Biking in New York
One of the best ways to get around the city is by bike. You can take advantage of dedicated bike lanes, greenways, and bike-friendly parks. Using our transit system with your bike expands your options. Here’s more about how to do that.
General guidelines
- You can take a bike on the subway. There are some caveats (see below), but in general, you can bring your bike with you on the train.
- You can't take your bike on a bus. Some routes have buses with bike racks, but don’t plan on transporting your bike via bus.
- Folding bikes can go almost anywhere. They're not allowed on express buses, but otherwise you can bring them on board.
- You can bring bikes on NYC Ferry boats. There are bike racks onboard.
- You can't ride your bike across some MTA bridges or through MTA tunnels. If the bridge has a pedestrian walkway, you can walk your bike across.
- Don’t lock your bike to transit property. This includes subway entrances and exits. Look for a bike rack instead.
- Commuter rails have different rules. Only a certain number of bikes are allowed per train, depending on the time.
- There are different rules for personal electric vehicles (PEVs). Read our PEV policy for details on bringing e-bikes or e-scooters on trains and buses.
Other guidance by type of transit
In general
- Stay by your bike or micromobility device and move it out of the way for other riders.
- You can't ride your bike or micromobility device in stations.
- Don't lock your bike or micromobility device onboard or at any MTA facility.
- You're not allowed to charge an e-bike or micromobility device in any MTA facility.
- Gasoline-powered vehicles aren't allowed onboard or in MTA facilities.
On local, SBS, and express buses
- Full-size bikes are not allowed inside buses, but you can bring a folding bike on local and SBS buses. Folding bikes must be folded.
- All bikes and micromobility devices are not allowed on Express Buses.
- Tuck your folding bike or scooter under the seat and out of the way of other passengers. Don’t block seats or aisles.
- Buses on these routes have bike racks:
- S53 and S93, in Staten Island
- Q50, in Queens
- Bx23, in the Bronx
On the subway
- Avoid rush hour if you can.
- Enter and exit through the station service gate. Swipe your MetroCard or use OMNY, turn the turnstile, and then use the service gate. If you need help, talk to a station agent.
- Don't lift your bike over the turnstile.
- Try to enter the first or last set of doors on a given subway car and stand with your bike or scooter near either end of the subway car.
- Carry your bicycle or scooter between yourself and the stairway wall when entering or exiting a station.
- If your device folds, tuck it under the seat or hold it out of the way of other passengers. Don’t block seats or aisles.
- Bikes are allowed on the Staten Island Railway at all times except:
- 6-9 a.m. on weekdays, on St. George-bound trains.
- 4-7 p.m. on weekdays, on Tottenville-bound trains.
On commuter rails
- Bikes are not allowed at certain times or on holidays.
- On weekdays, up to four bikes per trains are allowed. On weekends, up to eight bikes per train are allowed.
- Look for bicycle trains on weekends. These accommodate more than eight bikes. These trains are indicated on published timetables with a bicycle symbol and a plus sign.
- Contact LIRR Group Travel at 718-217-5477 if you’re traveling with a group of cyclists. For groups of cyclists on Metro-North, contact 511 and ask for Metro-North Group Travel.
Read more in our regulations for taking bikes on Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Rail Road.
Safety tips and laws
For you (and others)
- Obey all traffic signals.
- Yield to pedestrians.
- Stay off the sidewalk (unless you're walking your bike).
- Helmets are recommended for everyone. They’re required for anyone who is 13 years old or younger.
- Don’t wear headphones. (One earbud is allowed.)
- Bike and car traffic patterns vary depending on where you are. NYC’s Department of Transportation breaks these down in detail.
For your bike
- NYC law requires you to use a white headlight and a red taillight at night.
- Use a bell (not a whistle) to let others know you’re there.
- Use a U-lock and/or a heavy chain to lock up your bike. (More locks help prevent theft.) Lock your frame to the bike rack and your wheels to your frame. Secure any quick-release parts, or take them with you.
Bike parking options
In many cases, somewhere in your office building.
If you work in a commercial office building with a freight elevator, the “Bikes in Buildings” law can help you and your employer figure out indoor bike storage.
Parking garages
New York City law requires garages that accommodate more than 100 vehicles to also provide parking options for bicycles.
Other options
Oonee provides free bike parking at Grand Central Terminal.
Bike lockers
Bike lockers are available at these stations on Metro-North lines:
- Cortlandt
- Dover Plains
- Patterson
- Tenmile River
- Wassaic
- Pawling
Long Island Rail Road bike lockers are managed by 511NY Rideshare.
Citi Bike for bike-sharing
The city's bike-share program, Citi Bike, is a good option for quick trips within the city (if you're within range of Citi Bike docks).
Citi Bikes are available in parts of the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens.
What it costs
Citi Bike offers several pricing options, including single trips for $4.49, a day pass for $19, and an annual membership for $205.
What to do if your bike is missing
Call the Lost Property Unit
Bicycles chained to transit property will be removed and delivered to the Lost Property Unit.
You can reach that office at 212-712-4500.
File a police report
You can file a police report with NYPD if your bike is stolen. You can also participate in NYPD’s Bicycle Registration Program, intended to discourage theft and help reunite bikes with their owners.