A Fun Bike Ride in Brooklyn

Fact checked by

Michelai Graham

Biking across the Brooklyn Bridge is a thrilling experience, yet many find that one crossing suffices! If you are wondering where in New York City you can rent a bike to ride across the Brooklyn Bridge, explore Brooklyn, and conveniently return to Manhattan without excessive mileage, this guide provides the essential information.

About the Bikes

• You can rent a bike from numerous bike shops in Brooklyn. Alternatively, consider the DIY option for a more budget-friendly and straightforward experience. Simply rent a Citi Bike, enjoy your ride, and then return the bike before hopping on the NYC Ferry. However, be cautious; finding or returning bikes at your preferred times may be challenging, so plan accordingly if you have time-sensitive commitments.
• Locate where you can pick up or return Citi Bikes near the Brooklyn Bridge.
• A Citi Bike day pass is $12. Note that you can access the bike for only thirty minutes at a time; after that, you must return it to a Citi Bike station. If your ride exceeds thirty minutes, it incurs an additional fee of $4 for every next fifteen minutes.
• If you prefer a guided experience, consider a bike tour with Bike and Roll, which offers a Brooklyn Bridge Bike Tour. They also have a rental location in lower Manhattan for convenient daily rentals.

Pros and Cons of Biking the Brooklyn Bridge

Pros:

• Fun and exhilarating
• Environmentally friendly transportation
• Excellent views of the Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO
• Quick and beautiful NYC Ferry or Water Taxi ride back to Manhattan

Cons:

• Street biking in NYC demands caution and some skills
• Brooklyn Bridge bike and pedestrian lanes can be crowded
• Costly for larger families

If you rent a bike or travel with your own, be sure to allocate time for cycling around Brooklyn Bridge Park. For those using Citi Bikes, you can find a list of stations here. The park features various cycling paths, providing a serene environment for a break after your scenic ride, ideal for those looking to stay active without the pressure of navigating busy New York streets.

The Ferry

Riding the ferry to and from Brooklyn is a spectacular way to enter or exit the area, as you can enjoy the refreshing breeze while taking in beautiful sights. The NYC Ferry operates a route from South Brooklyn to Pier 11 in Wall Street. The fare for a ride on the NYC Ferry is $2.75, comparable to a subway ride. If you’re bringing a bike (excluding folding bikes), there’s a $1 surcharge, which you must select while purchasing your ticket.

Additionally, you may consider the New York Water Taxi, where an all-day access pass can be obtained for $37 for adults and $31 for children, allowing you to experience a sightseeing cruise with various stops, including Battery Park, 42nd Street, and Dumbo.

Edited by Alison Lowenstein