45-minute rides throughout the year Additional fees apply for rides exceeding the allotted time, with charges increasing incrementally for longer durations.
Not Just Bikes: Electric Scooter Rentals
Moped-sharing company Revel in the Red Hook neighborhood of Brooklyn
For those looking for an alternative to biking, electric scooters offer another convenient way to get around NYC’s busy streets. Like Citi Bike, electric scooter rental services like Lime and Tier operate in various locations across the city, providing users with fun and efficient transportation.
Enjoy Exploring NYC
Whether cruising through Central Park on a Citi Bike or zipping through downtown on an electric scooter, exploring New York City’s vibrant neighborhoods and iconic landmarks has never been easier or more enjoyable. So grab a helmet, download the app, and explore the Big Apple on two wheels!
