NYC Bike Riding Rules and Laws

New York City always busy; taxies, cars, and buses, dogs, and people are everywhere. So, when you’re biking anywhere in the city, including Central Park, bicycle rules are important to help you enjoy and stay safe. NYC bike rules dictate that cyclists have all of the rights and responsibilities of a motor vehicle driver, and are subject to the duties thereof, including obeying any traffic signals, signs, and markings. According to NYC bicycle laws, riding is permitted on local streets and arterial throughout the city, even if no designated bike route exists. Bicycling is prohibited on the roadways of certain highways, bridges, and expressways. A separate bike path may exist in these areas for cyclists. For a full rundown on all of the NYC bicycle laws, you can download the NYC Department of Transportation biking rules and regulations, but here’s a quick guide to the bike riding rules NYC cyclists should follow.

Required Gear

Wear a helmet. Children 13 or younger are required to wear helmets, but everyone should. At Bike Rental Central Park, bicycle rules such as this one are important to us, and that’s why we provide helmets for free as part of our all-inclusive bike rental packages.
Make sure others can see and hear you: Wear bright, reflective clothing, and equip your bike with a headlight, taillights, and a bell.
Don’t wear earphones. While it’s legal to wear one earphone, it’s safer to go without.

Where to Ride and Not Ride

Ride with the traffic.
Don't ride on the sidewalk. (Children 12 or younger are allowed to ride on the sidewalk.)
Use bike paths or lanes when possible.
Don't ride on expressways.
Avoid riding in the blind spots of motor vehicle drivers.
Avoid riding too close to trucks, buses, or parked vehicles.
Don’t weave through traffic.

Safety Do’s and Don’ts

Always ride carefully.
Stop for pedestrians.
Obey all traffic signals, signs, and pavement markings.
Be seen and be heard.
Make eye contact with pedestrians and drivers at intersections.
Use hand signals to change lanes and turn.
Don’t talk or text while riding.
Don’t ride while intoxicated or under the influence.

At Bike Rental Central Park^™, we care about your safety and want you to enjoy your time on our bicycles, which is why we think it’s important to make sure that our customers are aware of these bike riding rules. NYC cyclists can stay safe by taking a few simple precautions, and they can also save money when they book a bike online with us, making both of these ideas smart choices! By following these basic NYC bike rules, you can enjoy your adventure with less stress and more fun. Book your rental or tour with us today and see for yourself.