Guide To New York City's Best Commuter Biking Routes

Hudson River Greenway (Photo courtesy Wikimedia Comons)

More New Yorkers than ever are commuting via bicycle. The appeal is obvious—not only is it good for the environment but it's a great workout. And in New York City there are plenty of routes that make getting to and from work a thoroughly pleasurable experience.

Hudson River Greenway

A man runs by the Hudson River Greenway as temperatures in Manhattan rise on June 11, 2015 in New York. AFP PHOTO/ KENA BENTANCUR (Photo credit should read KENA BETANCUR/AFP/Getty Images)

Why would one want to commute down busy car-filled streets when you could enjoy a ride with through several parks, parks, including the Hudson River Park, Riverside Park South, Riverside Park and Fort Washington Park -- all while parallel to the Hudson River? Anyone having to commute along the West Side shouldn't miss these river views.

East River Esplanade

(credit: Julie Shapiro, DNAinfo.com)

Working on the East Side doesn't prevent you from river views. If you're downtown, consider the East River Esplanade, which stretches along the East River from the Battery Park Maritime Building to Montgomery Street. The Esplanade is easily accessible by all bikers coming in from Brooklyn by any of the bridges—Brooklyn, Manhattan or Williamsburg. According to the New York Economic Development Corp., an additional stretch of walkway which will run between Pike Slip and Catherine Slip is expected to be completed by the end of 2016.

Central Park

A man wearing a T-shirt and shorts rides a bike in Central Park on December 24, 2015 in New York City.(Photo by Kena Betancur/Getty Images)

A park doesn't just need to be a recreational area. Why not enjoy the beauty of the most famous green sanctuary in Manhattan? Travel north or south along the perimeter. For a direct east-to-west route hop on the bike drive at 72nd Street. Have a little more time in the morning? Get on at 102nd St., head slightly north along the drive and then back south exiting at 100th St.

Sands Street Bike Lane

The Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges. (Credit: CBS2)

An enjoyable view is of course a wonderful aspect to a commute, but one can't forget about safety. That's why Brooklyn bike commuters were thrilled when the Sands Street Bike Lane was inaugurated in 2009. The protected bike lane that enters and exits the Manhattan Bridge provides safety assurance for bikers. Plus no one can complain about missing the Manhattan skyline when biking across the bridge.

For a complete list of bike lanes in New York City, click here.