The Bronx is not only the legendary home of hip-hop and Yankee Stadium. It is also one of the most underrated areas of New York City in terms of cycling tourism. Over the past 10 years, the Bronx has undergone tremendous changes in cycling infrastructure, and now you can not only ride here, but also get visual and physical pleasure from riding.
This article contains a selection of the most picturesque and safe road bike routes in the Bronx, as well as important context: how to avoid danger on the road and who to contact in case of an accident.
The Bronx on Wheels: Statistics and Safety Tips
According to the NYC Department of Transportation, 28% of adult New Yorkers (approximately 1.8 million people) ride a bike. In particular, the Bronx has seen rapid growth in cyclists since 2016, following the launch of the Vision Zero program aimed at reducing road fatalities.
However, as of 2021, there have been 791 incidents involving cyclists in the Bronx. This makes it important not only to choose a route, but also to know your rights.
Despite infrastructure improvements, the Bronx remains one of the boroughs with the highest rates of bicycle accidents in the city. Here are some basic, yet critical, tips:
- Use a helmet – according to the NYC DOT, the most cyclist fatalities occurred without one.
- Avoid rush hour traffic (7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.).
- Install LED lights and reflectors, even during the day.
- Stay in the right lane, especially on streets without dedicated bike lanes.
- If you are hit by a car or fall due to infrastructure issues (potholes, markings, obstacles), it is important not only to get medical help, but also to know how to protect yourself.
- Take photos of the scene, the car, and the damage.
- Get contact information for witnesses.
- Do not sign any documents on the spot without consultation.
If you were injured in an accident, contact professionals. New York bicycle accident lawyers specialize in protecting the rights of cyclists and will help you get compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, and emotional distress.
Now, when you know how to cycle safely, let’s discuss the most scenic lanes in the Bronx.
Pelham Bay Park: the green border of the metropolis
It is worth starting with the pearl of the northeast Bronx – Pelham Bay Park, the largest park in New York, whose area is almost three times larger than Central Park. This is an ideal place for road trips: high-quality asphalt pavement, smooth turns, long straight sections and minimal intersections with car traffic.
The road to Orchard Beach passes golf courses, oak groves and coastal areas where you can stop for a while and hear the real sound of the surf. Particularly picturesque is the loop that runs along City Island Road and returns via the Pelham Bridge – a bridge with views of Long Island Sound.
Mosholu-Pelham Greenway: an urban route with the soul of a park
If you want to feel the pulse of the city without leaving the green space, take the route connecting Mosholu Parkway and Pelham Parkway. This green corridor leads from the bustling Bedford Park area right to the eastern outskirts of the Bronx, passing such attractions as the New York Botanical Garden and the Bronx Zoo.
There are no bulky intersections or piles of cars here – on the contrary, the bike path often runs parallel to the roadway, but is fenced off by green space. The section between Bronx Park and White Plains Road is especially pleasant: morning shadows from trees, almost complete absence of wind and rhythmic relief make it ideal for morning or evening rides.
It is noteworthy that the idea of a green bike artery between these two parks appeared at the beginning of the 20th century, and to some extent this route can be considered historical.
Bronx River Pathway: Along History and Water
For those who prefer the peace and rhythm of the river, there is a route along the Bronx River. This is one of the oldest bike routes in the city, passing through a picturesque valley, which, despite its proximity to urban development, retains an almost rural character.
The route begins near 180th Street and leads north along the water, past old railroad bridges and hand-made bridges. It is especially beautiful here in the spring: the river overflows its banks, the grass turns emerald, and the first leaves appear on the trees.
This route is suitable for those who want to escape the city without leaving it. Surprisingly, after 20 minutes from the start, you will feel that New York is left somewhere behind.
Final word
The Bronx is a borough with character. Here you can see a different side of New York: greener, lesser known, but incredibly attractive. Each route in this borough is not just a road, but a story: from colonial bridges to modern interchanges, from parks where squirrels run to beaches where city dwellers relax.
Riding these routes, you not only train your body, but also discover the city anew. And if something happens on the road, remember that you are not alone. Bicycle accident lawyers are always ready to help those who have chosen the path on two wheels.
Featured image credit: DepositPhotos.com
