Ocean Parkway Bike Path
Trail Guide
easy

Ocean Parkway Bike Path

Park Slope
5 miles
4.7/5
5 mi
Distance
30-40 min
Duration
point to-point
Route Type
4.7/5
Rating
Trail Overview

Ocean Parkway is America's oldest bike path, dating back to 1894. This 5-mile path runs from Prospect Park to Coney Island, taking cyclists from the heart of Brooklyn to the famous beach and boardwalk.

The path is a historic landmark and one of Brooklyn's most important cycling corridors, connecting diverse neighborhoods and ending at one of New York's most iconic destinations.

Distance
5 miles
Difficulty
easy
Surface
Paved, well-maintained
Route Type
point to-point
Location
Prospect Park to Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY
Neighborhood
Park Slope

Trail Tags

HistoricFamily-FriendlyBeach AccessTree-Lined
What to Expect on This Brooklyn Bike Path

America's Oldest Bike Path

Designated in 1894, Ocean Parkway is the oldest dedicated bike path in the United States — a true piece of cycling history.

Coney Island Destination

The path ends at Coney Island Beach and Boardwalk, making it the perfect destination ride for a summer day.

Tree-Lined Corridor

The path is lined with mature trees, providing shade and a pleasant riding experience through residential Brooklyn.

Historic Landmark

Ocean Parkway is a designated New York City landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Points of Interest Along the Way

Historic America's first bike path (1894)


Connects Prospect Park to Coney Island beach


Tree-lined path through residential Brooklyn

Best Times to Ride

Early Morning (7–10 AM)

The best time to ride in Brooklyn. Paths are quieter, temperatures are cooler, and you'll beat the commuter traffic on popular routes like Prospect Park.

Late Morning (10 AM–Noon)

Great for longer rides once you're warmed up. Watch for increased pedestrian and tourist traffic near popular spots like the Brooklyn Bridge.

Avoid Rush Hours

Brooklyn's busiest cycling times are weekday rush hours (8–9 AM and 5–6 PM). For a more relaxed ride, aim for mid-morning, early afternoon, or evenings. Always use lights at night.

Gear Up Before You Ride

Before hitting Ocean Parkway Bike Path, make sure you're fully prepared for urban cycling. Check out our local Brooklyn bike shops for gear, bike rentals, spare tubes, or a quick tune-up.

Williamsburg Bike Shop

Brooklyn's premier bike shop, conveniently located near popular cycling routes

Park Slope Bikes

Perfect for last-minute gear, maps, or a quick bike check before your ride

Safety Tips for Cycling in Brooklyn, NY
  • •Wear a helmet: Always wear a properly fitted helmet — Brooklyn streets are busy and unpredictable
  • •Use bike lanes: Stick to protected bike lanes and greenways whenever possible — Kent Avenue, Ocean Parkway, and the Brooklyn Greenway are your friends
  • •Watch for pedestrians: Brooklyn has heavy foot traffic, especially near parks and tourist areas. Always yield and ring your bell
  • •Bring water & snacks: Urban rides can be long and hot in summer. Bring more water than you think you need plus energy snacks
  • •Know bridge etiquette: Bridge paths get crowded. Keep right, pass on the left, and walk your bike when paths are packed
Trail Location
Marker
Leaflet © OpenStreetMap

Prospect Park to Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY

Plan Your Route

Ready to ride Ocean Parkway Bike Path? Use our AI-Powered Route Planner to map your perfect ride.

Explore More Brooklyn Bike Paths

Looking for more Brooklyn bike paths? Check out our complete guide to bike paths in Brooklyn and connect with local Brooklyn cycling groups to find your next riding crew.

Current Weather
54°F
Clear Sky
1 mph
Wind
0 mm
Precipitation
Ride Conditions: Good

Decent riding conditions today.

Live data via Open-Meteo · Austin, TX

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Nearby Bike Shops

Find gear, repairs, and rentals near this trail.