Bike lessons · New York City

Learn to ride. Own the city.

Patient, one-on-one and small-group bike lessons for adults and kids. Start on a quiet car-free path in a park, and finish riding NYC's greenways with confidence.

  • Bike & helmet provided
  • Zero experience needed
  • 4 park meeting spots

Why ride in NYC? The facts

1,300+ mi

of bike lanes maintained by NYC DOT, including 140+ miles of on-street protected lanes.

Source: NYC Council, FY2027 DOT budget report ↗
150 min

of moderate-intensity activity per week is what the CDC says adults need. Riding to work or errands adds up fast.

Source: CDC, Adult Activity Overview ↗
16+

is the minimum age to ride a Citi Bike, NYC's bike share.

Source: Citi Bike Help ↗
Under 14

Riders under 14 must wear a certified helmet under New York State law.

Source: NYC311, Bike Helmet ↗
How it works

From "I can't ride" to riding the city in four steps

No pressure and no judgment. We go at your pace, and most beginners are pedaling on their own by the end of their first or second session.

  1. Book

    Pick a lesson type and a time that works. Tell us your experience level and goals, and we'll match you with the right plan.

  2. Meet at a park or greenway

    We meet at one of four car-free spots. Your fitted bike and helmet will be waiting when you arrive.

  3. Learn

    Balance first, then pedaling, braking, steering and signaling. Each skill builds on the one before it.

  4. Ride the city

    Practice in bike lanes and on the greenways, learn the rules of the road, and plan routes for your own commute.

Lessons & pricing

A lesson for every kind of rider

Every private lesson includes a bike, a helmet and personal instruction.

Prices are per lesson. Buy 3 adult lessons for $420 and save $30.

Kids (ages 4–12)

Patient, game-based lessons with lots of high-fives.

$120 / 45 min
  • Private or sibling lessons
  • Kid-size bikes & helmets provided
  • Parents welcome to watch & learn tips
  • Simple tips to practice between lessons
Book a Kids lesson

Refresher & City Riding

You can ride, but NYC traffic feels intimidating.

$95 / 45 min
  • Bike lanes, intersections & signaling
  • Citi Bike how-to (riders 16+)
  • Commute route planning
  • Guided ride on a greenway
Book City Riding

Also available: group lessons for 2–6 friends, families or coworkers ($85 per person, 60 min). Ask about groups →

Meeting spots

Learn on car-free paths, then ride on

We typically meet at one of four of NYC's best places to learn. The exact meeting point is confirmed when you book.

Manhattan

Central Park

Wide loop drives with no cars and gentle terrain near the south end, which is great for first rides.

Meet: typically near Grand Army Plaza (59th St & Fifth Ave) or the Great Lawn area, confirmed when you book

Brooklyn

Prospect Park

A car-free loop and plenty of open space, popular with families and kids learning to ride.

Meet: typically at the Long Meadow, near the Grand Army Plaza entrance, confirmed when you book

Manhattan West Side

Hudson River Greenway

A dedicated riverside path with long, flat stretches. Ideal for city-riding and commute practice.

Meet: typically along Hudson River Park in Chelsea or Midtown, confirmed when you book

Brooklyn Waterfront

Brooklyn Bridge Park

Smooth waterfront paths with skyline views. A favorite spot for refresher lessons and confidence rides.

Meet: typically near Pier 1 by Fulton Ferry, confirmed when you book

Your instructor

Hi, I'm Brian Landauer 👋

I'm the founder and instructor of Bike Lessons NYC. I started Bike Lessons NYC because I believe anyone can learn to ride, at any age. Biking is one of the most freeing ways to see this city.

I'm based in New York City and teach every lesson myself. My approach is calm and step-by-step. We never push you into traffic before you're ready.

Good to know

Real facts about where we ride

A few sourced facts about the places and rules we cover in lessons. No testimonials, just the basics.

Fact

Central Park's 6.1-mile loop

Source: Citi Bike NYC

The Central Park Full Loop runs along the park's 6.1-mile interior perimeter and takes most people about 45 to 60 minutes on a Citi Bike. It includes hills, so beginners often start with the flatter southern section.

Citi Bike: Central Park Full Loop

Fact

Prospect Park's 3.35-mile loop

Source: Prospect Park Alliance

Bicycling is permitted on the park drives, including the 3.35-mile loop, in the marked cycling lanes and traveling counterclockwise. Children under 14 may ride on pedestrian paths, and helmets are required for children 14 and under.

Prospect Park Alliance: Bicycling

Fact

Citi Bike is for riders 16+

Source: Citi Bike help center

Citi Bike riders must be 16 or older, which is why our City Riding lesson covers how to unlock, ride and dock one for riders who are ready.

Citi Bike: Tips for riding safely

General information from the linked sources; check them for current rules.

FAQ

Questions, answered

Book a lesson

Ready to roll?

Answer a few quick questions about you and when you're free. We'll get back to you to confirm your time and meeting spot.

  • Lessons by appointment, spring through fall, weather permitting