I have a NYC bike. It weights 50 pounds with a large basket,
no gears (I walk it up hills) and only a foot brake. There are big tires, a
wide seat and it is a dirty lime green color. One can spot it a block away. I
ride it in Riverside Park mostly in the spring through the fall. Years ago I
used it around Manhattan for appointments and errands but the city has become
too congested and dangerous for bike riders. I tried the bike lanes but found
delivery trucks blocking much of my Upper West Side lanes.
When the PR firm for Bike & Roll NYC sent me a press
release re Segway tours of Liberty State Park I immediately signed up.
My 20 minute ferry ride from The World Financial Center
ferry terminal passed by the New Jersey waterfront 9/11 memorial, the Wall Street
financial firms high-rise office buildings and the Hyatt Regency Hotel in
Jersey City. There was a short pause to take the obligatory Statue of Liberty
photo and a view of Ellis Island, which was our country’s primary immigration
terminal from 1892 to 1954. When we docked at the 1,212-acre waterfront Liberty
State Park there was a short walk to our 20-minute Segway riding lesson. Note-
In NYC they are illegal to operate on the streets or sidewalks. It was then off
for the 1 1/2 hour Segway tour within the park. It was great to see Manhattan
from sea level less than a mile away. Richard my guide took me through the
secret garden, along the bird estuary, wildlife habitats, open water, nature
trails, playgrounds and promenade and next to the just concluded golf
tournament- The Barclay held at Liberty National Golf Club. There were people
fishing, picnicking and grilling and waiting to catch the boat to the Statue of
Liberty (the lines are much shorter here).
The tour is $79 and departs twice daily at 10:30AM and
1:30PM. You must be over 16 and between 100 and 260 pounds, and not pregnant. I
was told that members of a group that don’t or can’t use the Segway could rent
a bicycle ($10 an hour) and follow along with the Segways.
For information about Bike & Roll many guided and
self-guided New York City tours- www.bikenewyorkcity.com