Bike Around the Island
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June 5, 2009
Governors Island had a record turnout for its opening day last Saturday, boasting 8,000 visitors. This upcoming weekend might prove equally popular, with the return of Free Bike Fridays.
The 172-acre island and former military base began the program last year, allowing visitors to borrow a bike, for free, for up to an hour. This year, the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corp. says it will have more than 200 bikes available, for use around five miles of car-free lanes. For the first time, cyclists will be able to bike the entire 2.2-mile promenade that encircles the island.
Bikers also will have accessibility to Picnic Point, a new eight-acre picnic spot on the island’s southwestern corner.
Visitors can bring their own bikes to avoid the $15 rental fee on Saturdays and Sundays (prices for two-hour use). Bike and Roll, the company that sponsors the program, also rents four-person bike surreys, children’s bikes and wagons. The kiosk is located immediately on the left once visitors disembark the ferry.
Other island activities planned for this weekend include a free performance by Zvi Dance, White, and a Jazz-Age Lawn Party, featuring Michael Arnella and the Dreamland Orchestra, for $5.
Governors Island is open from now until Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
Ferry ride from lower Manhattan and admission to Governor’s Island, is free.
Visit the Governors Island blog and Web site for more information.
