This summer has been one of the hottest on record, with New York City facing recurring heat waves that fry the pavement and make many second-guess even their plans to hit the beach. NYC subway stations can reach up to 98 degrees – making it difficult to find an escape. Fortunately, there’s more to the city than the burning-hot concrete jungle – and all you need to reach them is a bike. If you’re in New York this summer, check out these new ways to get around and stay cool.
Photo: Jochem van de Weg /Shutterstock
5 Places You Can Bike to Stay Cool and Enjoy Summer in New York
I got the new 4130 Road Bob Marley Bike from State Bicycle Co. to keep up with summer vibes. It is one of the smoothest and fastest bikes I’ve enjoyed riding, and the price point ($599) makes it far more affordable than high-end commuter bikes without having to sacrifice quality. Having the wind and sun on my face instead of sweating on a 98-degree platform was a more enjoyable and proactive way of traveling – with the bonus of getting tan and working out while I commute. In New York, with its unexpected hills, I find it easier to get around switching gears with this eight-speed bike rather than the single-speeds I see so often. It also feels tight to bike around with chrome wheels and a hemp saddle.
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4130 Road Bob Marley Bike. Photo: Alex Halky
4130 Road Bob Marley Bike. Photo: Alex Halky
Bring your bike onto the Wall Street Ferry to Rockaway Beach
The first place I biked to was the Wall Street Ferry, which allows bikes, and I took the ferry to Rockaway Beach. Having the ease of walking the bike on the ferry and knowing I have an alternate route back beside the subway, which on the weekends can have delays, was a relief. The bike 4130 Road bike is nice a light, though, if I need to carry it on. The ferry was great, with the breeze of the ocean and the added benefit of the ability to purchase drinks on board. Rockaway Beach is a 5.5-mile boardwalk with a great bike trail, as well. There are pickleball courts and lots of different food bites. Bringing my bike out makes it easier to pick less crowded spots to jump in the ocean. Cruising the boardwalk on my bike, I got compliments on the chrome wheels, which really shined in the sunlight.
Cruise stress-free through Governors Island
Photo: quiggyt4/Shutterstock
Governors Island is another great place I love to bike. It offers seven miles of car-free biking with incredible views of the city. There are many food trucks and places to get delicious drinks and ice cream. Not to mention, there is QC NY Spa in case you want to enjoy a nice spa day and enjoy the pools with skyline views. There is also an Urban Farm that offers tours. This summer, until September 2nd, there are even sheep you can visit from Friends of Tivoli Lake Preserve and Farm in Albany. There are also delightful hammocks that I used to lay back and relax while enjoying the island. As well as an amazing exhibit by artist Jenny Kendler called Other of Pearl. It is a powerful exhibit that confronts climate change,chemical pollution, and other contemporary environmental issues . It was beautiful and really made me think about sustainability and how I strive to live more sustainably. Happily, I’ve got a good start with my bike and its saddle made from eco-friendly hemp.
Cruise through Riverside Park
Riverbank Park. Photo courtesy New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
Riverbank State Park Outdoor Pool has a 25-yard lap pool with an adjacent wading pool. It also has a roller skating rink, tennis court, and carousel. The area offers great views of the Hudson River, which provides epic sunsets. There are many great bites in the area, but my favorite summertime spot is The Baylander, a Vietnam-era warship converted into an outdoor, airy food and drink spot. I enjoyed some fish tacos and a steel beach margarita while watching the sunset.
Get a new view in Central Park
Photo: Mr. Ned Klezmer/Shutterstock
Central Park has a 7-mile loop that is great for biking in the shade, though there are many hills, I put the eight-speed gears to the test and had a smooth ride. Unfortunately, the outdoor pool is closed this summer, but there is still tons of shade to enjoy a lovely picnic. There are also the 40 acres of North Woods, a forest in the middle of Manhattan with a long, narrow watercourse called the Loch, known for its three waterfalls. It is one of the most peaceful spots in the city. Soaring trees block out the surrounding cityscape, and the sounds of small waterfalls might make you forget that you’re in the city. It is also a great spot for birdwatching. SummerStage also has great free outdoor concerts, which is great for any music fan.
Hit Smorgasburg at Prospect Park
Photo: lazyllama/Shutterstock
Prospect Park has a great 3-mile bike loop. Each Sunday on Breeze Hill is Smorgasburg, an open-air food market with some of the best culinary bites in NYC. Another great picnic spot with BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn outdoor music, concerts, and movies. There’s also the Splash Pad, the park’s largest water play feature at the LeFrak Center at the Lakeside, and free Yoga classes on the Long Meadow every Thursday from 7 PM to 8 PM. 