There may not be many lighthouses that still guide ships into and through harbours--at least not here in the US. However, many are all but irrestistible as destinations, or at least landmarks for bike rides.
This one is only a few minutes' ride from my apartment.
It's at the northern end of Roosevelt Island, that sliver of rock between Manhattan and Queens. It's what I usually envision when I'm pedaling over the bridge to the island, and it's the point at which I feel an escape from the city becomes a meandering, however brief, along the coast.
Ironically, following the lighthouse yesterday may have been one of my last opportunities for an after-work ride in daylight.