Although the Bronx is not known for cycling compared to other boroughs, that doesn’t mean you can’t find an enjoyable ride here. Tree-lined bike paths connect some of the Bronx’s biggest attractions. Whether you are looking for a quiet ride through the woods or an energetic adventure through the heart of the borough, the Bronx has something to offer for every cyclist. The City promises to add more bike paths in the Bronx: the much-anticipated Harlem River Greenway is currently under construction.

1. Van Cortlandt Park to City Island

Map of the bike path connecting Van Cortlandt Park to City Island. Source: NYC Bike Maps.

Distance: 8.6 miles

The Route: From Van Cortlandt Park, take Mosholu Parkway to Bronx Park East. Follow the bike path south through Bronx Park East to connect to Pelham Parkway. Follow Pelham Parkway to Pelham Bay Park. The bike path through the park will take you to City Island. You can also take small detour through Pelham Bay Park to visit Orchard Beach.

Why We Love It: This bike path connects the borough’s two largest parks and most of the route passes along protected greenways, allowing for a peaceful and enjoyable ride. The safety provided by the protected bike paths makes this a great trip for families with children, as long as the little ones can handle the nearly 10-mile journey. (You could also do a shorter portion of the route.) The route passes through several parks, as well as some of the greenest, quietest neighborhoods in the Bronx — making this our top recommendation for experiencing the Best in the Bronx.

2. Starlight Park

Map of the bike path through Starlight Park. Source: NYC Bike Maps.

Distance: 1.8 miles

The Route: Travel along the Bronx River from E 177 Street to Edgewater Rd

Why We Love It: Of all the bike paths in the Bronx, this is our top pick for biking with kids. Constructed over a former industrial property, this green oasis opened in 2023. The bike path winds along the Bronx river, past baseball fields, community gardens and wildflower plantings. A perfect place for an afternoon bike ride followed by picnic.

3. Hutchinson River Greenway

Map of the bike path along the Hutchinson River Parkway. Source: NYC Bike Maps.

Distance: 3.9 miles

The Route: Start at the intersection of Pelham Parkway and Hutchinson River Parkway. Follow the adjacent bike path to Ferry Point Park.

Why We Love It: Although it follows a busy highway, this protected bike path is relatively peaceful. The route gets a little hairy when crossing over the Bruckner Blvd and Cross Bronx Expressway, but after that resumes its tranquil journey along Westchester Creek. The path concludes with splendid views of Long Island Sound from Ferry Point Park.

4. Soundview Park

Map of the bike path through Soundview Park. Source: NYC Bike Maps.

Distance: 2.1 miles

The Route: Lafayette Ave to Leland Ave

Why We Love It: This short, but picturesque, bike path along the Bronx waterfront makes you feel like you have left the City. Greenery surrounds both sides of the trail, only interrupted by views of the ocean and the occasional baseball field.

5. Path Adjacent to Bronx River Parkway

Map of the bike path along the Bronx River Parkway. Source: NYC Bike Maps.

Distance: 5.4 miles

The Route: Follow the bike path along Bronx River Pkwy from E 180th Street to Woodlawn

Why We Love It: This a solid bike ride traveling through secluded greenways. Most the ride feels worlds apart from the busy highway it follows. Along the way, you’ll pass playgrounds, landscaped green spaces and sports fields. It’s a safe and peaceful journey.

7. Grand Concourse

Map of the bike path along the Grand Concourse. Source: NYC Bike Maps.

Distance: 4.4 miles

The Route: Follow the bike path along Grand Concourse from E 160th Street to Mosholu Parkway

Why We Love It: This is the only bike path in the Bronx included on this list that takes you through traffic for the entire trip. Unfortunately, the bike lane is often blocked by parked cars, which temporarily forces riders onto the road. Therefore, this route is only recommended for cyclists with experience riding in traffic. That said, this path takes you through the heart of the borough, allowing you to experience the full energy of the Bronx. Along the way, you will pass splendid examples of Tudor and Art Deco architecture, several parks and the Edgar Allen Poe Cottage. In the spring and summer, perennial flowers bloom in the planters recently added to the medians.

8. Empire State Trail

The Empire State Trail. Source: NY.gov.

Distance: 750 miles

The Route: Van Cortlandt Park to Canada

Why We Love It: Most of this 750-mile ride is located outside the Bronx — and you are welcome to pedal all of it! But one of the best places to get on the trail is in Van Cortlandt Park. From there, you can ride the tree-lined paved bike path as long as you like through New York State. This a great choice for those seeking to escape the city in search of peace and ease.