Hudson River Greenway
 

As I've mentioned before, I moved back into Manhattan in August. I'm amazed at how fun and useful the Hudson River Greenway is. Since it has so few intersections, I don't have to stop often. I get to my destinations much faster than I'm used to, and that is even when I occasionally overshoot my target. I wish it had exit signs so I know what path to take to get back to the street.

I rode it last night after 11pm, from 91 St to 14 St. I didn't pass a single cyclist going in my direction. A few going north passed. Two cyclists going south passed me. I've heard about the incidents that happened farther north, where it's very dark. But how crazy is this? Seems to me that bad guys have lots of privacy to operate in to commit whatever crimes they're out there for.

It gets too crowed on weekend in warm weather. This season is great to be there. Thanksgiving last year I rode there in the evening and it was like heaven: warm weather (for that time of the year), no wind, only met about 3 cyclists and 1 jogger.

Last night was the first cold night and it kept a lot of people off their bikes. I was looking today and didn't see the usual hordes on Citibikes. The Manhattan Bridge was deserted. People will come out again in the cold once they get used to it.

Yes, they haven't bought their winter clothing yet ;)

I use the Greenway once in a while. I am glad it's there, and I appreciate having a route with few stops on it. But, to be honest, I also find it a bit uncomfortable. It's just so remote; I don't even feel like I'm in New York when I'm on it, especially above 59th St. And that uptown section below the highway is downright unpleasant.

Whereas, when I'm riding on the avenues, I feel energised on account of being right in the middle of the City. (It's even better if I am on an avenue with a bike lane; but I feel good riding on any avenue.)

Still, I don't want to knock the Greenway too much. I value it more as a symbol than as something I myself use. And maybe my view of it is skewed by the fact that I use it only in the summer during my pleasure rides, when it is most crowded, and when it is plagued by pedestrians on the bike path and by cyclists who speed through the few red lights that the Greenway has. Whereas, my non-summer riding is limited to commuting between my home in Woodhaven and my office in downtown Manhattan.

Anyway, I'm glad you're grooving on it.

The vast majority of users, whether jogging, blading or cycling, have quite a lot of skill. Most of those who aren't very skilled at least don't wobble and take up a lot of room. That's why I'm fine on it when it's crowded. I do appreciate it when it's uncrowded, too.

I've been energized plenty. Sometimes I just want to move. Plus it's a lot less bumpy than most streets.

So back to my question: is it crazy to ride it after 11pm below 96th St?

I don't see why. Both of the recent incidents took place up near the George Washington Bridge, in a spot with poor lighting. Also, one can find oneself basically alone on many different streets (not only the Greenway) during the late-night and overnight hours.

I can tell you that I sure wouldn't avoid that section of the Greenway out of fear for my safety -- and I'd bet that you're bigger and tougher than I am.

My main complaint about the Hudson River Greenway is that it is not immediately next to the river, so for the most part you can't really have any view. All you see is fellow cyclists. Once or twice, it's fine. But after a number of times riding on the same path, I feel like I am just riding on a stationery bike in a gym, with the added disadvantage (in the summer) of being baked under the sun, especially in the early afternoon. :(

91 St to 14 St.? that must have been a sweet and swift ride. what's the condition of the pavement? was it lit enough to ride without lights?

wutcha doin out alone so late in such a desolate area?

I rode sometimes after 9pm down to Battery Park City and return to uptown (walking the pedestrian's slope near 68th street). It's really nice in late evening with few people, very tranquil. The only spot that I always had to hold my breath and speed past was the sanitation depot near 13th street with many garbage trucks. :notamused:

My mother lives on 96th St. I visit her on Wednesday evenings. I don't normally stay so late, but my childhood friend joined me in visiting her this time, and we got to chatting for a long time.

I can't believe there are complaints about the scenery. I think it's spectacular. The views of the river are expansive and gorgeous. And there are lots and lots of fit people of all ages. Sometimes I think a whole lot of them are not just there to stay fit but to show off their buff bodies, and I don't blame them.

I can't believe there are complaints,period.I don't think there is a safer 4 miles in the country from 91st to 14th.BTW,since I live on the northern tip of Manhattan I've resumed biking at late hours on the greenway despite those horrific incidents.I figure its too cold for the muggers.

Thanks trek330. I grew up here in the bad old days and been away for 26 years, half my life. My old instincts and reflexes are kicking in, and they're no longer appropriate, now that things are so much better.

I rode the greenway yesterday afternoon and it was pretty empty from 95th St down to Clarkson. Even the usual bottlenecks, like around the ship terminal, were empty. I was pretty spent from my ride up to Alpine hill, so I took it easy.

I came back 7 years ago after a 20 year absence and still can't believe the change.What was once ghetto is now luxury housing.What was once very dangerous is now very safe.Miracles do happen!

Yeah, it's basically reflex that makes me feel unsafe. And having lived in NJ during the transformation, I felt amazingly safe in bad neighborhoods in Newark and Irvington, most of the time. Not only that, people there were downright friendly to me when I passed through on bike. I can't explain that cultural difference. Maybe there's more southern influence on the black population there. Whatever the reason, it's a welcome thing.

Hi Tom,
I use the greenway pretty often. I thought I was about to be mugged only once when my wife and I (on a tandem) stopped to take a phone call on the stretch under the West Side Highway north of 60th. It was around 11PM. We pulled into the fenced-in area east of the path and I noticed a group of young men who had been hanging out in there walking toward us. I took off rather abruptly, much to the consternation of my dear wife, barely clinging on behind.
The path from the GW down to 125th St. is kind of spooky late at night: not well lit and very confined in places. From 125th to the high 90s the path is narrow and dark, but not as worrisome as further north. Because it is on the shoulder of the highway, there is no pedestrian access for over a mile, making it less attractive to an evildoer who wants an easy escape. From the 90s south, it is much better lit as you know. It is also well populated with walkers, runners, lovers and watchers at all hours. Doesn't worry me to ride there late at night.
And I am far less formidable than you, sir. I pity the sod who attacks you.

I love the greenway, its my daily route from soho to the 90s in early morn or afternoon. Closest thing to flat paved path in the city, love the length of it as well. Hesistant to try the night ride because of all the incidents recently plus visibility/safety but I will prob give it a go one of these days. I did notice more and more newbies recently especially on the weekends, the "wobblers" heh but for the most part, most riders are pretty advanced and one of the reasons I love it for speed.

fyi, south of the HH toll booth has historically been a dumping ground for female corpses

I too use the Greenway for commuting each day. I don't ride it late night though. It's a great place to ride even with the runners, dog walkers and mounted police. What's up with those police horses pooping all over the path? Shouldn't the NYPD use bikes on the bike path ?

I want to know why you know this. Or maybe I don't.

Do they ride horses on the path, or is the crap just from crossing it? I've heard horses can get spooked by bikes. True or not, I don't want to take the chance, so I move slowly and far from them.

If they're on the path, I trust they're there for a reason, but it doesn't seem like a good idea if there's no pressing reason.

grew up in The Bronx & Yonkers & worked in NYC most of my life before 1984 but still have family there and I read and listen to the NY news. don't worry, no personal experience!!!!!

I live in NJ so I take the GWB over to NYC and then ride the Greenway to west 11th and use the 39th street ferry to get back to NJ. I've never had a problem on the Greenway but then I don't think I look like a victim. Sometimes it is busy but I've never had an issue. I also sometimes take the Riverside Drive ViaDuct down to the Park (poop factory) and then walk down the the Greenway.

How do you get from the bridge to the greenway? On 158th street? I thought it was around 165th street but I was trying to get onto it but the road just ended up being riverside drive and there was no way to cross over. I am probably biking from the UWS to jersey and back this weekend and want to take the greenway up and back to my apartment.