Join Me for the Tour De Bronx: A Ride Through My Favorite Borough

Why Bike Riding?

Besides being a fun way to get around, cycling offers incredible health benefits:

• Cardiovascular Health: Regular biking strengthens your heart, lungs, and muscles, improving overall circulation.
• Mental Wellbeing: Cycling can reduce stress, boost your mood, and sharpen mental clarity.
• Environmental Impact: Biking helps reduce your carbon footprint, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier planet.

Bike Safety and Infrastructure in the Bronx

The Bronx is in the midst of important cycling improvements, thanks to organizations like Transportation Alternatives. The Bronx/Uptown Activist Committee has been instrumental in pushing for safer streets by advocating for bike lanes and pedestrian plazas. One key initiative includes completing the Grand Concourse with protected bike paths, which will provide safer connections across the Bronx​.

However, a major challenge for cyclists is the lack of secure bike parking, especially in low-income communities and communities of color. Many residents in these areas rely on bicycles for transportation, not just recreation, and better bike parking would encourage more people to ride. Advocates argue that the expansion of bike parking, especially near transit hubs, is essential for making biking more accessible​.

Improving bike infrastructure—including protected bike lanes and parking—has many benefits. For local businesses, bicycle parking generates up to 3.6 times more revenue per square foot than car parking, making it a win for both cyclists and the community​.

• NYC Bike Resources

Explore the Bronx River Greenway

One of the highlights for cyclists in the Bronx is the Bronx River Greenway, a beautiful, scenic bike path that runs along the Bronx River. It’s a fantastic route for riders of all levels, whether you’re looking for a casual ride or a more challenging journey. The Bronx River Bicycling Guide offers detailed maps and route recommendations, as well as important information on how to stay safe while biking near the river. Whether you’re preparing for the Tour De Bronx or just looking for a weekend adventure, the Greenway is a must-ride.

• Bronx River Bicycling Guide: This guide is a must-read for exploring the Bronx River Greenway, with scenic bike paths, maps, and tips for safe biking in the area.

Support Local Bike Shops in the Bronx

We have some amazing small businesses in the Bronx that specialize in biking, providing everything from gear to repairs. Supporting these shops is a great way to keep the local economy rolling:

• Garcia’s Bicycle Shop (512 E 240th St): With 4.7 stars from 76 reviews, this shop is highly praised for its knowledgeable staff and excellent customer service.
• Castle Hill Bicycle Center (3467 E Tremont Ave Bronx): Another top-rated option with 4.4 stars from 163 reviews, Castle Hill Bicycle offers a range of bike services and products.

These shops not only provide excellent service but also help foster a biking community in our borough.

Biking-Friendly Cities Around the World

Bike-friendly cities like Copenhagen, Amsterdam, and Portland have embraced cycling as a primary mode of transportation. These cities have shown how dedicated bike lanes, bike-sharing programs, and cycling infrastructure can enhance quality of life. Biking reduces traffic congestion, lowers pollution, and makes urban areas more livable. Check out these inspiring articles to learn more:

• • The World’s Most Bike-Friendly Cities
  • The City That Cycles With the Young, the Old, the Busy and the Dead
  • These Have to Be the World’s Coolest and Most Unique Cycling Infrastructure Innovations