STATEN ISLAND GIDDY-UP

Transportation Alternatives
Summer 2000

by Clarence Eckerson Jr

This 40-mi. ride boasts many exciting premiums. You’ll jaunt past Snug Harbor, the Staten Island Zoo, Historic  Richmondtown, the Staten Island Lighthouse and into the Gateway National Recreation Area. The terrain ranges from very hilly (Todt Hill, Lighthouse Road) to mostly flat with intermittent upgrades. Traffic is light to moderate except on Todt Hill and the last mile of Hylan Blvd.

Cool ocean breezes make this a great ride on a warm summer day. If you get tired or have a catastrophic breakdown, once you’re less than a mile from the Staten Island Rapid Transit trains once you reach the southernmost tip at the turn onto Hylan Blvd.  The train will take you back to the St. George Ferry Terminal.

From Manhattan, take the Staten Island Ferry, which is free, from the Whitehall Ferry Terminal at the Battery.  Cyclists must use the lower level and walk their bikes onto the ferry.  For departure times, call (718) 815-BOAT.

Key:  R = Right turn                L = Left turn
        BR = bear right                BL = bear left
        QR = quick right                QL = quick left
        GF = Gaily forward!            X = Cross
        x.x = cumulative mileage.

0.0        GF    Exit ferry.  Immediate R onto Richmond Terrace.
1.8        Snug Harbor Cultural Center, which is worth a visit.
2.3        L     Pelton.
2.8        R     Henderson. Go two blocks on Henderson and hang a left on Bement.
3.9        R     Clove Rd.
4.4        L    Martling. Visit the Staten Island Zoo, if you’re so inclined.
4.7        L     Slosson.
5.6        GF    Becomes Todt Hill Rd.  Climb!  If you’re game, explore side roads
            for majestic views of the Verrazano Bridge and New York City.
7.8        R     Richmond.
8.8        R     Rockland Ave.
9.4        L     Meisner.
9.8        L     Terrace Ct. Follow this around the bend as it becomes Lighthouse
            Rd.  To your left: the Atlantic Ocean.  Up on your right: the grand
            Staten Island Lighthouse.
10.4        R      Richmond Hill Road. Up ahead is Historic Richmondtown, a
                reconstruction of 18th-century Staten Island.  Good place for a break!
10.8        L    Arthur Kill Rd.
18.8        L    Bently, as soon as you see the dead end sign for Arthur Kill. Go two
                blocks and make R on Craig Ave.
19.5    L    Hylan Blvd.
27.3    R     Into Great Kills Park.  Go to the end (Crookes Point) and back (2 mi.
            each way) for views of Brooklyn, New Jersey, Manhattan and the
            Verrazano.  OPTION:  You can ride the adjacent multi-use path, but
            the speed limit is 10 mph and it’s often congested with pedestrians,
            bladers and children.
31.3    R     Back onto Hylan.  Use caution, heavy traffic.
31.9    R    Guyon.
32.3    L    Old Mill Rd.
32.8    R     Ebbits.
33.2    L    Cedar Grove.  Enter Miller Field and cross to the other side. Look
            for large opening in the fence directly opposite where you entered the
            park.  Go through.  Enter the Father Capodanno Blvd. bike lane.
36.5    GF    Father Capodanno Blvd. banks L to become Lilly Pond Rd.
            Continue under Rt. 278 (careful, stick to the bike lane) and bear R
            onto School Rd.
37.4    L    Bay St.
40.4        St. George Ferry Terminal.