Press Releases
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 7, 2025
Contact: (212) 839-4850, press@dot.nyc.gov
Bike Month: NYC DOT Publishes Family-Friendly Bike Routes for Parents and Children
The Short, Self-Guided ‘Baby’ Routes Are Part of New ‘My Bike, My City’ Campaign To Promote Cycling Among New York City Families
Promotional Campaign Compliments Record-Setting Bicycle Ridership in New York City and Launches on Bike to School Day
NYC DOT Publishes 2025 Bike Map for Citywide Bike Lanes
New campaign materials for the second annual My Bike, My City promotion, returning in May for Bike Month. Credit: NYC DOT
NEW YORK – New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez announced today the publication of new, short self-guided ‘baby' bike routes as part of the city's My Bike, My City campaign to promote cycling among New York City families. Each of the five self-guided rides—one for each borough—features family-friendly routes under two miles either on protected on-street bike lanes or off-street paths in parks or greenways. The second-annual campaign returns again for May, National Bike Month, amidst record-high bike ridership and an all-time high number of protected bike lane miles built in New York City under the Adams administration. The campaign builds on the agency's holistic approach to promote safer cycling, including building a record 87.5 miles of protected bike lanes over the past three years, upgrading another 20 miles of bike lanes to better separate cyclists and other vehicles, free helmet giveaways, cycling educational events, Vision Zero educational and outreach events, new traffic signals for cyclists, and more.
"Biking is a fun, healthy, and environmentally friendly way to get around New York City. We know more people – especially women, children, and families – choose to cycle when there are safer ways to do it – and that's why we have built a record number of protected bike lanes over the past three years," said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. "We encourage all New Yorkers to enjoy cycling during National Bike Month and to take advantage of NYC DOT's family-friendly bike maps, helmet giveaways, educational activities, and more."
"In addition to being a healthy form of transportation, biking is also an engaging and affordable way for families to enjoy our city's open spaces," said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. "Our greenways and bike paths connect New Yorkers with our beautiful parks and the natural environments throughout our city, and we are proud to support vital biking infrastructure across the five boroughs. We look forward to continuing our partnership with NYC DOT to make our city a safe, accessible, and inviting place for families to bike."
NYC DOT's family-friendly My Bike, My City. campaign promotes cycling for all, particularly women, girls, transgender and gender nonconforming individuals. Year two of the campaign focuses on families and all-ages, all-abilities riding. Visit the website for cycling tips, informative events, and safe biking routes across the five boroughs. New Yorkers looking for details on bike lanes citywide can visit NYC DOT's website for the newly published 2025 Bike Map.
NYC DOT's recommended My Bike, My City Family Routes for 2025 include:
- Brooklyn (1.3 miles): Introduce riders to a protected on-street path (Parkside Ave) before riding through Prospect Park, past the Carousel (worth a stop!) to the Prospect Park Zoo.
- Bronx (1.3 miles): Enjoy sweeping views of the Harlem River from the Highbridge and a tree-lined ride through Highbridge Park, ending at the Highbridge Play Center (in the summer months, cool off at the pool!).
- Manhattan (1.9 miles): Ride North America's most popular bike path, the Hudson River Greenway, and the Battery Park Esplanade from the Pier 25 Playground on the West Side south to the crowd-pleasing SeaGlass Carousel (along the way: Rockefeller and Teardrop Parks; Battery Playscape).
- Queens (1.2 miles): Explore Flushing Meadows Corona Park and its beloved cultural landmarks, from the New York Hall of Science to the Unisphere (not to mention the Playground for All Children and the Fantasy Forest Carousel Park!).
- Staten Island (1 mile): Ride around and through the South Shore's Bloomingdale Park, starting at the playground and wrapping at the basketball courts for a post-ride game.
Wednesday, May 7, is national Bike and Roll to School Day. NYC DOT encourages New Yorkers to visit Bike New York's website for its schedule of free learn-to-ride classes for children and adults. Families interested in joining an existing "bike bus," or starting their own can visit Bikebus.nyc. A Bike Bus is a fun way for kids to ride their bikes to school together. With a Bike Bus, a group of students bike along a set route, picking up more friends along the way, just like a school bus but on bikes. Adult volunteers help lead and keep everyone safe so kids can enjoy the fresh air, get active, and commute sustainably.
Rules of the road for cycling families:
- Children under the age of one cannot be carried on a bicycle.
- Children must be carried in a properly affixed child carrier.
- Cyclists 13 or younger must wear an approved helmet.
- Children 12 or younger can ride on the sidewalk, while adults must ride on the street.
"Biking is one of the best ways to explore Brooklyn, especially when the whole family is along for the ride. It's not just a fun way to get to know our borough–every bike ride means fewer car trips, cleaner air, and more time together as family and neighbors," said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso Thank you to the NYC DOT for mapping out routes that allow New Yorkers of all ages to get outside and enjoy our city together."
"Our streets should be safe and welcoming for every New Yorker, no matter their age or ability," said City Councilmember Christopher Marte. "As someone who has consistently advocated for greater biking accessibility and safety in Lower Manhattan, I'm proud to support My Bike, My City for making it easier—and safer—for families to ride together. These kinds of initiatives help build a more inclusive, sustainable city, where biking is not just a mode of transit, but a joyful, community-building experience."
"Flushing Meadows Corona Park has always been a place where families come together to relax, play, and connect—and now, they can do it on two wheels," said City Councilmember Francisco P. Moya. "I'm proud to see our district featured in NYC DOT's My Bike, My City campaign with a safe, scenic route that highlights the beauty and cultural richness of our park. These family-friendly rides not only promote healthier lifestyles but also ensure that cycling is accessible and joyful for New Yorkers of all ages and abilities."