Long Island Bicycling: Trails, Routes, and What Cyclists Should Know

Long Island offers a surprisingly rich and diverse bicycling experience, from flat, scenic waterfront paths along the South Shore to quiet, tree-lined trails weaving through Nassau County parks. Despite its reputation for highways, the island provides a fantastic network of routes perfect for families, recreational riders, and commuters looking to explore on two wheels.

This guide provides a cyclist-friendly overview of your options, explaining the types of bike routes available, where people in Nassau and Suffolk County commonly ride, and what makes Long Island unique for cycling.

Types of Bicycling on Long Island

Long Island bicycling isn't a one-size-fits-all activity. Whether you're planning a weekend outing with the family or seeking a challenging workout, there's a ride that fits your style. The key is knowing what kind of experience you're looking for.

• Recreational Cycling: This is the heart of biking on Long Island. It involves leisurely rides on dedicated paths, often for an hour or two, to enjoy the outdoors and get some light exercise. The Bethpage Bikeway is a prime example of a widely used recreational route.

• Family-Friendly Paved Paths: For those with young children or anyone seeking a stress-free ride, the island's many parks offer safe, car-free environments. The paved loops within Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, Nassau County, are perfect for teaching kids to ride or enjoying a casual spin.

• Commuter Routes: A growing number of residents use bikes for practical, car-free travel. Dedicated paths and local bike lanes provide corridors for getting to work or running errands, offering a refreshing alternative to sitting in traffic.

• Scenic Coastal Rides: Thanks to our unique geography, Long Island is home to some of the most beautiful coastal cycling routes. Paths like the Ocean Parkway Bikeway offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic, making for an unforgettable ride.

• Park-Based Trail Riding: For those seeking more varied terrain, state parks in both Nassau and Suffolk counties offer a mix of paved and unpaved trails. Places like Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve provide rolling hills and gravel paths for a more challenging workout.

Popular Bicycling Routes

Here are some of the most popular and verified cycling routes on Long Island, broken down by county. These trails are widely used by local residents and offer a range of experiences. For a better sense of their location, consult our detailed map of Long Island, NY, with zip codes.

Nassau County Bike Paths

The bike paths in Nassau County are known for being generally flat, paved, and well-maintained, making them ideal for families and casual riders.

• Eisenhower Park Bike Paths – East Meadow: Located in East Meadow, Nassau County, this large park features a network of multi-use paved paths. It's exceptionally popular with casual riders and families because its flat terrain is safe and easy to navigate.

• Bethpage Bikeway (Nassau Section): This paved trail connects multiple parks and is a favorite for those seeking longer rides. It's a flat, continuous route that allows cyclists to cover significant distance away from traffic.

• Wantagh Parkway Bike Path: Offering scenic waterfront views, this popular route runs along the Wantagh Parkway toward Jones Beach. The paved path is a go-to for locals looking for a beautiful ride along the bay.

• Ocean Parkway Bike Path (Nassau Portion): This dedicated bike path runs parallel to Ocean Parkway, providing stunning views of the Atlantic dunes. It is one of the most popular cycling routes Long Island has to offer, especially for those heading to Jones Beach.

• Jones Beach Bikeway – Wantagh: As one of the most iconic cycling routes in Nassau County, NY, this bikeway provides direct, car-free access to the beach and boardwalk. Its flat, paved surface is perfect for riders of all ages.

Suffolk County Bike Routes

Suffolk County offers a mix of paved greenways and more challenging park-based trails with varied terrain.

• Bethpage Bikeway (Suffolk Section): The trail continues from Nassau into Suffolk County, maintaining its character as a flat, paved multi-use path connecting local communities.

• Setauket–Port Jefferson Station Greenway Trail: This off-road trail is popular with recreational cyclists in the area. It follows a former rail line, providing a peaceful and scenic ride through wooded areas.

• North Shore Rail Trail – Suffolk County: This developing multi-use trail system is being built along the North Shore. The completed sections offer a paved, safe space for cycling that is already widely used by the community.

• Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve – Lloyd Harbor: For a more challenging ride, this park in Lloyd Harbor offers a mix of gravel and paved paths with notable elevation changes and scenic views of the Long Island Sound. It's best for experienced cyclists.

• Sunken Meadow State Park Trails – Kings Park: Known for its more challenging terrain, the trails here are suitable for experienced cyclists looking for a workout. The hills provide a tougher ride than most other Long Island bike trails.

Best Times & Conditions for Cycling

Timing your ride can greatly enhance your experience on Long Island.

• Seasonal Considerations: Spring and fall are generally considered the best seasons for cycling, with comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer offers longer daylight hours but can be hot and humid.

• Weather and Wind: Coastal routes, especially the Ocean Parkway Bike Path, are often exposed to strong winds. Always check the forecast before heading out, as a headwind can make a flat ride feel much more difficult.

• Crowds: Popular Nassau County bike paths, like those at Eisenhower Park and Jones Beach, can become very crowded during summer weekends. For a more peaceful experience, try riding early in the morning or on a weekday.

For more ideas on enjoying the outdoors, check out our guides to the best parks in Nassau County and the best beaches on Long Island.

Safety & Practical Tips

Enjoying Long Island's bike trails safely and responsibly is crucial for everyone.

• Helmet Use: Always wear a helmet. It is the single most important piece of safety equipment for any cyclist.

• Shared-Path Etiquette: Most trails are multi-use. Stay to the right, pass on the left, and give an audible warning (like "on your left" or a bell) before passing pedestrians or slower riders. Control your speed in crowded areas.

• Road vs. Off-Road Riding: On dedicated bike paths, your focus is on sharing the space. When riding on public roads, your mindset must shift to defensive cycling. Be visible, predictable, and assume drivers do not see you.

• Parking and Access Points: Major parks like Eisenhower Park in East Meadow have ample parking. For coastal routes like the Jones Beach Bikeway, you can park in the large beach lots (a fee may apply in season). Cedar Creek Park is a popular starting point for the Wantagh Parkway Bike Path.

Being prepared for any situation is key; our guide to hurricane preparedness on Long Island offers useful tips for planning ahead.

Conclusion

Exploring Long Island by bike is one of the best ways to connect with our local parks, beaches, and communities. From the family-friendly paths in Nassau County to the more varied terrain in Suffolk, there is a ride for every skill level. We encourage all residents to get out and explore these wonderful resources responsibly and safely.

Ready to find a local group ride or cycling event? Visit our Long Island events page for the latest happenings and subscribe to our newsletter for more community news.

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