While the tides are shifting in favor of a more bike-friendly society, New Yorkers who love to ride on two wheels still face many obstacles, from a lack of bike racks on buses to too few protected bike lanes.
This spring and summer, escape the confining city streets and set out for the vast (and even car-free) expanse of Long Island, where beach-perched hotel properties are offering great, green incentives to visit. These three spots—including a historic farmhouse and a posh, pet-friendly inn–are inviting guests to ditch the gas-guzzlers and explore the area on their complimentary bikes instead.
1. The Maidstone | East Hampton
The Maidstone is a boutique design hotel located in the historic district of East Hampton, New York. The hotel features 19 individually designed rooms that reflect a whimsical take on the traditional Americana and Hamptons aesthetics. The hotel also offers an on-site gourmet restaurant, a bar and lounge, and bicycles for guests to explore the area.
The Maidstone is a perfect choice for travelers who are looking for a chic and cozy accommodation in the Hamptons. The hotel is within walking distance from the Main Beach, the Guild Hall, and the Home Sweet Home Museum. Guests can also enjoy the hotel’s amenities, such as free parking, free Wi-Fi, and a permit for beach parking. The hotel is pet-friendly and welcomes guests with their furry companions.
The Bikes: Kronan; A Swedish Military Bike
Where to Ride: LongHouse Reserve, a 14-minute excursion.
Room Rate: From $225
How to get there: The Hampton Jitney will drop you in front of The Palm Restaurant on Main Street (Montauk Hwy 27). From there head West (in the opposite direction whence you came) and the hotel will be on your right. (About a 10-minute walk.)
2. Clegg’s Hotel | Fire Island
Clegg’s Hotel is a historic hotel located in Ocean Beach, one of the most popular destinations on Fire Island. The hotel offers a cozy and affordable accommodation option for travelers who want to enjoy the beach and the nightlife. The hotel features 23 rooms, some with private bathrooms and some with shared bathrooms.
The hotel also provides free bikes, beach chairs, and umbrellas for guests to use. Clegg’s Hotel is a family-run business that has been operating since 1946, making it one of the oldest hotels on Fire Island. The hotel is known for its friendly and helpful staff, who can assist guests with any needs or requests. Clegg’s Hotel is a great choice for travelers who are looking for a simple and charming place to stay on Fire Island.
The Bikes: Cruisers
Where to Ride: Fire Island is car free so you can bike comfortably around the village of Ocean Beach (boasting a 36-mile stretch of surf-worthy coastline) and throughout the island.
Room Rate: From $160 midweek to $450 for a bay view room on weekends
How to get there: The Fire Island Ferry will take you to Ocean Beach right near the hotel.
3. Sunset Beach Hotel | Shelter Island
If you’re looking for a romantic getaway with stunning ocean views, you might want to check out Sunset Beach Hotel on Shelter Island, New York. This seasonal boutique hotel offers 20 cozy rooms with a variety of amenities, such as free parking, high-speed internet, bicycles, and pets allowance. You can also enjoy the bar, lounge, and beach access, or indulge in room service and concierge.
Sunset Beach Hotel is not only a place to relax, but also a place to explore. You can join the table tennis, hiking, and cycling activities, or visit some nearby attractions, such as the Antique Carousel, Mashomack Preserve, Lavender By The Bay, and Horton Point Lighthouse. And don’t forget to try the continental breakfast and the delicious dishes at the hotel’s restaurant.
The Bikes: Mountain Bikes
Where to Ride: Mashomack Preserve, a 32-minute trip.
Room Rate: Mid-week rates from $345, weekend rates from $565
How to get there: Visit the hotel’s location page for different travel options from NYC.
Photo: Courtesy of Ruby’s Cove
The co-founder and editor-at-large at offMetro, Lauren is a sustainable travel specialist and freelance journalist with frequent bylines in National Geographic, Bicycling Magazine and Shape. Follow Lauren’s adventures at @laurenmati.
Sarah Knapp is a Brooklyn based entrepreneur whose love for the outdoors and community building led her to the October 2013 creation of OutdoorFest. She has a BA in History, is a Wilderness First Responder and a NY state hiking, camp and boating guide. Her proudest achievement to date is reading the Aeneid in Latin. 
Allison was one of our first top writers and Chief Editor but is no longer working with offMetro. Allison is a native New Yorker, who has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne, Toronto and Los Angeles. She frequently contributed travel pieces to Family Travel Forum, using her own children as guinea pigs as they travel the globe. She never missed a chance to sample local delicacies, as her love for travel goes hand-in-hand with her love for food and wine. 
Josh Laskin is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. When he is not at work or on the road, you can find him in the mountains snowboarding, climbing, hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, and eating bagel bites.
Annie is a travel writer, environmentalist, and surfer based in Venice, CA. She heads up our West Coast team, keeps our grammatical errors in check, and makes sure our California writers always have a plan for their next adventure. Follow Annie’s travels @annelisemcb.
Carly Pifer is a freelance writer who has been known to follow whims inspired by romantic movie scenes or colorful street style shots to India, Japan, Tunisia and Argentina. After stints living in Seoul, Boston, Paris and Los Angeles, writing and searching for something intangible, she landed somewhat steadily in Brooklyn and has begun to find inspiration in her more immediate surroundings. 
Kate E. O’Hara is a New York based freelance writer and photographer who loves all things food—especially the people who make it and market it. Her writing aims to capture the essence of the food experience; the stories that go well beyond a plate of ingredients. In addition to her love of food, Kate is also known to have a hankering for red wine and craft beer. You can also find Kate on Instagram