Northeast - New York City: Commute from Hamilton Heights to Dumbo

Hi.

I have an internship in Dumbo this summer, working with the organization that publishes Streetsblog among other things. I'll likely be living in Hamilton Heights. The Google tells me it's about 10 miles, and it appears that there are bike routes along the way. Any advice on how the commute is? Also, are there local New York bike forums like there are for Pittsburgh at bike-pgh.org?

Thanks.

You'll have a very easy commute. Hop onto the west side greenway, take it down to Chambers Street, cross over to the Brooklyn Bridge and voila, you'll basically be in DUMBO. Except for Chambers, you'll manage to avoid almost all cars and traffic signals.

Getting to work may be marginally easier since it's mostly downhill. You should expect a 40 minute one way trip at a leisurely pace.

Greenway bike path along the Hudson River.
take Brooklyn Bridge.
Your there.

Make sure you purchase a GREAT Lock and chain like a Kryptonite Fagetabout it.

Forums?
This is a great place to start.
Local bike clubs such as NYCC.Org will be a good resource.
FYI, you are close to the GW Bridge to go over to NJ for great biking also near CentralPark.

Good Luck, Enjoy

Robert

I have an Onguard Bulldog and cable, like this: http://www.magnum.ws/OnGuard/5015TC.htm. Are u-locks cut with enough regularity that my lock's thinner shackle is an issue? I get the impression that locks are usually defeated by other means, and having a thicker shackle only means an angle grinder will take a few more seconds.

Also, my bike should be inside on both ends of the commute, so I'd mainly use the lock when I'm around town rather than all day at work.

If you're interning at Streetsblog using the Greenway to the Grand Street Protected Bike Lane might be mandatory :P

Then you can just turn right at Chrystie Street and go three short blocks to the Manhattan Bridge.

I have an Onguard Bulldog and cable, like this: http://www.magnum.ws/OnGuard/5015TC.htm. Are u-locks cut with enough regularity that my lock's thinner shackle is an issue? I get the impression that locks are usually defeated by other means, and having a thicker shackle only means an angle grinder will take a few more seconds.

Also, my bike should be inside on both ends of the commute, so I'd mainly use the lock when I'm around town rather than all day at work.

Your lock from Onguard has a 3 out of 5 star rating. So I would say it couldn't hurt, BUTTT I would get at least a 4 STAR and a 10 or higher from Krytonite, I beleive theirs go to 12.
People can steal bikes from inside and most people forget to lock them in an office.

NO LOCK is theft proof, REPEAT, NO LOCK is theft proof.
Check out threads on locks etc.
The idea is this. If you leave your bike in an isolated area or dark area it will be taken IF POSIIBLE. Thieves go to the easist bike to steal. Make yours the hardest to stael and they will skip it unless its a $5,000 bike.

good Luck

PS, A great lock is a great investmentt

The "Dumbo." Am I naive, or is this a code word that NYC people don't share with us Long Islanders? If I promise to continue riding the boroughs on a regular basis in the Spring, Summer, and Fall, will somebody PLEASE let me in on the secret????? :)

The "Dumbo." Am I naive, or is this a code word that NYC people don't share with us Long Islanders? If I promise to continue riding the boroughs on a regular basis in the Spring, Summer, and Fall, will somebody PLEASE let me in on the secret????? :)

Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass

Not sure what kind of bike you ride, but don't let the hipsters on fixies give you lip.

;)