Please help me find bike friendly routes from CT to NY and PA.

February 6, 2008 9:04 AM

Please help me find bike friendly routes from CT to NY and PA.

I am planning a couple of trips in the near future that involve cycling from CT to points south and west. There are a few hurdles that I have not yet overcome during the planning stage, namely which routes are bike friendly.

Trip #1: Cycling from Enfield, CT to Nyack, NY

The sticking point is crossing the Hudson. The best I seem to do on MapMyRide is to cross the Hudson on route 6, almost 20 miles north of Nyack. (Not to mention, this route takes me through the mountains of western CT and eastern NY.) Furthermore, I haven't even the foggiest if the bridge is even bike friendly.

Trip #2: Cycling from Enfield, CT to Lancaster, PA.

Two hurdles here: efficiently getting through NYC and NJ.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

posted by sequential to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (9 answers total)

Best answer: Depending on the time of day, the Bear Mountain Bridge (Rt. 6) may be your best bet. You can get some idea of the pedestrian/bike access from pictures (1, 2). It's almost certainly the most scenic route, but as you mention, is probably also the most strenuous. Some info about Hudson River Crossings. I also found some info by searching google for "bear mountain bridge" + bike (more images, too).

I hope that helps, and I hope we get some pictures when you're done. The Hudson River Valley is one of my favoritest places on earth, and very popular among bicyclists and motorcyclists. NYC to Bear Mountain is a very popular route via bike, so I'm sure there's plenty of info out there for you.
posted by Eideteker at 9:27 AM on February 6, 2008

Also, don't forget about Google's new-ish "Terrain" feature for topo maps.
posted by Eideteker at 9:33 AM on February 6, 2008

Response by poster: Awesome, Eideteker. That's exactly what I was looking for with regards to the Nyack, NY trip. I promise pictures, at the very least, from the trip.
posted by sequential at 9:39 AM on February 6, 2008

When my brother-in-law bikes from Hoboken to Greenwich, he takes the bear mountain bridge.
posted by These Premises Are Alarmed at 9:54 AM on February 6, 2008

Maybe try to find bike clubs in the area. They should be able to hook you up with routes.

Are you sure you want to go to through NYC? Around would be easier. I think only the Brooklyn Bridge is bike accessable, and that's Manhattan to Brooklyn (not on your route).
posted by ObscureReferenceMan at 9:57 AM on February 6, 2008

Best answer: Here is a website that has maps and cue sheets for biking the Hudson River Valley. This one specifically has a map and a cue sheet for directing bikers over the Bear Mountain Bridge.
posted by otolith at 9:58 AM on February 6, 2008

Response by poster: No, ObscureReferenceMan, I'm not sure I want to go through NYC. Essentially all of NY and NJ are mysteries to me as a cyclist and I need to get through both states.
posted by sequential at 10:02 AM on February 6, 2008

Oops, reading part two of your question, that website also has cue sheets for getting you around the NYC area. It's not the most intuitive site, but if just look at the big area map, you can then click on the bike route names to see more detailed maps plus cue sheets.
posted by otolith at 10:05 AM on February 6, 2008

Partial answer: the George Washington Bridge is definitely bikable. Depending on construction work, there may be a portage at each end of the bridge, but it's not a big problem.
posted by JimN2TAW at 11:02 AM on February 6, 2008