Orange County

Biking Trails | Bike Paths

 All Chester Village ListingsOrange

 Chester Village Biking Trails | Bike Paths

Heritage Trail, Orange Heritage Trail, scenic vistas, roller blading,Things to Do on the Orange Heritage Trail, Audubon (birding), Biking, Hiking / Walking, Inline Skating, Scenic Views, Wheelchair accessible, Winter Activities | Orange Heritage Trail (aka) Orange Heritage Trail - Chester

845-615-3830
  The Heritage Trail, aka, Orange Heritage Trail, is a multi-use 11.5 asphalt trail offering attractive scenic vistas and access from the Village of Goshen to the Village of Monroe for walking, biking and roller blading.

"The Heritage Trail is a 10-foot wide trail on the right-of-way of the former Erie Railroad. When completed, the trail will extend from the City of Middletown to the Village of Harriman. The trail features sections of both asphalt and limestone surface. The current trail winds through a bird/wildlife sanctuary, historic landmarks, murmuring streams, rolling meadows and friendly communities. Trail users may enjoy biking, walking, rollerblading, nature study as well as shopping and dining in the local villages. Access points are in Monroe, Chester and Goshen, all with convenient parking." Heritage Trail (aka) Orange Heritage Trail - Chester | Orange  website and more . . .
 All Cuddebackville ListingsOrange

 Cuddebackville Biking Trails | Bike Paths

12729, Canal Towpath, D & H Canal Park, Cuddebackville, NY, Things to Do, Biking, Fishing in Neversink River, 
Hiking / Walking, Neversink Valley Area Museum, Picnicking, Winter Activities, Cross-Country Skiing, 
Snowshoeing | Orange D & H Canal Towpath

  The D&H Canal Towpath is located in D & H Canal Park, 300-acres in size, at 58 Hoag Road, Cuddebackville, NY 12729 in Orange County.

"Within Orange County the D&H canal trails traversed a variety of landscapes and stretches from the Ulster County border, southwest into the City of Port Jervis, then northwest along the Delaware River back into Sullivan County and eventually into Pennsylvania. Located in the town of Deerpark within the D&H Canal Park, the 1 mile walking trail follows the only section of the D&H Canal that is still filled with water. The path is unpaved, starting near the Neversink Valley Area Museum that contains classic canal era exhibits and memorabilia, and ending at Oakland Valley Road. The trail is the original towpath used by mules pulling barges through the canal. The park is a National Historic Landmark open daily from dawn to dusk" D & H Canal Towpath | Orange  website and more . . .

D&H Canal Park, Museum, Neversink River, history, historic canal-era buildings, archaeological history, Things To Do at D&H Canal Park, Biking, Boat Rides, Cross-Country Skiing, Educational programs kids and adults, Fishing, Nature walks, Park, Playground | Orange Neversink Valley Area Museum

845-754-8870
  The Neversink Valley Area Museum in D & H Canal Park is located in Cuddebackville, NY 12729 in Orange County, along the banks of the Neversink River. The Neversink Valley Area Museum preserves and documents the history of the peoples and industry of the Neversink and Shawangunk valleys of New York's Catskill region.

The Neversink Valley Area Museum occupies historic canal-era buildings in the D & H Canal Park right on the Neversink River. Neversink Valley Area Museum | Orange  website and more . . .
 All Goshen ListingsOrange

 Goshen Biking Trails | Bike Paths

Heritage Trail, Orange Heritage Trail, scenic vistas, roller blading,Things to Do on the Orange Heritage Trail, Audubon (birding), Biking, Hiking / Walking, Inline Skating, Scenic Views, Wheelchair accessible, Winter Activities | Orange Heritage Trail (aka) Orange Heritage Trail - Goshen

845-615-3830
  The Heritage Trail, aka, Orange Heritage Trail, is a multi-use 11.5 asphalt trail offering attractive scenic vistas and access from the Village of Goshen to the Village of Monroe for walking, biking and roller blading.

"The Heritage Trail is a 10-foot wide trail on the right-of-way of the former Erie Railroad. When completed, the trail will extend from the City of Middletown to the Village of Harriman. The trail features sections of both asphalt and limestone surface. The current trail winds through a bird/wildlife sanctuary, historic landmarks, murmuring streams, rolling meadows and friendly communities. Trail users may enjoy biking, walking, rollerblading, nature study as well as shopping and dining in the local villages. Access points are in Monroe, Chester and Goshen, all with convenient parking." Heritage Trail (aka) Orange Heritage Trail - Goshen | Orange  website and more . . .
 All Monroe ListingsOrange

 Monroe Biking Trails | Bike Paths

Heritage Trail, Orange Heritage Trail, scenic vistas, roller blading,Things to Do on the Orange Heritage Trail, Audubon (birding), Biking, Hiking / Walking, Inline Skating, Scenic Views, Wheelchair accessible, Winter Activities | Orange Heritage Trail (aka) Orange Heritage Trail - Monroe

845-615-3830
  The Heritage Trail, aka, Orange Heritage Trail, is a multi-use 11.5 asphalt trail offering attractive scenic vistas and access from the Village of Goshen to the Village of Monroe for walking, biking and roller blading.

"The Heritage Trail is a 10-foot wide trail on the right-of-way of the former Erie Railroad. When completed, the trail will extend from the City of Middletown to the Village of Harriman. The trail features sections of both asphalt and limestone surface. The current trail winds through a bird/wildlife sanctuary, historic landmarks, murmuring streams, rolling meadows and friendly communities. Trail users may enjoy biking, walking, rollerblading, nature study as well as shopping and dining in the local villages. Access points are in Monroe, Chester and Goshen, all with convenient parking." Heritage Trail (aka) Orange Heritage Trail - Monroe | Orange  website and more . . .
 All New Windsor ListingsOrange

 New Windsor Biking Trails | Bike Paths

Orange County, Hudson Valley, trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, hunting, dog training, skiing, snowmobiling, bird watching, fishing, Things to Do, Mountain biking, Hunting & Trapping, Wheelchair Accessible, Winter Activities | Orange Stewart State Forest

845-256-3000
  Stewart State Forest, 6,700-acres in size, is located in New Windsor, Montgomery, and Newburgh in Orange County, New York. The forest is unique in the northeast and increasingly rare in the Hudson Valley. A mix of wetlands, fields and forest, the site includes 18 miles of gravel roads and more than 22 miles of major trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, hunting, dog training and trials, skiing, snowmobiling, bird watching and fishing. Stewart State Forest | Orange  website and more . . .
 All City of Newburgh ListingsOrange

 City of Newburgh Biking Trails | Bike Paths

Chadwick Lake, Town of Newburgh, Attractions, playground, walking trails, Things to Do, Basketball, Biking, Boating, Boat launch, Bocce, Fishing, Picnic, Playground, Roller Hockey Rink, Roller Rink, Hiking Trail, Ice Skating | Orange Chadwick Lake Park "Ice Skating - Ice Hockey"

845-565-3230
  Chadwick Lake Park is located immediately to the northwest of Junction NY32 and 300, in the Cronomer Valley section of Newburgh NY 12550, Orange County in the Hudson River Valley.

From City of Newburgh: "Chadwick Lake is a reservoir supplying water to the Town of Newburgh. The reservoir was created by damming Quassaick Creek in 1926. Today, most of the town's water is supplied by New York City's Delaware Aqueduct, with the reservoir acting primarily as a backup.

"Chadwick Lake Park is open to the public with recreational facilities near the southern end of the park. Attractions include three picnic shelters, a playground, walking trails, boating launches, basketball courts, ice skating and a roller rink. Fishing is also allowed on the lake; largemouth bass is a common catch." Chadwick Lake Park   "Ice Skating - Ice Hockey" | Orange  website and more . . .
 All Orange County ListingsOrange

 Orange County Biking Trails | Bike Paths

park, lakes, reservoirs, hiking trails, beaches, camping, scenic roads, wildlife, Things to Do, Beach, Biking, Boat Launch Sites, Boat Rentals, Horseback Riding, Cabins, Campsites, Fishing, Winter Activities, Cross-Country Skiing, Ice Fishing | Orange Harriman State Park - Orange County (and Rockland)

845-786-2701
  Harriman State Park, is located at Seven Lakes Dr / Bear Mountain Circle, Ramapo, NY 10974 in both Orange and Rockland counties. Harriman Park is the second-largest park in the parks system, with 31 lakes and reservoirs, 200 miles of hiking trails, three beaches, two public camping areas, a network of group camps, miles of streams and scenic roads, and scores of wildlife species, vistas and vantage points. The park includes Lakes Welch, Sebago, Tiorati and Silvermine, the Anthony Wayne Recreation Area, Sebago Cabins and Beaver Pond Campgrounds. Harriman State Park - Orange County (and Rockland) | Orange  website and more . . .

Long Path Trail 5 - 8: Hiking / Biking Hudson Highlands

845-256-3000
  Long Path Trail 5 - 8: Hiking / Mountain Biking Hudson Highlands

"The Long Path makes its first foray into genuine mountains as it passes through the Hudson Highlands. It is the first time that the trail reaches higher than 1000 feet elevation above sea level. As part of its journey north through this region, it traverses the length of two major New York State Parks, Harriman, one of the oldest, and Schunemunk Mountain, one of the newest. It also enters a part of New York State that is steeped in Trail Conference history. Many of the trails created by the Trail Conference in its infancy are contained in Harriman and Bear Mountain State Parks. The very first section of the Appalachian Trail lies in Harriman and that first section crosses the Long Path near Island Pond Mountain in Section 6. There are many, many trails throughout the Harriman and Bear Mountain State Parks, making endless loop possibilities incorporating portions of the Long Path." Long Path Trail 5 - 8:  Hiking / Biking Hudson Highlands | Orange  photos, website and more . . .

Long Path Trail 9 - 14: Hiking / Biking Orange County and Shawangunks

845-256-3000
  Long Path Trail 9 - 14: Hiking / Mountain Biking Orange County and Shawangunks

"These sections of the Long Path provide the bridge between the low mountains of the Hudson Highlands in the south and the beginnings of the Catskills in the north. In between lie many small villages and towns set in the gently rolling hills of Orange County. Although not as exciting as sections further north or south, walking the backroads of Orange County move one into an older time and a way of life different from the frenetic pace of city living. It is only by walking the roads ordinarily driven that one can appreciate the different pace of rural living and its dependence on the pace of nature rather than the pace of people. In addition to a large portion of the southern Shawangunk Ridge these sections pass the Basha Kill, a large and beautiful wetland, on their way to Sam's Point Preserve and Minnewaska State Park Preserve. These are one of the most beautiful and interesting areas of the Hudson Valley. Though certainly not the highest or the most exotic parks in New York, they are some of the most colorful in character with their rich and varied flora, fauna, and vistas." Long Path Trail 9 - 14:  Hiking / Biking Orange County and Shawangunks | Orange  more . . .

Mid-Hudson Bicycle Club

845-625-4151
  Mid-Hudson Bicycle Club (MHBC) is a recreational club founded in 1966. Its goal is to enhance member's enjoyment of cycling by offering organized rides and activities and various informational programs. The club promotes and encourages cycling by providing safe, pleasant opportunities to bicycle. Membership is open to anyone interested in cycling, from a beginning cyclist up to an expert. Mid-Hudson Bicycle Club | Orange  website and more . . .

Bicycle Routes, Orange County's On-road Bicycle Routes, State Bicycle Route 9 in Village of Wappingers Falls, State Bicycle Route 517 in Village of Westfield, State Bicycle Routes 11, 14 and 19, and the New York State Seaway Trail, State Bicycle Route 17 | Orange On-road Bicycle Routes - State Bicycle Route 17

845-615-3850
  On-road Bicycle Routes - State Bicycle Route 17 in Orange County.

On-road Bicycle Routes
A bicycle and its rider, legally considered a vehicle, are required to learn and obey the same laws as motorists. It is recommended that anyone using these roads review the “rules of the road” in the appropriate sections of the Vehicle and Traffic Laws of New York State. On-road Bicycle Routes - State Bicycle Route 17 | Orange  website and more . . .

State Bicycle Route 208, Orange County, On-road Bicycle Routes, rules of the road, Vehicle and Traffic Laws of New York State, signed, on-road bicycle route, connects Ulster and Orange Counties, Orange County's On-road Bicycle Routes | Orange On-road Bicycle Routes - State Bicycle Route 208

845-615-3850
  On-road Bicycle Routes - State Bicycle Route 208 in Orange County.

On-road Bicycle Routes
A bicycle and its rider, legally considered a vehicle, are required to learn and obey the same laws as motorists. It is recommended that anyone using these roads review the “rules of the road” in the appropriate sections of the Vehicle and Traffic Laws of New York State. On-road Bicycle Routes - State Bicycle Route 208 | Orange  website and more . . .

State Bicycle Route 209, Orange County, On-road Bicycle Routes, rules of the road, Vehicle and Traffic Laws of New York State, signed, on-road bicycle route, connects Ulster and Orange Counties, Orange County's On-road Bicycle Routes | Orange On-road Bicycle Routes - State Bicycle Route 209

845-615-3850
  On-road Bicycle Routes - State Bicycle Route 209 in Orange County.

On-road Bicycle Routes
A bicycle and its rider, legally considered a vehicle, are required to learn and obey the same laws as motorists. It is recommended that anyone using these roads review the “rules of the road” in the appropriate sections of the Vehicle and Traffic Laws of New York State. On-road Bicycle Routes - State Bicycle Route 209 | Orange  website and more . . .

State Bicycle Route 9 in Orange County, On-road Bicycle Routes, Vehicle and Traffic Laws of New York, signed on-road bicycle route, connects with the Velo Quebec cycling routes in Quebec and eastern Canada, Orange County's On-road Bicycle Routes | Orange On-road Bicycle Routes - State Bicycle Route 9

845-615-3850
  On-road Bicycle Routes - State Bicycle Route 9 in Orange County.

On-road Bicycle Routes
A bicycle and its rider, legally considered a vehicle, are required to learn and obey the same laws as motorists. It is recommended that anyone using these roads review the “rules of the road” in the appropriate sections of the Vehicle and Traffic Laws of New York State. On-road Bicycle Routes - State Bicycle Route 9 | Orange  website and more . . .
 All Southfields ListingsOrange

 Southfields Biking Trails | Bike Paths

photo of Lake Tiorati, Lake Tiorati Beach, Harriman State Park, swimming, fishing, boating, picnicking, ice fishing, Things to Do at Lake Tiorati, Beach, Biking, Boat Launch, Campgrounds, Winter Activities, Ice Skating, scenic ride | Orange Lake Tiorati Beach - Harriman State Park

845-351-2568
 
Click to enlarge photo of Lake Tiorati in Harriman State Park.

Click to enlarge photo of Lake Tiorati in Harriman State Park. Lake Tiorati Beach in Harriman State Park is located in Southfields, NY in the region of Bear Mountain.

Lake Tiorati was formed by clearing swampland in Harriman State Park and constructing a concrete dam to make two ponds into one large lake. Surrounded by meadows and rolling, wooded hills, the park offers excellent swimming, fishing, boating and picnicking. In winter, if conditions allow, the lake may be used for ice fishing. Bona fide groups may use the pioneer campsites near the lake. Lake Tiorati Beach - Harriman State Park | Orange  website and more . . .
 All Tuxedo Park ListingsOrange

 Tuxedo Park Biking Trails | Bike Paths

10987, Tuxedo, NY, Sterling Lake, bird species, Hudson Highlands, biking, fishing, hiking, hunting, birding, Museum, Things to Do at Sterling Forest State Park, Birding, Nature Study, Winter Activities, Ice Fishing, Snowshoeing | Orange Sterling Forest State Park

845-351-5907
  Sterling Forest State Park, a 21,935-acre park, is located at 116 Old Forge Road, Tuxedo, NY 10987 in Orange County. Sterling Forest State Park offers a nearly pristine natural refuge amidst of one of the nation's most densely populated areas, a remarkable piece of woodland, a watershed for millions, and a tremendous outdoor recreation area. This unbroken deep-forest habitat is important for the survival of many resident and migratory species, including black bear, a variety of hawks and songbirds and many rare invertebrates and plants. Learn about Sterling Forest's environment and history at the Visitor Center, overlooking Sterling Lake. The visitor center also features exhibits about the local environment. Sterling Forest State Park | Orange  website and more . . .

 More Hudson Valley  Biking Trails | Bike Paths


Biking Trails | Bike Paths | Albany Albany County
      [15 listings over 7 locations]


Biking Trails | Bike Paths | Columbia Columbia County
      [4 listings over 3 locations]


Biking Trails | Bike Paths | Dutchess Dutchess County
      [11 listings over 6 locations]


Biking Trails | Bike Paths | Greene Greene County
      [5 listings over 3 locations]


Biking Trails | Bike Paths | Putnam Putnam County
      [4 listings over 2 locations]


Biking Trails | Bike Paths | Rensselaer Rensselaer County
      [4 listings over 4 locations]


Biking Trails | Bike Paths | Rockland Rockland County
      [17 listings over 6 locations]


Biking Trails | Bike Paths | Saratoga Saratoga County
      [2 listings over 2 locations]


Biking Trails | Bike Paths | Schenectady Schenectady County
      [2 listings over 2 locations]


Biking Trails | Bike Paths | Ulster Ulster County
      [12 listings over 7 locations]


Biking Trails | Bike Paths | Westchester Westchester County
      [22 listings over 13 locations]



Bike Paths | Biking Trails
Albany, Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam
Rensselaer, Rockland, Westchester, and Ulster
Hudson Valley


Find up-to-date list of biking trails in the Hudson Valley of New York. Review the best places to go biking in the Hudson Valley. Easily find places to bike by location. Biking trails are listed by town, village, or hamlet, within county in the lower-Hudson Valley, mid-Hudson Valley, and upper-Hudson Valley. Learn about the many biking trails in Albany, Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rensselaer, Rockland, Westchester, and Ulster counties. Experience biking at its best at www.HudsonValleyAttractions.com where you will find biking paths and bike trails to satisfy all levels of bikers.

Plan a family biking trip. Kids love to spend time out and about with their family; especially if you pack a delicious picnic lunch for the family to enjoy during your family day out. Be sure to pack plenty of water, healthy snacks, and your biking gear. Visit Biking Trails | Bike Paths; select a bike trail that matches your level of experience. Experienced bikers will find many challenging bike rides. Beginners and moderate bikers will also find many trails suitable for their level of expertise. Enjoy a day out biking in the Hudson Valley. A day outdoors, surrounded by nature, can be satisfying while providing great exercise. Also, enjoy the fun of going somewhere by bike.

Biking provides a fun method of transportation that affords many health benefits. You can bike off main roads and find great biking paths in country settings filled with beautiful landscapes and nature. Also enjoy the thrill of going somewhere without car fumes and noise.

Biking is an invigorating and liberating experience that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Children and teens can enjoy biking with their grandparents; giving everyone an opportunity to have a fun day out and learn more about each other. In warm weather, pack a picnic, find a beautiful setting, and enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature.

Health Benefits of Biking
Riding a bike is good for your health and is lots of fun. Biking offers many opportunities to get in shape and get healthy. Biking can help protect you from depression, diabetes, heart attacks, obesity, strokes, and it is believed that biking can also protect you from some cancers. Riding a bike is a healthy, low-impact form of exercise and is safe for people of all ages that are in generally good health. Regular biking stimulates and improves your heart, lungs and circulation while reducing your risk of cardiovascular diseases.
  • Biking is a low impact exercise. Biking causes less strain and inuries than many other forms of exercise.

  • Biking offers muscle workout. Biking uses all major muscle groups as you pedal, especially up-hill.

  • Biking improves strength, stamina, and aerobic fitness.

  • Biking is an excellent means of transportation for short or even longer distances.

  • Biking is flexible and can be used to build up endurance.

  • Biking is good for beginners since you can vary the intensity of a bike ride by initially riding on flat trails rather than hills, and by biking at low speeds.

Biking trails are often surrounded by fresh air, trees, the sounds of birds, small animals, and the wonderful breadth of nature. Hudson Valley biking offers a wide range of places to go biking for all levels of bikers. The beginning biker, intermediate, and experienced biker can find places to bike that are suitable to their level of expertise.

Plan a day, weekend, or vacation in the Hudson Valley where you can experience the best biking has to offer. Take a short bike trip or plan a more challenging biking trip along scenic landscapes; and immerse yourself in the great outdoors.

    Biking with Kids
    Biking is ranked among the best activities for kids and most kids really enjoy biking. When planning a biking trip, let the child's ability guide you. Some kids are more comfortable on a bike than others, so when selecting a bike trail include your children when selecting a bike trail.

    Benefits of biking with kids are many. Biking allows you to share an experience or adventure with your child where you can discover nature as you bike one of many excellent Hudson Valley biking paths. Biking benefits include breathing fresh air, nature study where you learn about birds, small animals, wild flowers, trees, and more about the natural world around us.

    You can work together with your child to map out and determine the biking route that best suits you and your child's ability. Show them maps with biking trails and teach them how to read these biking maps. In addition to the many benefits listed above, biking is good for your mental and physical health, and biking is mostly a free activity. Biking is within reach of most people that are reasonably healthy, regardless of financial circumstances.

    Involve your child in the planning stages of preparing a family biking trip. Select a trail together, and then create a simple map that your child can read while on the trail. You can also teach the child how to read trail markers. If your child is not initially interested in biking, you may want to reward your child at the end of a bike for helping to find the biking markers and the way forward or back to home base. This added incentive may encourage your child to enjoy the biking experience.

    During the preparation phase of the bike, give children a list of biking essentials and let them pack their own biking bag or backpack. The backpack should include gear similar to your own such as a whistle, rainwear, compass, and first-aid kit. In addition to involving the children in adventures of biking they will feel grownup and responsible as you work together to make the bike trip a success.

    When collecting supplies for your bike trip, always include plenty of water, healthy snacks that your child enjoys, and a map that your child can read. Involve them in decisions of where to bike as you would involve another adult. Here are some suggestions toward building a successful biking experience with kids:

  • Invite your child's friend so they can share the adventure together; as we all know, "Grownups can get boring."

  • Pack protein snacks that are good for the kids and that they enjoy eating.

  • In cool weather, pack warm dry clothes and backup clothing.

  • Plan a biking trip with a special activity or attraction at the end of the trail. For example:

  • The most important thing to remember is that biking should be fun. Don't stress if you cannot complete your biking trip, or if it starts to rain, or if it's too hot. Just enjoy the time you have together. These memories will last a lifetime for both you, your children, and your whole family.

Biking Trails in the lower-Hudson Valley
Biking in Westchester County
Biking in Rockland County

Biking Trails in the mid-Hudson Valley
Biking in Putnam County
Biking in Orange County
Biking in Dutchess County
Biking in Ulster County

The upper-Hudson Valley offers biking for all levels of bikers at Biking in Columbia County. Beginner, intermediate, and advanced bikers will find many biking paths and trails. Check for places to go hinking in Columbia.
The mid-Hudson Valley offers biking for all levels of bikers at Biking in Greene County. Find trails for the beginner, intermediate, or advanced biker, Check for places to bike in Greene.
The upper-Hudson Valley offers biking for all levels of bikers at Biking in Rensselaer County. Find trails at all levels for the beginner, intermediate, or advanced biker, Check for places to bike in Rensselaer.
The upper-Hudson Valley offers biking for all levels of bikers at Biking in Albany County. Whether a beginner, intermediate, or advanced biker, you will find many trails at all levels. Check for places to bike in Albany.
Although biking trails vary in difficulty, a common thread is that biking is good for your physical and mental health as well as your spirit. Many biking trails are located in large parks; allowing you to breath fresh air, listen to the sounds of nature such as the sounds of birds and small animals running about; and biking trails usually run through scenic landscapes offering great photo opportunities. Before starting your first bike trip review essentials for biking.
    Essentials for Biking Safety on City Streets and in the Country include:

  • Obey traffic signs and signals - Bicycles must follow the rules of the road like other vehicles.

  • Always wear your helmet - Bicyclist's 14 years old and younger are required to wear a helmet when operating a bicycle. The helmet must conform to the standard established by the American National Standard Institute (ANSI), the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or Snell Memorial Foundation (Snell) at all times.

  • Never ride against traffic - Motorist’s aren't looking for bicyclists riding on the wrong side of the road. State law and common sense require that bicyclists drive like other operating vehicles.

  • Don’t pass on the right - Motorist's may not look for or see a bicycle passing on the right.

  • Keep both hands ready to brake - You may not stop in time if you brake one-handed. Allow extra distance for stopping in the rain, since brakes are less efficient when wet.

  • Scan the road behind you - Learn to look back over your shoulder without losing your balance or swerving. Some riders use rear-view mirrors.

  • Never operate a bicycle wearing headphones, talking on a cell phone or text messaging - Wearing headphones, talking on a cell phone or text messaging when operating a bicycle can be a deadly distraction. Be alert to your surroundings; stop your bicycle when sending or receiving a cell phone call or text message.

  • Follow lane markings - Don't turn left from the right lane. Don't go straight in a lane marked “right-turn only.”

  • Do not consume alcohol - Consuming alcohol and operating a bicycle do not mix. Alcohol can dramatically diminish a bicyclist’s cognitive and physical abilities and can result in a crash.

  • Dress appropriately - In rain, wear a poncho or a waterproof suit. Dress in layers so you can adjust to temperature changes. Wear brightly colored clothing.

  • Use hand signals - Hand signals tell motorists and pedestrians what you intend to do. Signal as a matter of law, of courtesy and of self-protection.

  • Ride in the middle of the lane in slower traffic - Get in the middle of the lane at busy intersections and whenever you are moving at the same speed as traffic.

  • Choose the best way to turn left - There are two choices: (1) Like an automobile: Signal to move into the left turn lane and then turn left. (2) Like a pedestrian: Ride straight to the far side crosswalk. Walk your bike across.

  • Make eye contact with drivers - Assume that other drivers don't see you until you are sure that they do. Eye contact is important with any driver who might pose a threat to your safety.

  • Look out for road hazards - Watch out for parallel-slat sewer grates, gravel, ice, sand or debris. Cross railroad tracks at right angles.

  • Use lights at night - New York law requires a white headlight (visible from at least 500 feet ahead) and a red rear reflector or taillight (visible up to 300 feet from behind).

  • Keep your bike in good repair - Adjust your bike to fit you and keep it working properly. Check brakes and tires regularly. Routine maintenance is simple and you can learn to do it yourself.

  • Source: Tips for Safe Biking.




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