Williamsburg is not only one of the coolest and most active boroughs in NYC; it’s also one of Brooklyn’s most bike-friendly neighborhoods, offering everything from protected waterfront paths to tree-lined residential streets perfect for leisurely rides. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist looking for your next urban adventure or a casual rider wanting to explore Brooklyn, Williamsburg’s diverse network of bike routes has something for everyone.
Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway
The Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway may just be Williamsburg’s premier cycling destination. This ambitious project, when completed, will span 26 miles along Brooklyn’s entire waterfront, with 18 miles currently open and ready for exploration. The Williamsburg section offers some of the most spectacular views of Manhattan’s skyline while providing a protected, landscaped route that’s perfect for cyclists of all skill levels.
Starting at North 14th Street and Kent Avenue, just blocks from McCarren Park, this route takes you through East River State Park and offers unobstructed views of the Williamsburg Bridge. The path is wide, well-maintained, and completely separated from vehicle traffic, making it ideal for families and casual riders who want to enjoy Brooklyn’s waterfront without worrying about cars.
Berry Street
One of Williamsburg’s most exciting recent additions is the Berry Street bike boulevard, which transformed a busy stretch between Broadway and North 12th Street in 2024. This innovative design features a two-way bike lane with one-way vehicle traffic, reducing traffic and creating a much safer environment for cyclists traversing the neighborhood.
Berry Street connects many of Williamsburg’s key destinations, from the bustling Bedford Avenue corridor to the quieter residential blocks near the East River. The boulevard design allows cyclists to move through the neighborhood efficiently while avoiding the faster-moving traffic on major arteries like Grand Street and Metropolitan Avenue.
Kent Avenue
The Kent Avenue bike path stretches from South Williamsburg all the way up through Greenpoint. This route offers cyclists the chance to experience the neighborhood’s industrial waterfront heritage while enjoying modern amenities like Domino Park, built on the site of the former Domino Sugar Factory.
The path provides easy access to both McCarren Park and the newly developed waterfront spaces, making it perfect for longer rides that combine urban exploration with green space relaxation. The relatively flat terrain and protected bike lanes make this route accessible for riders of all abilities.
Williamsburg Bridge Path
For those looking to expand their cycling horizons beyond Brooklyn, the Williamsburg Bridge bike path offers a family-friendly connection to Manhattan. The bridge features a dedicated cycling and pedestrian path that’s completely separated from vehicle traffic, with wide lanes that accommodate both bikes and pedestrians.
The bridge approach begins near the intersection of Broadway and Driggs Avenue, making it easily accessible from most Williamsburg neighborhoods. The path is wheelchair and stroller-friendly, with gentle grades that make the crossing manageable for cyclists of all fitness levels.
Neighborhood Streets
Beyond the major bike routes, Williamsburg’s grid of residential streets offers excellent opportunities for neighborhood exploration. Grand Street features bike lanes that connect the neighborhood’s eastern and western borders, while the quieter side streets like Metropolitan Avenue and North 7th Street provide car-light alternatives for local trips.
These neighborhood routes are perfect for discovering Williamsburg’s famous food scene, boutique shopping, and local culture. The relatively flat topography throughout most of the neighborhood makes it easy to hop between different areas without dealing with challenging hills.
Best Times to Ride
Spring and Fall offer the best cycling conditions in Williamsburg, with mild temperatures and lower humidity making longer rides more comfortable. The waterfront routes can be particularly enjoyable during these seasons, when the views are crisp and the crowds are more manageable. Summer brings extended daylight hours, though cyclists should plan for higher temperatures and more pedestrian traffic, especially along the waterfront paths and in popular areas near Bedford Avenue. Winter cycling may sound challenging, but is possible in Williamsburg, thanks to the flat terrain and well-maintained bike lanes.
Bike Resources
Citi Bike stations are abundant throughout Williamsburg, making it easy for riders to access the neighborhood’s bike network without owning a bicycle. Stations are strategically located near major route entrances and popular destinations.
For route planning, the NYC Department of Transportation’s 2025 bike map provides the most up-to-date information about bike lanes, paths, and routes throughout the neighborhood. Free copies are available at local bike shops, libraries, and community centers throughout Brooklyn. The neighborhood’s bike shops also offer rentals, repairs, and local route advice for visitors and residents looking to make the most of their cycling experience.
Get On Your Bike
The neighborhood’s bike routes connect seamlessly with broader Brooklyn cycling networks, making it possible to extend your ride south toward Brooklyn Bridge Park or north into Greenpoint and beyond. Most of Williamsburg’s bike routes are suitable for standard city bikes, though riders planning longer excursions along the waterfront or across bridges might appreciate bikes with multiple gears.
From protected waterfront paths to quiet neighborhood streets, Williamsburg offers some of Brooklyn’s most accessible and enjoyable cycling experiences. Whether you’re commuting, exercising, or simply exploring, these routes provide safe, scenic ways to experience one of New York’s most vibrant neighborhoods from the perspective of two wheels.
