In an effort to flatten the curve and keep public transport safe for essential workers, New Yorkers have been turning to self-powered transport. So although the cultural institutions and the events our city is famous for have been predominantly cancelled, rescheduled, or turned into virtual experiences for preventative safety measures in the wake of the pandemic, we can still take advantage of its plethora of lovely green spaces and ever-expanding bike routes (so far). Even with PAUSE measures in place, it is still important to get some good solo exercise. Get outdoors and journey to these open-air destinations. Of course, maintain proper social distancing and hygienic habits while on the road!
1. Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway
Photos courtesy Brooklyn Greenway Initiative
The 26 miles of protected and landscaped routes for pedestrians and cyclists on the Brooklyn Greenway will be fully completed in 2021, but 18 miles of the waterfront bikes lanes are open in Williamsburg, Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Bay Ridge, Red Hook, and along the Belt Parkway.
The Bay Ridge section is notable for it’s sweeping views of the Verrazano; while along the Belt discover a protected, underutilized swath of Jamaica Bay beaches and coves. South Brooklyn is also home to Floyd Bennett Field. Part of the Gateway National Park, it boasts lots of wide open spaces and small hikes, such as the North Forty Natural Area. And currently on the calendar for May 31st is the Greenway Ride, a 26-mile ride that goes through all of the navigable parts of the Greenway (and the interior streets when need be) starting in Greenpoint and ending with a party at the new Shirley Chisholm State Park.