Access is only on the weekend during the day so catching the first ferry at 10am affords more time to enjoy the island.
No motorized vehicles are allowed on the island, except for US National Park Service staff so pedestrians and cyclists have exclusive use of the roads and paths.
The island has only been open to the public in the last five years as it was previously an Army base and then a US Coast Guard facility.
http://www.govisland.com/html/history/history.shtml
Most of the island is still closed to the public, but there are historic buildings to visit such as Castle Williams and Fort Jay as well as cafes and craft shops. Plus probably the best view of the Manhattan skyline.
You also get a peek at the Statue of Liberty from afar.
Riding around Governor's Island is quite 'liberating' since the Park Service staff let cyclists go pretty well anywhere.
If you did not bring your own bike, there are hundreds of rental bikes available on the island. Just remember that a visit to Governor's Island is a leisure activity and a ride back into a little known history of New York City. There are no fast-paced circuits of the island. Head back to Central Park if you are looking for a work-out.
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