Parking in New York City

Lucusice

Lucusice

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Hey guys,

So I'm planning a trip out to NYC with the girlfriend. We're going to take a route through Niagara Falls down to Allentown the first day (stopping in at Letchworth Park for a break). The next day we'll be going in to NYC for a few days.

I'm pretty worried about the driving in Manhattan as I've been there a few times and it seems really erratic. I was wondering if anyone has ridden out there and would be able to suggest places to leave my bike where it'll be safe.

Also, on the way back up, i think we'll do the more scenic route that crosses the boarder out by Kingston - if anyone has any suggestions on where to stop for some cool views, I'd love to hear!
 
When I was visiting Manhattan, I left my bike in a parking building (used mostly by all the hotels in the area for valet parking). They are everywhere, just ask a local. Not cheap - they charge about $35-$40/night but I think I paid half price because I was a moto.

As for riding in Manhattan, it's a little bit crazy, the traffic is entirely all yellow cabbies and they're very aggressive, but they seem to know the dimensions of their vehicle fairly well and there are relatively few fender benders given the density.

Not sure if you've already set a date, but the best time to ride the island is to go on a US long weekend. Everyone will be in the Hamptons. We went Labour Day (sorry, Labor Day) long weekend and the streets were empty, especially on Sunday morning - stop light grand prix from one end of the city to the other.
 
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Call me crazy, but I love riding/driving in NYC. Really gets your heart rate going.

Normally I'll find somewhere to park on the street for free. Not advisable if you like your bike, most New Yorkers park by feel. Parking garage is probably your best bet.
 
When I went 2 months ago, I just took the bus/taxi.

Most of the bikes I see that are parked on the street/sidewalk have their plates removed for some reason... Probably to avoid parking tickets???

Unlike regder, I would hate to drive down there.. Although.. I would have to say driving in Toronto may be worse due to inattention. At least in NYC jaywalkers know what they're doing as it seems NO ONE adheres to walk signals but people are attentive there in general.

I have seen many dings and hit and runs from people getting in and out of parking spots on the street though...

Watch out for the "No Honking - $300 fine" signs :P Seems pretty hefty with a lot of popos to enforce it.
They also have a "Do not stop in box - $xxx fine" sign in the middle of big intersections so people don't stop in the middle. Wish they had these here...

If you stay on the outer areas of NYC, traffic isn't bad at all, just if you go through it.
 
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Thanks guys,

I really appreciate all the help and PMs as well! I'll take some good pics along the way and throw em up in a thread when I get back.
 
If you are still looking for a good place to store your bike, PM ME. There is a amazing person in manhatten about 15mins from times square that will let you store.

Rode to manhatten 2 yrs ago - and it was amazing.
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