Another way to ward off “hibernation” this season: ride a bike! Environmentally friendly, heart healthy and oh so fashionable, bikes are rolling their way into Manhattan full-speed ahead. Over the summer, the city completed a 200-mile installation of bike lanes in the 5 boroughs. What could be a better way to enjoy the fall foliage and explore the city’s parks and waterfronts?!

Not sure if it’s for you? Rent a bike for the day and see for yourself. Organizations such as Bike New York (www.bikenewyork.org) and Transportation Alternatives (www.transalt.org) have great resources on their websites including this updated list of bike rental shops in NYC. If you want to skip the online research, head straight to Central Park. There are dozens of street vendors with bikes for rent… ya can’t miss them!

How far can a bike get you? In NYC, bicycles are allowed on the subways, Metro-North, LIRR, NJ Transit and PATH trains- with just a few regulations. Check them out here:

Metro-North Railroad

LIRR

NJ TRANSIT

PATH

New York Subways

Regardless of how you get your bike or where you decide to ride it, we suggest wearing your pencil jeans, adding some flowers to the bike basket, and fantasizing that you’re on a European vacation with your hubby! Um but skip the cigs and wear a helmet.