Hudson River Greenway
#1
aka Tom Reingold
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,498
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 511 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7345 Post(s)
Liked 2,450 Times
in
1,429 Posts
Hudson River Greenway
As I've mentioned before, I moved back into Manhattan in August. I'm amazed at how fun and useful the Hudson River Greenway is. Since it has so few intersections, I don't have to stop often. I get to my destinations much faster than I'm used to, and that is even when I occasionally overshoot my target. I wish it had exit signs so I know what path to take to get back to the street.
I rode it last night after 11pm, from 91 St to 14 St. I didn't pass a single cyclist going in my direction. A few going north passed. Two cyclists going south passed me. I've heard about the incidents that happened farther north, where it's very dark. But how crazy is this? Seems to me that bad guys have lots of privacy to operate in to commit whatever crimes they're out there for.
I rode it last night after 11pm, from 91 St to 14 St. I didn't pass a single cyclist going in my direction. A few going north passed. Two cyclists going south passed me. I've heard about the incidents that happened farther north, where it's very dark. But how crazy is this? Seems to me that bad guys have lots of privacy to operate in to commit whatever crimes they're out there for.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#2
Senior Member
It gets too crowed on weekend in warm weather. This season is great to be there. Thanksgiving last year I rode there in the evening and it was like heaven: warm weather (for that time of the year), no wind, only met about 3 cyclists and 1 jogger.
#3
Senior Member
Last night was the first cold night and it kept a lot of people off their bikes. I was looking today and didn't see the usual hordes on Citibikes. The Manhattan Bridge was deserted. People will come out again in the cold once they get used to it.
#4
Senior Member
#5
Senior Member
I use the Greenway once in a while. I am glad it's there, and I appreciate having a route with few stops on it. But, to be honest, I also find it a bit uncomfortable. It's just so remote; I don't even feel like I'm in New York when I'm on it, especially above 59th St. And that uptown section below the highway is downright unpleasant.
Whereas, when I'm riding on the avenues, I feel energised on account of being right in the middle of the City. (It's even better if I am on an avenue with a bike lane; but I feel good riding on any avenue.)
Still, I don't want to knock the Greenway too much. I value it more as a symbol than as something I myself use. And maybe my view of it is skewed by the fact that I use it only in the summer during my pleasure rides, when it is most crowded, and when it is plagued by pedestrians on the bike path and by cyclists who speed through the few red lights that the Greenway has. Whereas, my non-summer riding is limited to commuting between my home in Woodhaven and my office in downtown Manhattan.
Anyway, I'm glad you're grooving on it.
Whereas, when I'm riding on the avenues, I feel energised on account of being right in the middle of the City. (It's even better if I am on an avenue with a bike lane; but I feel good riding on any avenue.)
Still, I don't want to knock the Greenway too much. I value it more as a symbol than as something I myself use. And maybe my view of it is skewed by the fact that I use it only in the summer during my pleasure rides, when it is most crowded, and when it is plagued by pedestrians on the bike path and by cyclists who speed through the few red lights that the Greenway has. Whereas, my non-summer riding is limited to commuting between my home in Woodhaven and my office in downtown Manhattan.
Anyway, I'm glad you're grooving on it.
#6
aka Tom Reingold
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,498
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 511 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7345 Post(s)
Liked 2,450 Times
in
1,429 Posts
The vast majority of users, whether jogging, blading or cycling, have quite a lot of skill. Most of those who aren't very skilled at least don't wobble and take up a lot of room. That's why I'm fine on it when it's crowded. I do appreciate it when it's uncrowded, too.
I've been energized plenty. Sometimes I just want to move. Plus it's a lot less bumpy than most streets.
So back to my question: is it crazy to ride it after 11pm below 96th St?
I've been energized plenty. Sometimes I just want to move. Plus it's a lot less bumpy than most streets.
So back to my question: is it crazy to ride it after 11pm below 96th St?
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#7
Senior Member
I can tell you that I sure wouldn't avoid that section of the Greenway out of fear for my safety -- and I'd bet that you're bigger and tougher than I am.
#8
Senior Member
My main complaint about the Hudson River Greenway is that it is not immediately next to the river, so for the most part you can't really have any view. All you see is fellow cyclists. Once or twice, it's fine. But after a number of times riding on the same path, I feel like I am just riding on a stationery bike in a gym, with the added disadvantage (in the summer) of being baked under the sun, especially in the early afternoon.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,546
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5223 Post(s)
Liked 3,577 Times
in
2,341 Posts
91 St to 14 St.? that must have been a sweet and swift ride. what's the condition of the pavement? was it lit enough to ride without lights?
wutcha doin out alone so late in such a desolate area?
wutcha doin out alone so late in such a desolate area?
#10
Senior Member
I rode sometimes after 9pm down to Battery Park City and return to uptown (walking the pedestrian's slope near 68th street). It's really nice in late evening with few people, very tranquil. The only spot that I always had to hold my breath and speed past was the sanitation depot near 13th street with many garbage trucks.
#11
aka Tom Reingold
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,498
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 511 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7345 Post(s)
Liked 2,450 Times
in
1,429 Posts
I can't believe there are complaints about the scenery. I think it's spectacular. The views of the river are expansive and gorgeous. And there are lots and lots of fit people of all ages. Sometimes I think a whole lot of them are not just there to stay fit but to show off their buff bodies, and I don't blame them.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#12
Senior Member
My mother lives on 96th St. I visit her on Wednesday evenings. I don't normally stay so late, but my childhood friend joined me in visiting her this time, and we got to chatting for a long time.
I can't believe there are complaints about the scenery. I think it's spectacular. The views of the river are expansive and gorgeous. And there are lots and lots of fit people of all ages. Sometimes I think a whole lot of them are not just there to stay fit but to show off their buff bodies, and I don't blame them.
I can't believe there are complaints about the scenery. I think it's spectacular. The views of the river are expansive and gorgeous. And there are lots and lots of fit people of all ages. Sometimes I think a whole lot of them are not just there to stay fit but to show off their buff bodies, and I don't blame them.
#13
aka Tom Reingold
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,498
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 511 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7345 Post(s)
Liked 2,450 Times
in
1,429 Posts
Thanks trek330. I grew up here in the bad old days and been away for 26 years, half my life. My old instincts and reflexes are kicking in, and they're no longer appropriate, now that things are so much better.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#14
Senior Member
I rode the greenway yesterday afternoon and it was pretty empty from 95th St down to Clarkson. Even the usual bottlenecks, like around the ship terminal, were empty. I was pretty spent from my ride up to Alpine hill, so I took it easy.
#15
Senior Member
I came back 7 years ago after a 20 year absence and still can't believe the change.What was once ghetto is now luxury housing.What was once very dangerous is now very safe.Miracles do happen!
#16
aka Tom Reingold
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,498
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 511 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7345 Post(s)
Liked 2,450 Times
in
1,429 Posts
Yeah, it's basically reflex that makes me feel unsafe. And having lived in NJ during the transformation, I felt amazingly safe in bad neighborhoods in Newark and Irvington, most of the time. Not only that, people there were downright friendly to me when I passed through on bike. I can't explain that cultural difference. Maybe there's more southern influence on the black population there. Whatever the reason, it's a welcome thing.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#17
car guy, recovering
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Mount Vernon, NY
Posts: 1,247
Bikes: Olympia Competizione & Special Piuma, Frejus track circa 1958, Dahon Helios, many others
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
7 Posts
Hi Tom,
I use the greenway pretty often. I thought I was about to be mugged only once when my wife and I (on a tandem) stopped to take a phone call on the stretch under the West Side Highway north of 60th. It was around 11PM. We pulled into the fenced-in area east of the path and I noticed a group of young men who had been hanging out in there walking toward us. I took off rather abruptly, much to the consternation of my dear wife, barely clinging on behind.
The path from the GW down to 125th St. is kind of spooky late at night: not well lit and very confined in places. From 125th to the high 90s the path is narrow and dark, but not as worrisome as further north. Because it is on the shoulder of the highway, there is no pedestrian access for over a mile, making it less attractive to an evildoer who wants an easy escape. From the 90s south, it is much better lit as you know. It is also well populated with walkers, runners, lovers and watchers at all hours. Doesn't worry me to ride there late at night.
And I am far less formidable than you, sir. I pity the sod who attacks you.
I use the greenway pretty often. I thought I was about to be mugged only once when my wife and I (on a tandem) stopped to take a phone call on the stretch under the West Side Highway north of 60th. It was around 11PM. We pulled into the fenced-in area east of the path and I noticed a group of young men who had been hanging out in there walking toward us. I took off rather abruptly, much to the consternation of my dear wife, barely clinging on behind.
The path from the GW down to 125th St. is kind of spooky late at night: not well lit and very confined in places. From 125th to the high 90s the path is narrow and dark, but not as worrisome as further north. Because it is on the shoulder of the highway, there is no pedestrian access for over a mile, making it less attractive to an evildoer who wants an easy escape. From the 90s south, it is much better lit as you know. It is also well populated with walkers, runners, lovers and watchers at all hours. Doesn't worry me to ride there late at night.
And I am far less formidable than you, sir. I pity the sod who attacks you.
__________________
Michael Shiffer
EuroMeccanicany.com
Michael Shiffer
EuroMeccanicany.com
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: NYC
Posts: 164
Bikes: Jamis Icon Pro
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 20 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The vast majority of users, whether jogging, blading or cycling, have quite a lot of skill. Most of those who aren't very skilled at least don't wobble and take up a lot of room. That's why I'm fine on it when it's crowded. I do appreciate it when it's uncrowded, too.
I've been energized plenty. Sometimes I just want to move. Plus it's a lot less bumpy than most streets.
So back to my question: is it crazy to ride it after 11pm below 96th St?
I've been energized plenty. Sometimes I just want to move. Plus it's a lot less bumpy than most streets.
So back to my question: is it crazy to ride it after 11pm below 96th St?
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,546
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5223 Post(s)
Liked 3,577 Times
in
2,341 Posts
fyi, south of the HH toll booth has historically been a dumping ground for female corpses
#20
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 9
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I too use the Greenway for commuting each day. I don't ride it late night though. It's a great place to ride even with the runners, dog walkers and mounted police. What's up with those police horses pooping all over the path? Shouldn't the NYPD use bikes on the bike path ?
#22
aka Tom Reingold
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,498
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 511 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7345 Post(s)
Liked 2,450 Times
in
1,429 Posts
Do they ride horses on the path, or is the crap just from crossing it? I've heard horses can get spooked by bikes. True or not, I don't want to take the chance, so I move slowly and far from them.
If they're on the path, I trust they're there for a reason, but it doesn't seem like a good idea if there's no pressing reason.
If they're on the path, I trust they're there for a reason, but it doesn't seem like a good idea if there's no pressing reason.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,546
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5223 Post(s)
Liked 3,577 Times
in
2,341 Posts
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Northern NJ
Posts: 456
Bikes: Trek 4900, Cannondale Cx-4
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I live in NJ so I take the GWB over to NYC and then ride the Greenway to west 11th and use the 39th street ferry to get back to NJ. I've never had a problem on the Greenway but then I don't think I look like a victim. Sometimes it is busy but I've never had an issue. I also sometimes take the Riverside Drive ViaDuct down to the Park (poop factory) and then walk down the the Greenway.
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 842
Bikes: Trek 1.2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 25 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
How do you get from the bridge to the greenway? On 158th street? I thought it was around 165th street but I was trying to get onto it but the road just ended up being riverside drive and there was no way to cross over. I am probably biking from the UWS to jersey and back this weekend and want to take the greenway up and back to my apartment.