The Cycling Journey from Manhattan to Jersey City: Time and Route Considerations
Yes, you can ride a bicycle from Manhattan to Jersey City. The most practical routes involve crossing the Hudson River using bridges and tunnels, or the PATH train service that accommodates bicycles. Let's explore the various options and estimated time for this scenic and adventurous trip.
Route Options
George Washington Bridge: This route is longer but offers dedicated bike paths. It is a popular choice for those who prefer cycling with fewer stops and a smoother journey.
Holland Tunnel: Unlike the George Washington Bridge, bicycles are not allowed in the Holland Tunnel. However, you can ride your bike to the entrance, park it, and proceed with the PATH train, which is a convenient alternative.
PATH Train: Another option is to take the PATH train, which provides a bike-friendly service. You can ride your bike to a PATH station and then take it on the train to Jersey City.
Estimated Time
Distance: The distance from Manhattan to Jersey City varies depending on your route and starting point. Generally, it is approximately 5 to 7 miles.
Biking Time: If you choose to bike directly, it typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes, not including any time you might spend waiting or transferring at the PATH station. However, factors such as traffic, weather, and your cycling speed can significantly impact the overall travel time.
Additional Considerations
It's important to plan your route carefully, especially regarding bike access and any restrictions you might encounter. Familiarize yourself with the paths and modes of transportation before starting your journey.
Personal Experiences
I have only biked this route once, from Manhattan to Jersey City. On the return journey from Jersey City to Manhattan, I have done it around ten to twelve times but haven't attempted it this year. Decades ago, I remember vividly leading a group from St. George to Mariners Harbor on Staten Island. We ended our lunch and some decided to return by ferry, but three of us were curious about the route to New Jersey. I guided them across the old Bayonne Bridge. In northeastern Bayonne, we briefly lost our way, but we eventually found the route. In Jersey City, two of us opted to take the boat or train back to Manhattan, and so did I, but one friend wanted to visit his granddaughter in Washington Heights. I led him there, and only when he met her on Broadway was I glad to ride the 'A Train' the rest of the way home. It was tiring.
Forty years ago, I was much stronger and had different adventures. One sunny day, I cycled from Paterson, along the Upper Passaic River, over the Watchung Mountain range, and to the Newark Plain, all the way to the PATH train as the moon rose ahead of me. Now being old and feeble, I seldom bike more than twenty miles or climb anything taller than the Palisades.
One memorable and rare occasion was when I was part of the welcoming party for Sarah Outen as she cycled across the Hudson River arriving from Alaska. I was once as cute as Sarah but never that tough.