Can I cycle in Manhattan right now?

[Mr. Pink]

I live in Fairfield county. Haven't been on a bike in the city for years. Looking at the pictures of deserted city streets, it occured to me that this would be a very rare time to experience the city with super minimal traffic. I know where I'm going, drove a cab there many moons ago.
I dont think I'd be putting myself or anybody else in danger, as long as I kept my distance. Ironically, Central Park, the usual weekday loop, will probably be the most dangerous place to bike, considering the amount of people there out of work and recreating. I'd stick to the normally busy streets and take some pictures of an historic event.
I plan to drive down and park someplace out of the way, so, no public transit in and out. Just me.

I know, some may say irresponsible, but, I dont think so, as long as I keep moving. Are streets and avenues closed to all traffic in some spots?

[fiamme red]

All streets and avenues are open to cyclists.

I haven't been in Central Park lately, but Prospect Park has been pretty crowded even on drizzly days. So I agree that it's best to avoid the parks, as well as the West Side Greenway.

[Mr. Pink]

How are the streets and avenues? Crowded?

[fiamme red]

Originally Posted by Mr. Pink

How are the streets and avenues? Crowded?

They're much emptier than usual. I rode through the theater district one night and it was entirely deserted.

Here's a video someone took: https://gothamist.com/arts-entertain...wn-coronavirus.

[Mr. Pink]

Originally Posted by fiamme red

They're much emptier than usual. I rode through the theater district one night and it was entirely deserted.

Here's a video someone took: https://gothamist.com/arts-entertain...wn-coronavirus.

Wow, cool, thanks. You may have satisfied my curiosity with those videos.

[Velocipede]

Be careful. There is a video out there from the other night where a mass ride had cops chasing after them. It was at Times Square.

[Dino Suegiù]

Originally Posted by Velocipede

Be careful. There is a video out there from the other night where a mass ride had cops chasing after them. It was at Times Square.

Seriously? One of those "Critical Mass" things? Either way, what the hell is wrong with people not being able to or wanting to comprehend the severity of this situation? It is mind-boggling, that some still really do not get it.

[ERK55]

I lived in Manhattan x 7 yrs during my training...never had or rode a bike then- no time. But I have since fantasized riding empty avenues in NYC if there could ever be such a thing.
Maybe, when this is over, head into the city @ 5:30 AM on a summer Sunday morning....

[trener1]

Even on a Sunday at 5:30 I doubt it will be as empty as it is now.

[zzy]

It's funny hearing people here talk about riding in the city during the pandemic like my relatives do about riding a bike in the city ever. It's fine. Observe common sense and take it easy. During hurricane Sandy's blacked out aftermath a friend of mine and I rode from Grand Central to Wall St in 12 minutes. We blew thru all the police intersections with massive lights and averaged almost 18mph. One of the most unforgettable rides of my life.

[thegunner]

Originally Posted by zzy

It's funny hearing people here talk about riding in the city during the pandemic like my relatives do about riding a bike in the city ever. It's fine. Observe common sense and take it easy. During hurricane Sandy's blacked out aftermath a friend of mine and I rode from Grand Central to Wall St in 12 minutes. We blew thru all the police intersections with massive lights and averaged almost 18mph. One of the most unforgettable rides of my life.

i went to my office the day before sandy "officially" hit and averaged 42 down the west side highway. that tailwind was wild.

[trener1]

Perhaps I am a bit biased because I live here.
But I think most of the responses here are based more on fear then on facts.
It isn't like the virus is floating in the air, it comes from being in close proximity to other people.
So I would say that as long as you are smart about it, i.e. just use common
sense.
Don't stop in any store for a snack, if you have to stop at a light stop far from other people (that won't really be there) then I think by all means you should be fine and you should do it.

[Dino Suegiù]

Originally Posted by trener1

Perhaps I am a bit biased because I live here.
But I think most of the responses here are based more on fear then on facts.
It isn't like the virus is floating in the air, it comes from being in close proximity to other people.
So I would say that as long as you are smart about it, i.e. just use common
sense.
Don't stop in any store for a snack, if you have to stop at a light stop far from other people (that won't really be there) then I think by all means you should be fine and you should do it.

I think that most of the "no" replies here are in fact not based on fear at all but rather simply a sensible request to respect current events, NYC's own needs, and the constant pleas of city, state, and the federal government to just stay the f home for now, and walk/jog/ride around one's own community.

[peanutgallery]

Double facepalm

Originally Posted by trener1

Perhaps I am a bit biased because I live here.
But I think most of the responses here are based more on fear then on facts.
It isn't like the virus is floating in the air, it comes from being in close proximity to other people.
So I would say that as long as you are smart about it, i.e. just use common
sense.
Don't stop in any store for a snack, if you have to stop at a light stop far from other people (that won't really be there) then I think by all means you should be fine and you should do it.

[Mr. Pink]

Originally Posted by trener1

Even on a Sunday at 5:30 I doubt it will be as empty as it is now.

I've done it a few times. It's really empty until about 10am. Never forget cruising down almost the entire length of Broadway and then watching the sun rise over Brooklyn going over the bridge.