The safest way to travel in New York City is generally considered to be the MTA Subway or Official Yellow Taxis, but "safety" depends on how you define it. Statistically, the subway is incredibly safe regarding accidents and is the most efficient way to avoid the city's notorious traffic. For personal security, especially late at night, many travelers prefer official Yellow Cabs or Green Cabs (dispatched via the Curb app) or reputable rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, which provide GPS tracking and "share my trip" features. Walking is also very safe in the vast majority of Manhattan and Brooklyn neighborhoods, provided you stay aware of your surroundings and stick to well-lit, populated avenues. If you are a cyclist, the expanded "Citi Bike" network and protected bike lanes provide a safe way to move, though you must remain vigilant about "dooring" and pedestrian traffic. For those visiting for the first time, the "Hop-On Hop-Off" buses are a very safe and controlled way to see the sights. Overall, NYC is one of the safest large cities in the world, and using common-sense urban awareness is your best tool for a safe journey.