vol

From the map, the East River Greenway northward (along the FDR drive) seems to be cut off around 125th street. Does anyone know what it's like riding from there to 135th street? Or is it possible to ride there?

Another related question: of the several bridges between Manhattan and Bronx--Willis Ave., Third Ave., Madison Ave. and 145th St. Bridges--, which is the best one for bikes (safety, convenience, road condition)?

zacster

Check the NYC Bike Map, it'll have all the good routes.

Stacy

The last exit on the East River Greenway is a pedestrian bridge at 120 Street. Beyond there it's mostly fishermen. I once got caught up in a line just south of the bridge because they weren't expecting any cyclists. There's a strip of Greenway in Harlem River Park, between 138th or so, up to around 145th, but it doesn't really go anywhere.

From 120th St I think I usually take the Madison Avenue Bridge at 138th Street. Cyclists use the pedestrian path on all of those bridges and, from what I remember, they're pretty much the same.

Macombs Dam Bridge is crazy because the approach is from 155th Street which is at the top of a hill. You'll have to ride up St. Nicholas Ave to access it.

https://www.transalt.org/files/resour...es/harlem.html

zacster

I came down the greenway last week, from the Randalls Island bridge, and also got snagged by fishing line and pole. This was on a fairly well used section.

There is also a section of greenway from Dyckman St. down to around 155th. We used that on the NYC Century a few weeks ago.

Stacy

Last time I took the East River Greenway it was still pretty rough above 62nd St. They fixed the large hole and replaced a pedestrian bridge around 78th Street but there are still places where you have to go off the path to get around various obstacles... oh and then there are those stairs just south of Carl Schurz Park.

Above 120th Street you have to ride through the streets on various bike lanes to catch the Harlem River Speedway that starts at 155th St or any of the bridges to the Bronx. All in all I find the West Side Greenway much faster and more direct if you're going to Inwood or Washington Heights.

vol

Thanks for the information. Looks like all alternatives have inconvenience. Oh, yes, the stairs south of Carl Schurz Park is intimidating! In case anyone unaware, though, when I was there another day, carrying my bike on the stairs, someone pointed out to me there was a rail on the side of the stairs. Well, that helped just a little.

If they could make the East River Greenway smoother and wider, it could be better than the Hudson River Greenway in that you are directly riding in the waterfront, next to the water, without obstacles blocking the view.

zacster

All in all, I find the East Side to be a mess, just a patchwork of existing walkways that aren't always suited for riding. I've been on almost the entire thing in the last month or so for various reasons/rides. At least the West Side has long sections that are dedicated to bikes, even if the parts by the boat basin/Riverside Pk aren't.

Maybe if the section by the UN gets built, they'll also improve the rest of it for cycling.

vol

Agreed. I don't like that it's pavement rather than asphalt road. In some areas the brick pavement is bumpy and I worry that frequently riding there will damage or weaken my tires.

Warbuff

I used to go to High school on 116th st. And the pavement above 110th starts getting pretty bad. If anything just get out at 116th st exit and use 2nd ave

bktourer1

Check out Transportation Alternatives site. They have all the bridge crossings

Cyclerock

https://gothamist.com/2011/09/04/east...ould_creat.php

This is an older article stating that there, one day, could be major improvements for the east side.

BrooklyntoNYC

I tend to use the Willis ave bridge when I am biking from the Bronx to Bklyn. They are still working on it, so you will have to walk up/down stairs until it is finished. It lets you off on 1ave and 125st.