A Tourist's Guide to Bicycling in New York: Best Paths and Safety Advice
Cycling is arguably more affordable and environmentally friendly than other modes of transportation. It is also a healthy habit as it helps you exercise your body.
Due to the rising fuel cost, many commuters, including tourists, in New York City are now taking up cycling as their transportation mode. However, cycling in any big city may become challenging due to traffic congestion and the high number of pedestrians.
But worry not, as there are several things you can do to ensure you have a good cycling experience in big cities like New York.
Identify the Best Cycling Paths or Routes
Whether you are cycling for leisure or commuting to a specific destination, it's vital to have a route established before you go out cycling.
In other words, always identify cycling paths or routes that are less strenuous and have more tourist attractions before you hit the road. Bicycling in areas with less traffic can also help you reduce the chances of an accident and get to your destination faster.
When going for a leisurely ride, areas such as the Battle of Brooklyn Ride and Central Park Loop are ideal. Such places have no motor vehicles and offer a calming effect on the rider due to the beautiful environment.
Learn the Local Biking Laws and Regulations
Cyclists must adhere to traffic laws when cycling in any city.
In New York, biking laws restrict cyclists from riding on sidewalks unless they are younger than 12 years or their bicycle wheels have a diameter of 26 inches or less. Additionally, cyclists must ride with traffic, not against it, and stop at red lights and stop signs.
Therefore, before cycling in any city, be sure to familiarize yourself with local biking laws and obey them at all times. Any violation could lead to a Desk Appearance Ticket (DAT), summon, or arrest, something you don’t want to deal with, especially if you are a tourist.
Wear Protective and Reflective Gear
Bicycles, like all other modes of transportation, are prone to accidents. That’s why you need to wear protective gear every time you hit the road on a bike.
In New York, cyclists below 14 years must wear helmets, preferably with a chin strap, when bicycling. Helmets protect the cyclist's head in case of impact, which is why you need one while cycling, regardless of age.
Additionally, having reflective gear can help you become more visible to motorists from a distance or at night. Knee pads and elbow pads can also help reduce the extent of injuries in case of an accident.
Be Deliberate About Road Safety
When cycling on public roads or in the busy streets, you must make a conscious effort to ensure road safety.
For example, you should avoid using your phone or earphones when cycling to prevent any kind of distractions while on the road. When bicycling at night, it would be best to use the bike lights to ensure other road users can spot you from a distance.
Cyclists are also advised to use hand signals to indicate turning. For instance, a cyclist can ideally stretch the right hand when intending to turn to the right. That way, the motorists behind will be expecting the cyclist’s next move and slow down to prevent an accident.
What if You Get Injured in a Bicycle Accident?
No matter how careful you are when cycling, avoiding an accident is not completely possible. After all, you cannot control the actions of other road users.
Fortunately, you may be eligible to recover compensation, especially if your injuries resulted from the actions of another person.
However, it would be best that you don’t handle a bicycle accident claim or lawsuit yourself. Instead, seek legal assistance from a skilled personal injury attorney with experience in bicycle accidents.
