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OFFICIAL PROGRAM AND RIDE GUIDE

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Program

BIKE NEW YORK STAFF

A LETTER FROM ZOHRAN MAMDANI

MAYOR OF NEW YORK CITY

Dear Friends,

I am delighted to welcome everyone as Bike New York presents the 48th annual TD Five Boro Bike Tour.

New Yorkers deserve to be safe no matter how they commute — whether they bike, use mass transit, walk, or drive. Our administration is committed to delivering genuine street safety by advancing critical projects, including implementing parking-protected bike lanes and upgrading or redesigning existing infrastructure to support cyclists. Bike New York advances our mission by offering free bike education in partnership with the Department of Education (DOE) and the Department of Transportation (DOT), as well as free bicycles and job training, annually to thousands of underserved New Yorkers. Every year, its cycling tour across the five boroughs, the largest charitable ride in the world, gives tens of thousands of participants the chance to exercise and explore new corners of our global metropolis while raising funds for a variety of nonprofit groups. I applaud everyone associated with this energetic event for their efforts to advocate for our cycling community and encourage active lifestyles. Together, we will keep our streets accessible and secure for all.

On behalf of the City of New York, I offer my best wishes for

Proud to support

TD FIVE BORO BIKE TOUR

A LETTER FROM PODZIBA

PRESIDENT & CEO OF BIKE NEW YORK

Dear Fellow Cyclists,

Welcome to the TD Five Boro Bike Tour. Today, more than 32,000 cyclists come together to ride through New York City in a truly extraordinary way.

For one day, the streets of this great city belong to cyclists. Whether this is your first ride or your twentieth, you are part of a tradition that celebrates the joy, freedom, and community that cycling brings to our lives. From the excitement at the start to the moment you cross the finish line, the ride offers countless opportunities to create lasting memories—with friends, family, fellow riders, and the city itself.

The TD Five Boro Bike Tour is more than just an unforgettable journey through all five boroughs. It is the only opportunity each year to experience New York City from the seat of a bicycle—traveling through its streets, highways, bridges, and neighborhoods without cars while riding alongside thousands of fellow cyclists from across the country and around the world.

Your participation today also supports the mission of Bike New York. Proceeds from the Tour fund programs that transform lives through bicycling—from workforce development initiatives that train justice involved New Yorkers for careers in the bike industry, to free bike education classes that help thousands of people each year learn to ride safely and confidently. The Tour also helps advance our advocacy efforts to create safer, more equitable streets with more space for bicyclists and pedestrians.

Events of this scale are only possible because of extraordinary partnerships. We are deeply grateful to Commissioner Mike Flynn and his team at the New York City Department

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of Transportation for co-producing the Tour, as well as all of our government partners who help make this day safe and successful, including the NYPD, CECM, FDNY, DSNY, NYC Parks, National Park Service, Port Authority, NYC DEP, NYC Department of Health, SAPO, MTA Bridges and Tunnels, TBTA, NYC Emergency Management, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army Reserve, U.S. Park Police, NYC Transit, Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North Railroad, and NYC Tourism.

We also extend our sincere thanks to our sponsors and partners. We are especially grateful to our longtime title sponsor TD, presenting sponsors Manhattan Portage and Volvo, and our valued partners Bloomberg, EmblemHealth, Primal Wear, iHeartRadio, Clif Bar, Unlimited Biking, Kryptonite, Electrolit, Upway, Jamaica Hospital, MarathonFoto, and Con Edison.

Finally, a heartfelt thank-you to the more than 2,000 volunteers who give their time and energy to make the Tour run smoothly. As you ride the course today, please take a moment to thank them—they are an essential part of making this day possible.

Most importantly, I hope today brings you joy. Ride safely, take in the incredible sights, cheer on your fellow riders, savor every mile of this remarkable ride—and create memories that will stay with you long after the finish line.

Warm regards,

Ken Podziba President & CEO Bike New York

A LETTER FROM MIKE FLYNN

NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION COMMISSIONER

Welcome to Bike New York’s TD Five Boro Bike Tour!

A ride like this will change the way a person thinks about New York City.

On this rare occasion, bike bells and the cheers of cyclists replace the honking cars, and exhaust fumes that typically choke some of our city’s most beautiful public spaces.

Every year, the TD Five Boro Bike Tour gives cyclists a rare chance to ride New York City’s most iconic routes from Wall Street to the Verrazzano –Narrows Bridge, car-free. This year I’m thrilled to join Bike New York as an official host as the commissioner of New York City’s Department of Transportation (NYC DOT).

Whether this is your first time on the tour, or you’re a returning cyclist back for another round, nothing compares to 40 miles of car-free streets that connect all five boroughs of the greatest city in the world. Crossing the finish line alongside my daughter, who was 11 years old at the time, and watching her persevere to complete the longest bike ride she’d ever done, remains one of my proudest moments as a parent.

The TD Five Boro Bike Tour is a beacon of hope for New Yorkers. Car-free events like this are a reminder of the joy and community we can build when we reclaim our streets for people, not cars.

As we celebrate cycling on car-free streets today, I am proud to also celebrate the progress we’ve made to enhance safety and accessibility across the five boroughs. 2025 was New York City’s best year on record for traffic safety, and this encouraging progress is in large part due to public investments in street safety redesigns that provide additional space for pedestrians, cyclists, and buses. On a typical day, there are over 660,000 cycling trips made in New York City, including over 100,000 rides each day on Citi Bike, North America’s largest bikeshare program.

NYC’s bike network makes streets safer and more accessible for all New Yorkers and bike ridership continues to shatter records year after year. Under the leadership of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, NYC DOT is fully committed to doubling down on safe street designs and introducing bold new ideas to keep fueling this amazing cycling growth for years to come. Cycling is a safe, sustainable, and affordable way for New Yorkers to get around and we want to make it even safer and more convenient.

I want to offer thanks to Ken Podziba and the entire team at Bike New York for their commitment to cycling in New York City, and to bringing this event to life each year. I’d also like to thank the team members at NYC DOT, NYPD, and all other city agencies who play a role in bringing this event to life.

From all of us here at NYC DOT, have an amazing ride, stay safe, and enjoy every car-free moment today.

Mike Flynn Commissioner

New York City Department of Transportation

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A LETTER FROM RALPH BUMBACA

REGIONAL PRESIDENT OF METRO NEW YORK TD BANK

Welcome to the 2025 TD Five Boro Bike Tour!

This signature New York City experience is like no other as we ride together on traffic-free streets through our iconic neighborhoods and enjoy the cheers of residents along the way. It is truly special the way the TD Five Boro Bike Tour brings tens of thousands of people together through a shared passion for cycling — from casual riders to seasoned cyclists — and a love of this great city.

Each year, more than 30,000 riders take part in this unforgettable 40-mile journey through all five boroughs, experiencing New York City from a perspective that only a bike can provide. As a native of Brooklyn, one of my favorite moments is rolling into those familiar streets, passing homes, and store fronts — a reminder of the incredible energy and community that defines this city.

TD has been proud to be part of the New York City landscape for more than two decades, and we are honored to support the TD Five Boro Bike Tour for the 19th year. Our relationship with Bike New York reflects a shared commitment to strengthening communities and expanding access to safe, sustainable cycling across the city.

This year, TD colleagues once again joined together in support of Bike New York’s mission through volunteer efforts and a bike build project dedicated to helping young people learn to ride. Bike New York’s ongoing commitment to bicycle education and sustainability aligns closely with TD’s own purpose of enriching the lives of our clients, colleagues, and communities. Funds raised through the Tour help support free bike education programs that reach thousands of New Yorkers each year.

On behalf of TD and our more than 2,000 colleagues across New York City, thank you for joining us and being part of the 2026 TD Five Boro Bike Tour.

See you on the tour!

Ralph Bumbaca Regional President, Metro New York TD Bank U.S.

Cycling builds confidence, connection and community.

I’M A BIKE NEW YORK ER

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

• Members receive Membership exclusive merchandise

• All Members ride in Start Wave 1 of the TD Five Boro Bike Tour

• Members receive 15% off on Bike New York Regional Rides

• Members receive 50% off hourly bike rentals with Unlimited Biking (Tour rentals and e-bikes are excluded from this promotion).

• Members receive 15% off bags from Manhattan Portage

• Members receive 15% off helmets from FEND

• We will notify you about our membersonly Social Rides, Local Rides, and Meet and Greet events via our monthly newsletter.

• Members get 25% off on all purchases at Primal Wear (exclusions may apply, contact us for details).

• Members receive 20% off on CLEVERHOOD rain gear.

• Members also receive 10% off all purchases at our Bike New York Online Shop, including jerseys, other apparel, and Tour merchandise.

• Members receive 15% off all Kryptonite products at Bike New York's Recycle-A-Bicycle shop.

• Members receive 10% off on repair service at Bike New York's Recycle-A-Bicycle shop

• Members receive $100 off Bike New York’s Intensive Bicycle Repair Course

For More Information Click Here

BIKE NEW YORK’S EDUCATION PROGRAMS

They say you never forget how to ride a bike, but many people never had the chance to learn. We offer free classes and programs for adults and children throughout the year at more than a dozen Community Bike Education Centers and bike shops across the five boroughs. Learn more and sign up at www.bike.nyc/education.

Youth Classes

KIDS’ LEARN TO RIDE CLASS

This free group class is for children who are ready to ditch their training wheels and ride a two-wheeler for the first time. With our safe, easy, effective method and experienced instructors, kids will learn how to balance, pedal, start, stop, and steer a bicycle. Most students get the hang of it in one session!

AFTER SCHOOL AND SUMMER PROGRAMS

We teach youth ages 10 and up the skills to ride a bike, the rules of the road, best practices for riding in a group and on the streets, and the joy and freedom of biking. Sessions are one day per week for several weeks.

BICYCLE FIELD TRIPS

Schools can bring groups of youth ages 10 and up on a 2-hour field trip to one of our Bicycle Education Centers, where they can learn how to ride a bike for the first time, learn safety and basic bike handling skills, and take a group ride using our fleet of bikes.

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WHEN LIFE GOES SIDEWAYS, YOU GET ON YOUR BIKE

A JOURNEY FROM PARTICIPANT TO VOLUNTEER TO DONOR

Julie Blackburn didn’t set out to become deeply involved with Bike New York. Like so many riders, she simply signed up for the TD FIVE BORO BIKE TOUR.

That was more than twenty years ago.

What started as one ride through the five boroughs became something much bigger — a way of navigating the city, a way of connecting with people, and eventually, a way of giving back.

A lifelong cyclist, after riding the Tour, she began volunteering — helping register riders for the TD Five Boro Bike Tour, assisting with Bike Education classes, and eventually stepping into leadership. She became a League-certified instructor and

served as a Marshall Captain in Central Park under Dave Schlichting, long-time volunteer and leader at Bike New York.

But what kept her coming back wasn’t just the riding — it was the changes she saw

Through Bike New York’s education programs, Julie witnessed transformation up close. People who had never had the chance to ride learned for the first time — often as adults. Kids who couldn’t afford a bike earned one through the Earn-A-Bike program, gaining the skills and confidence to maintain the

bicycle they’d earned. She saw women, many later in life, discover cycling and, with it, a new sense of independence and community.

“Biking brings people together in a way that almost nothing else does,” Julie said. “You’ll find yourself riding alongside people from completely different walks of life — and suddenly you’re connected.”

That belief ultimately led Julie to give.

During the height of COVID, Julie ran into Bike New York’s Director of Education, Rich Conroy. With the cancellation of the TD Five Boro Bike Tour, the organization had lost its primary source of funding. The free bike education programs that serve thousands of New Yorkers each year were suddenly at risk. For Julie, the opportunity was clear.

“I like high-efficiency giving,” she says. “I want to know my donation will be used well, and that the organization is transparent.”

She made a gift — and has continued to give annually — because she has seen firsthand what Bike New York makes possible.

Her connection was personal, too. Rich had taught her how to ride in all kinds of conditions and helped shape how she understands cycling in the city — especially the idea that cyclists are safest when they ride confidently, remain predictable and are treated as part of traffic.

She became involved with the New York Cycle Club, helping curate the Ride Library, starting weekly Wednesday rides for what she calls “stressed-out professionals” and leading rides that

explore the many wonders of NYC. In a city that rarely slows down, the rides became a reset — a chance to breathe, move, and reconnect.

“New York can be overwhelming,” she says. “But on a bike, everything changes. You find space. You find calm.”

Ask Julie her favorite route, and she’ll send you to the Rockaways — a ride from Lower Manhattan across bridges and through Brooklyn neighborhoods, ending with ocean breezes along the boardwalk. You can find this ride, along with many others, in the New York Cycle Club Ride Library now on Ride with GPS, a curated collection of the club’s best rides across the city and beyond.

Bike New York is often the starting point — a way to begin or deepen your journey as a cyclist in New York City. For many riders, it’s where confidence builds, skills grow, and a connection to the city takes shape.

But for thousands of New Yorkers — especially those who cannot afford a bike or have never had the opportunity to learn — that starting point only exists because of donors and volunteers.

For Julie, and for so many who have come through Bike New York’s programs, that first experience is just the beginning. Because once you’ve felt it — that first ride, that sense of freedom — you want to make sure others can feel it too.

“When life goes to hell, you get on your bike,” Julie said.

NO MATTER WHAT, LIFE IS BETTER ON A BIKE!

...on a bike, everything changes.

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THE HEART BEHIND THE TOUR: LEN DIAMOND’S 48-YEAR JOURNEY

From the Five Boro Challenge to a global event, one volunteer helped build the ride — and the mission — that changed New York City

By Ken Podziba, CEO, Bike New York

For most riders, the TD Five Boro Bike Tour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For Len Diamond, it has been a lifelong commitment—nearly five decades spent riding, volunteering, leading, and quietly shaping what Bike New York has become.

Len’s story begins in Flushing, Queens, where he grew up riding a Royce Union one-speed with a coaster brake. He wasn’t especially athletic, but he rode everywhere. One day at age 12, he came home and told his mother he had ridden to Hempstead and back with two friends — a 50-mile journey. Instead of panicking, she and her husband embraced his enthusiasm, giving him a copy of Eugene Sloan’s Complete Book of Bicycling for his 13th birthday — a gift he still credits with changing his life. He read it so many times he memorized the weights of individual bike components.

Supporting Len’s newfound passion, his parents, aunt, and uncle took him on his first organized bike ride that same summer. Together they rode over the bridges spanning the East River with the bike committee of American Youth Hostels (AYH), the organization that would later produce the early Five Boro Bike Tours.

The ride opened a new world for Len. Soon, nearly every weekend meant

another adventurous bike outing.

As a teenager, Len immersed himself even more deeply in cycling. While many of his peers headed off to summer camp, Len chose to work in a neighborhood bike shop, offering to work for free in exchange for learning bike repair. The shop’s owner, Jim Marcel, a Navy veteran who had just opened the store, agreed — and taught him not just mechanics, but discipline, pride in craftsmanship, and the satisfaction of doing a job well. Those lessons stayed with him.

Three months before turning 15, Len completed his first century ride — the 120-mile Montauk Century from Jamaica to Montauk. At the finish, he recalls being the most exhausted he had ever been. He was hooked.

His teenage years were filled with adventure: co-leading bike trips out West, camping and riding through Colorado and Rocky Mountain National Park; long bike-camping journeys through Maine and Nova

Scotia; and countless weekend rides that deepened friendships and strengthened his love of cycling.

Then, in 1977 — his senior year of high school — Len rode in the very first Five Boro Bike Tour, then called the Five Boro Challenge. It began in Flushing Meadows Park near the Unisphere after a bike safety expo the day before. About 200 students and teachers, two police cars, and roughly 30 volunteer leaders took part.

At each intersection, leaders dropped off to hold traffic until the rear police car arrived, then sprinted back to the front to do it again. It was scrappy, improvised — and powered entirely by volunteers.

As the Tour grew, Len grew with it. Over the years, he served in nearly every role imaginable: Captain of Central Park South, Super Captain of Manhattan South, tail vehicle rider in a police car with Sergeant Healy of Highway 3 — nicknamed “The Duke” — who would jokingly play a recording of a machine gun over the PA to urge lagging riders forward.

Len set up start-line infrastructure for years, once hanging the banner from

fire escapes across the street. He even worked shifts at the NYPD Command Center at One Police Plaza.

During the early years, he and other volunteers gathered at the AYH office on Spring Street night after night, planning assignments and logistics until 10 p.m., then heading to Prince or Broome Street for a late dinner — before doing it all again the next day. The camaraderie ran deep. So did the devotion.

It was during his early years of volunteering with AYH that another chapter of Len’s life began. While serving on the New York Council, fellow board members Sharon Landers and Reed Schneider each encouraged a friend of theirs to come to an AYH holiday gathering — Kathy Hecht. Sharon and Reed knew Kathy separately and both believed she would be a great addition to the board. As the night wound down, Len graciously offered to give her a ride home.

That simple act of courtesy turned into something far more lasting. Kathy became Len’s soulmate and partner in life — and in service. Over the years, she has volunteered alongside him,

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Len (standing fourth from the left) at the start and finish of the first Tour in 1977

supported countless Bike New York events, and ridden the Tour on tandem bikes with Len and their children when they were young.

In recent years, Len has had the rare opportunity to ride the Tour not as an organizer, but simply as a participant — with Kathy and sometimes their children by his side.

By the late 1990s, the TD Five Boro Bike Tour had grown into what is now an iconic international event drawing tens of thousands of riders. Its scale and complexity exceeded what AYH was structured to manage. In 1999, the decision was made to spin off a separate nonprofit dedicated solely to producing and growing the Tour.

In 2000, Bike New York was born.

Len became one of the founding board members. Alongside Henry Chin, John Kalish, Stuart Krohnengold, Bill Robins, and others — and under founding Executive Director Pam Tice — the group built an independent nonprofit capable of managing what had become an enormously complex civic undertaking. In the years that followed, Len would go on to serve as chair of Bike New York for 25 years,

helping guide the organization through a period of remarkable growth. Under his steady leadership, the Tour expanded, the organization matured, and Bike New York’s mission grew far beyond a single day of riding.

Within two years, the board made another pivotal decision: Bike New York would become more than an event producer. It would build a robust bike education program serving New Yorkers year-round.

Henry Chin, who served for decades as Bike New York’s dedicated and meticulous Treasurer, was instrumental in that transformation. His financial stewardship professionalized the organization, stabilized its growth, and ensured the Tour could reliably fund year-round education programming.

Like Len, Henry retired from the board in 2025 after years of invaluable service — leaving behind a stronger organization better equipped for the future.

That evolution changed Bike New York forever.

The TD Five Boro Bike Tour became the engine funding free bike education programs across the city — Bike Education Centers in all five boroughs, school-based classes in partnership with the NYC Department of Education and NYCDOT, workforce development initiatives, Recycle-A-Bicycle, which keeps bikes out of landfills by restoring them for New Yorkers, youth summer camps, and advocacy to expand safe cycling infrastructure.

Len (left) at the start of the 2007 TD Five Boro Bike Tour

For many lower-income New Yorkers, a bicycle represents not recreation but access — to work, to school, to opportunity. Len has always believed deeply in that mission.

In 2025, after 48 years of volunteering — including 25 years as chair of Bike New York — Len retired from the Bike New York board. He still volunteers. He still supports the organization financially. And he still shows up — often at events like Twin Lights, where he runs the four-foot-tall chocolate fountain at the final rest stop — a beloved tradition that has become something of a social media sensation.

Feeding 32,000 riders and 2,500 volunteers is just one part of the production that manages repairs and medical access, adapts to a constantly changing cityscape, and requires yearround dedication from staff and volunteers alike.

Len often reminds riders that the TD Five Boro Bike Tour is much more than a single extraordinary day. It is a fundraiser that fuels life-changing programs. The operations are enormously more complex than they appear.

“Every mile you ride in the TD Five Boro Bike Tour carries forward Len Diamond’s legacy.”

But at its core, the Tour is about community — and about the people who built it.

Every mile you ride in the TD Five Boro Bike Tour carries forward Len Diamond’s legacy. And behind this iconic ride are people like Len, whose life has been intertwined with bicycles, friendship, and service. For nearly five decades — including 25 years as chair of Bike New York — his dedication has helped ensure that generations of New Yorkers can experience the joy, freedom, and connection of riding car-free through the five boroughs of this great city.

Len delivering remarks at the 25th Anniversary of the TD Five Boro Bike Tour at Gracie Mansion

A TALE OF TWO INSTRUCTORS

By Lina and Laura Gonzalez

LINA’S STORY

My journey on two wheels began when I was five years old. That Christmas I got an Orange Schwinn with a banana shaped seat that was far too big for me. I grew up in Medellin, Colombia - the “City of Eternal Spring,” surrounded by steep green mountains that challenge even the most experienced cyclists.

Years later, after moving to New York, cycling found me again. In my twenties, my partner and I finally saved enough money to buy our first bike together. I still own it today: a matte black 1996 Cannondale aluminum mountain bike — heavy enough that I nicknamed it “The Cow.”

Long before our daughter was born, we spent weekends riding up and down the Henry Hudson Greenway. The rides became a quiet ritual and a

determined, we brought her to a Bike Bonanza: Learn to Ride event in Inwood Hill Park.

Using a loaner bike, Laura quickly learned through Bike New York’s Balance First Method. I was amazed at how patient and well-trained the instructors and volunteers were.

The following year, I began volunteering with Bike New York as a way to give back. Not long after, I became a League Certified Cycling Instructor.

Fifteen years later, I still love teaching Bike New York’s education classes — especially Learn to Ride: Adults. I never get tired of seeing the moment when a student’s mind and body finally connect and they realize they are balancing and pedaling on their own

Meanwhile, Laura was discovering the same freedom I had as a child in Colombia. She joined us on weekend rides along the Henry Hudson Greenway, gradually increasing from five miles to twenty. At just ten years old, she completed her first 40-mile Five Boro Bike Tour.

As a teenager, she joined her high school mountain bike team, raced competitively, rode with Kids Ride Club during the summers, and eventually began volunteering with Bike New York herself.

Watching Laura teach now reminds me why I became an instructor in the first place: to pass on the freedom I once felt riding through my grandmother’s neighborhood in Medellín.

The journey that began with an oversized orange Schwinn has now come full circle. Today, Laura runs alongside new riders as they find their balance and take that first ride on their own — cheering them on just as others once cheered for her. The bikes may change — but the confidence and freedom they unlock never do.

LAURA’S STORY

I was the type of child who would disappear in the blink of an eye; the kind that was so ridden with energy, her parents had no choice but to let her run wild. When I turned five, they introduced biking to me; that decision led me to a lifetime of adventure.

I remember the baby pink children’s bike my parents found for me, tassels on the handlebars, and two little white training wheels I was obsessed with removing. In my head, I wasn’t really biking until I could balance without them. My parents

brought me to a Bike New York event, and with the help of the instructors, I was able to ride on my own terms (I scraped the hell out of my knees, though). When I was ready for more, my parents took me on weekly five-mile rides down the Hudson River Greenway. Those turned into ten miles, then 20, and when we joined the Bike New York youth rides, we were covering fifty miles of terrain. By the time I was fourteen, I had finished two Five-Boro Bike Tours, accumulated hundreds of miles of riding time, and was getting ready to join my high school’s mountain biking team in New Hampshire. While I was off at boarding school, my mother spent time teaching Learn to Ride classes and becoming an even stronger member of the Bike New York Community.

Nearly eight years later, I was in dire need of a summer job, but (and without reason), I was picky. It had to be something that I knew made a positive impact, something that would drive me out of bed each morning. Despite my stubbornness, I found one: Bike New York was looking for Youth Instructors, and I just knew I was meant to take on the role. Despite teaching in the scorching summer heat, sharing the thrills of biking with the youth of NYC certainly fulfilled my working requirements.

There’s one moment from that Summer that truly encapsulates why I’m proud to be a part of the Bike New York team. In one of my classes, there was a young girl. She didn’t speak any English and was clinging to the only other Spanish-speaking student in the group. She seemed nervous, unsure about whether she would understand what to do. After setting everyone up with their bikes, I knelt by her side, translated everything I could, and tried giving her the boost of confidence she needed. She straddled the bike, unsure of herself, but with her friend and me on either side of her, she was unstoppable. Three classes later, this girl was at the front during group rides, flying. You didn’t need to understand another language to interpret the absolute joy plastered on her face. And for the rest of the summer, my heart felt full, because every day with Bike New York, I witnessed a triumph for a new rider.

Since that Summer, I’ve led the occasional Learn to Ride class and even had the opportunity to teach with my mother! I look forward to a future with Bike New York and am so delighted to be a part of this year’s Five Boro Bike Tour. I hope every rider feels the same joy that I felt as a young girl rolling down the Hudson River Greenway.

KEEP RIDING AFTER THE TD FIVE BORO BIKE TOUR

DID THE TD FIVE BORO BIKE TOUR LEAVE YOU THIRSTY FOR MORE? KEEP PEDALING WITH THESE IDEAS FOR PUTTING MORE MILES ON YOUR BICYCLE.

Pedal to Your Profession

f you live within 10 miles of your workplace, commuting by bicycle can be quick, convenient, inexpensive, and healthy. E-bikes can extend that distance and make commuting easier—just be sure your e-bike meets local battery safety standards and adheres to speed and power regulations.

It’s also easier to stay motivated when riding time is built into your daily schedule. Participate in National Bike to Work Week (May 11–17; check your local bike organizations for specifics). If you’re in New York, attend one of Bike New York’s free Commuting 101 seminars.

Be Season-Savvy

A change in seasons doesn’t mean you have to park your bike. With the right gear, clothing, and riding skills, you can pedal all year long. As you test different conditions, you’ll discover what works best for you, but a sweat-wicking base layer is essential in any season. Wool and fleece are great for winter, while technical fabrics excel in summer.

A set of fenders, a rain cape, wind- and waterproof gloves, and a balaclava can transform a wet or winter ride (or worse— a wet winter ride!) from insufferable to super. A ventilated helmet, sunglasses, and drywicking, light-colored clothing can make a sticky summer ride splendid.

Bike With a Buddy

Riding with other cyclists is a great way to bike more often—and there’s more than one way to join forces.

If you commute to work, a riding partner can add fun, information, and motivation to your daily trip. You can find a commuter buddy by asking around at work, posting on social media, joining Bike New York’s Strava club, or searching for bike-commuting groups on platforms like Meetup.

Beyond the workplace, bicycling with friends and family can be an excellent bonding experience. Special trailers, baskets, and cargo bikes make it easy to bring along non-cycling companions— including infants or pets. Ask your local bike shop for advice on the best setup for your passenger.

Go Places

No matter where you live, there’s likely a great bike ride nearby. Plan a trip to the beach, explore a local greenway, or simply pedal around town for some sightseeing. If your city publishes a map of bike routes, use it as a starting point for planning your own day trip. Local bike organizations and clubs often plan day-long rides and distribute maps as well.

Gravel biking—riding on gravel roads using a touring bike or road bike with wider tires—has surged in popularity. Your local club may already have gravel routes to try.

Take a Class

We’re not talking about sitting in a lecture hall! Get hands-on experience learning to maintain and repair your bike, improve your traffic skills, gain confidence on the road, kick-start your commute, or become a savvy bicycle shopper. Check with your local bike organization for available courses (such as Bike New York’s offerings in NYC). If you want to take things a step further, consider becoming a League Certified Instructor and teach classes yourself.

Train for a Century

If you’re looking for a challenge, consider training for your first 100-mile ride—also known as a century. You’ll need 8–12 weeks to prepare, so choose your event well in advance. At Bike New York, we recommend the Twin Lights Ride for a

first century due to its relatively flat terrain and cooler late-season weather. Asking friends for their favorite centuries is another great way to find the right ride.

Once you’ve chosen your event, it’s time to start training. Gradually increase your weekly mileage to build stamina and confidence.

Even if you’re not ready for 100 miles, participating in an organized ride is a great way to explore new areas, enjoy beautiful scenery, build endurance, and meet other cyclists. These events typically offer multiple route options, well-marked courses, helpful staff, snacks, minor mechanical support, pick-up services, and often a post-ride festival. Many clubs also offer shorter—and often free—group rides.

Haul Stuff on Your Bike

If you haven’t tried it yet, you’ll be surprised how easy it is to carry cargo on your bicycle. Ride to the grocery store and use panniers or a basket to bring your items home, or use a trailer or cargo bike for bigger loads. Just make sure everything you carry is safe (avoid sharp objects) and securely attached. Do a few practice laps around the block to ensure your setup feels stable. Ask your local bike shop for recommendations on the best gear for hauling your stuff.

Take a Vacation

For an even bigger adventure, plan a longer bike getaway. Weekend camping trips or journeys to other states—and even other countries—are wonderful ways to experience new places on two wheels. With proper planning, you can travel with your bike, ship it ahead, or rent one at your destination.

Traveling with your bike is easier than ever thanks to Amtrak’s Roll-on/Roll-Off service on select routes. Check your state DOT bike webpages for route ideas. The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy can help you find rail trails nationwide, and Adventure Cycling offers long-distance routes across nearly every state.

You can also explore portions of the East Coast Greenway—a developing 3,000-mile route connecting Maine to Florida. It winds along waterfronts, through parks, over converted rail corridors, and along city streets. In New York City, it follows the Hudson River Greenway right through Manhattan.

EVENT DAY RIDE GUIDE

START SCHEDULE & MAP

The Start wave corridor (shown on the map below) runs along Greenwich/Trinity/Church. Start waves correspond to the color of your bib and bike plate. See below to find out when and where to go. Course Marshals in safety vests will be on site to direct riders to appropriate entry streets.

• If members of your group are assigned to different Start waves, please ride together in the latest Start wave for your group.

• Riders assigned to later Start waves cannot move to an earlier wave.

• Riders heading southbound to the Start Line must enter their wave via Broadway. Riders heading northbound to the Start Line must enter their wave via the Hudson River Greenway.

WAVE 1 (7:30AM)

VIP & Charity Riders, Preferred Start, Members

Recommended arrival time: 6-7 AM

Preferred Start & Members should enter at Chambers St. or Reade St.

VIP & CHARITY BREAKFAST

VIP Riders: Access VIP breakfast at Canal and Church

Charity Riders: Access Charity breakfast at Broadway and Worth

WAVE 2 (8:30AM)

Recommended arrival time: 7:30-8 AM

Southbound/west side access: Warren St.

Northbound/east side access: Barclay St

WAVE 3 (9:15AM)

Recommended arrival time: 8:15-8:45 AM

Southbound/west side access: Vesey St.

Northbound/east side access: Maiden Ln.

WAVE 4 (9:50AM)

Recommended arrival time: 8:50-9:15 AM

Southbound/west side access: Rector St.

Northbound/east side access: Cedar St.

WAVE 5 (10:30AM)

Recommended arrival time: 9:30-9:45 AM

Southbound/west side access: Battery Place

Northbound/east side access: Morris St.

• After a Start wave is released, the next Start wave moves up. Please arrive within recommended timeframe.

• Sixth Avenue will reopen to cars at 12:00PM.

Finish Festival (10:00AM – 5:30PM) Ft. Wadsworth

GETTING TO THE START

The route closes to vehicular traffic at 7:15AM; be sure to take this into account when planning your arrival. We do not recommend driving to the Start Area.

Bike

We’re quite partial to this option. From anywhere in Manhattan or downtown Brooklyn, the best way to get to the Start Area is by bike. The Hudson River Greenway and Broadway both lead directly to wave access points. For detailed directions, use Google Maps to plan your route. Be sure to click the bicycle icon.

Driving & Parking

We recommend that participants driving to the TD Five Boro Bike Tour park on Staten Island in the morning. You can bike to the Ferry and ride over to lower Manhattan to the Start. After you finish riding, you’ll ride back to your car and avoid any lines at the Ferry.

NOTE: Cars parked along the Tour route will be towed and impounded.

Subway

Check out MTA’s guide (https://www. mta.info/guides/bikes) for bringing your bike on the train. Visit www.mta. info for customized travel directions using TripPlanner, or call the MTA for more information by dialing 511. Check the schedule for changes as Tour day approaches.

Train

PATH Trains (from New Jersey)

From Hoboken, take the PATH train toward 33rd St. and get off at the Christopher St. stop. From Newark, Harrison, Journal Square, Grove St., and Exchange Pl., take the WTC train and get off at the World Trade Center stop. The fare is $3.00.

• Bikes are not permitted on the first car of the train.

• Note that you will need to use stairs to get to street level, so be prepared to carry your bike. For up-to-date information, system map, station locations, and parking information, visit www.panynj.gov or dial 1-800-234-PATH

Long Island Railroad (LIRR)

On Tour day, off-peak fares apply, and bike permit rules are suspended.

• Cyclists can take the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to Penn Station or Grand Central-Madison and then transfer to downtown subway service, or cycle downtown.

• We ask that you space you and your bikes evenly throughout the train to facilitate the flow of people boarding and disembarking at stations. Please bring a bungee cord to secure your bike.

For more information on departure times and station locations, including weekend timetables, visit www.mta.info/lirr.

Ferry

Staten Island Ferry

The Staten Island Ferry is one of the best boat rides you can take, and it’s FREE!

If you are parking or staying on Staten Island, you can take the ferry to lower Manhattan, and then bike to your Start location. There are no bike limits for the Staten Island ferry.

• Ferry service for the Tour begins From 6:00 AM - 11:00 AM, service runs every 20 mins. Starting at 11:00AM, ferries will run every 15 minutes until 6;00PM, and then every half hour after that.

Note: Lines for the Manhattan-bound ferry may be long starting in the early afternoon.

While you’re in NYC...

Metro-North Railroad

Take the Metro-North to Grand Central Station at East 42nd St. and Park Ave.

To get to Bowling Green via subway from Grand Central Terminal, take the 4, 5, or 6 train to the Brooklyn Bridge or City Hall stations.

On Tour Day:

• Bikes are allowed on all trains on the Harlem, Hudson, and New Haven Lines.

• Bike permit rules are suspended. There will be no restrictions on the number of bikes per train. Off-peak fares apply.

For more information on departure times and station locations, visit www.mta.info/mnr.

NYC Ferry

Note: This is not information for the Staten Island Ferry.

We do not recommend using NYC Ferry on Tour day, as their ability to take bikes on board is significantly constrained.

NY Waterway (from New Jersey)

Please visit NY Waterway’s website for more information, including weekend schedules and fares.

If you’re coming to New York City for the TD Five Boro Bike Tour, then make sure to check out nyctourism.com for official visitor information to help you plan your trip! The guide is a great resource for everything you need to know regarding where to stay, eat, drink and play while you’re in town.

PARKING ON STATEN ISLAND

We recommend that participants driving to the TD Five Boro Bike Tour park on Staten Island in the morning. Parking will be easier, and you’ll avoid waiting in line for the ferry at the end of the day.

If you park on the street, please observe all posted parking restrictions. Cars parked along the Tour route will be towed.

Paid Parking Lots

Due to ongoing construction, there will be limited parking at the Staten Island Ferry lots. Alternatively, use street parking or the following nearby private and municipal lots nearby:

Empire Outlets Parking

Hours: 24/7

Cost: $30/day*

Prepay your Tour day parking now

Note: The Empire Outlets garage will be accessible for parking until 8:30AM on Tour day. You must park elsewhere after that time.

St. Mark’s Place

Hours: 24/7

Prepay your Tour day parking now

25 Wall Street

Hours: 24/7

Cost: $30/day

Cars that park without checking in with an attendant are subject to being booted. Riders must comply with all posted rules and regulations.

Saint George Courthouse Garage and Parking Lot

Hours: 8:00AM – 8:00PM

Cost: $12/day* (Subject to change)

Pay with cash or credit card (no debit card)

South Beach Lot #4, 446 Father Capodanno Blvd

Parking is on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants parking at South Beach can cycle to the Staten Island Ferry in order to get to the Start Area in lower Manhattan.

MTA Staten Island Railway

Park on local streets or in a Staten Island Railway Park-and-Ride at Dongan Hills, Great Kills, Annadale, Prince’s Bay, or Huguenot stations, then hop on a train to the ferry.

You MUST exit the train at the Tompkinsville stop and bike the remainder of the way to the Ferry. Riders will not be able to access the Ferry from the St.George railway stop.

Bicycles will be allowed on the trains, and you can board at any Staten Island Railway station as you enter and exit at the St. George and Tompkinsville stations. Visit www.mta.info or dial 511 for more information.

RIDER TIPS

We work hard to ensure that you have a great time on the Tour. But just in case you aren’t able to complete the ride, or if you need assistance for any reason, here’s what to do, who to contact, and where to go.

Please note that once the Tour starts, the front of the pack will travel at approximately 15 mph, the tail at about 6 mph. Cyclists who fall behind will be given the option of boarding SAG (Support and Gear) vehicles traveling at the tail of the Tour, or leaving the Tour as the route permits.

Hitching a Ride with SAG

SAG vehicles follow the back of the pack and they can assist you if you are running out of steam or fall too far behind. They will be stationed at each Rest Area, or you can signal and then pull off to the side of the road. They will take you and your bike to the Finish Festival.

Leaving the Tour

If you need to leave the Tour for any reason, we recommend doing so at the following locations. If you leave the Tour, you will be riding with motorized traffic and will have to watch for cars and road hazards.

Mile 14: York Ave. and 63rd St. (Manhattan)

This is your last chance to exit the Tour in Manhattan. If you don’t want to continue, travel straight on 63rd St. after the Tour exits the FDR Drive. Do not take the left-hand turn onto the ramp of the Queensboro (59th St.) Bridge.

Mile 27: Brooklyn Bridge

Before the Tour enters the BQE, you can leave the Tour at Old Fulton St. and Cadman Plaza West and take the Brooklyn Bridge bike path into downtown Manhattan. Marshals on the Brooklyn side will direct you. (This exit point is recommended for those traveling with children who want to exit the Tour.)

Subway

The Tour passes near many subway stations. Bikes are allowed on the subway, but some unstaffed subway stations have turnstiles that do not accommodate bikes. Marshals and Information Tents at Rest Areas can provide more details on which stations to use. Visit www.mta.info for up-todate info.

Medical Concerns

If you feel that you need medical attention, speak to a Tour Marshal or NYPD officer immediately, or visit a medical station located at each of the Rest Areas along the course. Do not wait for SAG. If you have an emergency, and there are no Tour Marshals or NYPD officers nearby, call 911 and say that you are with the TD Five Boro Bike Tour.

Marshals and Police

Volunteer Marshals and NYPD officers will be riding with you and are stationed along the route to provide assistance and keep the Tour rolling safely and smoothly.

Here’s who to look for:

Rider Assist Marshals will be riding alongside you in safety vests to help keep the Tour moving. They can also help out with flat tires and minor repairs.

Course Marshals will be stationed along the route in safety vests. They can give route directions and alert you to road conditions ahead.

NYPD officers will be on the route to manage car traffic.

Please follow all instructions given by Marshals and NYPD.

SERVICES ALONG THE ROUTE

Rest Areas

All Rest Areas include snacks, water stations, toilets, bike repair courtesy of Bike New York mechanics, first aid, and information. Complimentary refreshments include New York City water provided by NYC Department of Environmental Protection, bananas, pretzels, and electrolyte beverages, provided by Bike New York and select sponsors. Signs and Marshals along the route will direct you to bypass lanes.

Mile Location

11 FDR Drive at 116th St. (Manhattan)

17.5 Astoria Park (Queens)*

20 Con Ed Learning Center (Queens)

27 Commodore Barry (Brooklyn)

*All cyclists near the front of the pack will be held here for about 20 minutes while the NYPD closes down portions of the route to traffic. Cyclists near the tail of the Tour will be directed to a mandatory shortcut that bypasses this stop and leads to the next one.

Water Stations

We recommend bringing two water bottles so you can stay hydrated while you ride. All water stations include water, toilets, bike repair, and information.

Mile Location

9 The Bronx Dedicated to David Schlichting

28 Brooklyn Bridge Park

33 Gowanus BQE

39 Stapleton Water Station

Toilets

Toilets are available at all Rest Areas, Water Stations, the Finish Festival, and at the following locations throughout the Tour:

Mile Location

0 Start Area – Battery Place, Bowling Green, and along Church St.*

3 Sixth Ave., at approximately 56th St., before entering Central Park**

7 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. and 115th St.

**Please note: Toilets located in Central Park will not be available during the Tour.

Medical Help

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and paramedics from the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center Bike Unit are available to attend to medical needs, as are ambulances from the NYC Fire Department Emergency Medical Service. Ask any Marshal or NYPD officer for medical assistance if you need it. There are also EMTs at each Rest Area and at the Finish Festival. If you have an emergency, and none of these are available, dial 911 and say you are with the TD Five Boro Bike Tour.

Information Tents

Information Tents at the Start Area (in Bowling Green), Rest Areas, Water Stations, and the Finish Festival are your go-to resources for all questions and concerns; they also make for great rendezvous spots in the event that you get separated from family and friends. (Do not stop in Central Park, on any of the bridges, or in the middle of the road to wait for friends. If you must stop, please signal and pull off to the side of the road.)

Entertainment

TD Bank Entertainment Zones and Cheer Zones are located along the Tour route to keep the party rolling from start to finish. Visit www. bike.nyc for more details, including Entertainment Zone locations and artist websites.

SAG Vehicles (Support and Gear)

SAG vehicles provide transport to the Finish Festival for cyclists (and their bikes) who require assistance. SAG buses and trucks will be stationed at each Rest Area and will follow the end of the Tour. If you are running out of steam or falling too far behind, signal and then pull off to the right side of the road to wait for SAG. Make sure your bike plate is attached to your handlebars so that we can reunite you with your bike at the Finish Festival; your bib will serve as your bike retrieval ticket.

Tour Photos

Photographers will be stationed along the route to take your photo as you ride. For identification purposes, make sure your bike plate and bib number are clearly visible. After the Tour, MarathonFoto will contact you via email so you can view and purchase your photos.

Lost and Found

Check at Information Tents at Rest Areas and at the Finish Festival for items lost along the way. No luck? After the Tour, email info@bike.nyc to see if your lost item has been returned to our office.

Repair Services

If your bike needs attention, flag a Rider Assist Marshal or stop at a Repair Tent. Labor for basic repairs is free, but there is a charge for parts. Flat tires are very common, and our Marshals will be able to get you back on the road faster if you pack a spare tube. Many of our bike repair partners will have tubes for sale (cash only).

Free bike repair labor is generously provided by:

Bill’s Cyclery

Chelsea Bicycles

NYC Velo

Ride Brooklyn Spokesman Cycles

Repair services can be found at these locations:

Bowling Green - Broadway & Battery Pl.

• Duarte Park - Canal St. & 6th Ave.

• FDR Rest Area - Pleasant Ave. & 114th St.

Astoria Park Rest AreaInside Astoria Park

Con Ed Learning Center Rest Area

- Vernon Blvd. and 43rd Ave.

Brooklyn Bridge Park Water Station - Pier 2 Parking Lot & Furman St.

Gowanus Water StationGowanus Expwy between 81st & 82nd St.

• Finish Festival - Ft. Wadsworth

SERVICES ALONG THE ROUTE

RIDER ID KIT

The Rider Identification Kit (RIK) comprises a helmet cover, a bib, and a bike plate made from an environmentally friendly material called Ultra Green. In order to ride in the Tour, your bib must be pinned visibly on your torso and your bike plate must be attached to your handlebars. Please do not discard your bib or bike plate at the Finish Festival.

FINISH FESTIVAL

After conquering five boroughs and as many bridges, you will finish your day at Ft. Wadsworth. Once you arrive, pick up your TD Five Boro Bike Tour finisher medal, then kick back and relax before you head to the Staten Island Ferry.

Entertainment

Check out the live entertainment on the main stage and stop by exhibitors’ booths for great giveaways.

First Aid

Courtesy of Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and the New York City Fire Department Emergency Medical Service.

Official Merchandise

Get decked out in official Bike New York and TD Five Boro Bike Tour gear— we’ll have shirts, jerseys, water bottles, and much, much more. All proceeds go directly to funding our free bike education programs, so shop away!

Photo Ops

Visit the Volvo and Bike New York membership activations.

Food & Drinks for Purchase

We’re bringing in some of the best local food vendors to the Festival. After putting in that many miles, you’re gonna be hungry!

Bike Repair

Labor for basic repairs is free, but there’s a charge for parts (cash only). Be sure to bring some spare tubes with you.

TIPS & FAQ

Bag Restrictions

• If your bag is confiscated it will not be returned to you

• No bags with shoulder straps (including backpacks, messenger bags, hydration packs, and drawstring bags)

• No panniers or bags that hang on the side of your bike

• No covered baskets

• No bags over 420 cubic in. (6.9 L.)

BAG RESTRICTIONS

BAG WITH SHOULDER STRAPS (including backpacks, messenger bags, drawstring bags, & hydration packs)

PANNIERS AND ANY BAGS THAT HANG ON THE SIDE OF YOUR BIKE

COVERED BASKETS

ANY BAGS OVER 420 CUBIC INCHES (6.9 LITERS)

Rules of the Road

Wear your helmet. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Also:

• Have your RIK visible at all times: attach the bike plate to your handlebars and affix the bib to your outermost layer. You will be asked to leave the Tour if any element of your RIK is missing.

• Respect other cyclists.

• Only human-powered bikes and pedalassist e-bikes are allowed in the Tour.

• Ride in a straight line. If changing lanes or pulling over, look first and then signal to show which way you’re planning to go. Use hand signals to indicate that you are slowing down, stopping, turning, or changing lanes.

• Keep to the right; pass left. (Call out “On your left” when passing another cyclist.)

• Move completely to the side of the road if stopping for any reason.

• Do not ride against the flow of the Tour.

• Do not use your cell phone while riding.

SADDLEBAGS (AKA SEAT BAGS)

FRAME BAGS

HANDLER BAGS

FANNY PACKS

UNCOVERED BASKETS

• Maintain adequate distance between yourself and other cyclists—especially on downhills.

• Control your speed and be prepared to slow down for congestion or road hazards.

• Keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times.

• Do not wear earbuds or headphones.

• Slow down when approaching a security checkpoint and make sure your complete RIK is visible.

• No photos on bridges or their access points. Your camera may be confiscated.

TIPS & FAQ

What to Bring

• Your Rider Identification Kit

• A helmet—no ifs, ands, or buts about it!

• Photo identification—you may be asked to show it

• Cell phone

• Water bottles (you can refill them at Rest Areas and Water Stations along the route)**

• Weather-appropriate clothing (be sure to check the forecast)

• Sunscreen

• Sunglasses

• An extra bike tube; make sure it’s the same size as your current tubes, with the right valve—either Presta or Schrader

• Patch kit in case of a flat

• A smile!

*If you are riding with a child who does not have a phone, please make sure to write your rider number, cell phone number and name on the back of your child’s bib.

**Water bottles will not be provided.

Riding in a Team

• Make sure you and others in your team have stored important numbers and contact info on your phones, including that of someone not riding in the Tour, your hotel, your team members’ home and cell numbers, etc.

• If you get separated from your team, continue to the next Rest Area and look for them there. Do not pull over to the side of the road to wait for them.

Riding with Youths

• A youth is anyone under the age of 18 on the day of the Tour.

• Each youth must be registered on the same team as a parent or guardian riding in the Tour.

• Adult to youth ratio must be 1:1. No exceptions.

• Children under the age of 3 are not allowed on the Tour.

• Youths ages 3 to 9 must ride with an adult on a tandem bike, in a child’s seat, on a tag-along bike, or in a bike trailer. If you are towing a bike trailer, please keep to the right when going uphill.

• Youths ages 10 to 17 may ride their own bikes, but must remain in close proximity to the adult with whom they are registered.

• Plan ahead in case your group gets separated. Instruct youth riders to seek out a Marshal wearing either an orange or yellow vest, or a member of the NYPD, who will guide them to the nearest Information Tent where staff can communicate with Tour Command to reunite you.

ROUTE MAP

Scan the QR code after Scan the QR code after your ride to view your your ride to view your photos and the latest photos and the latest offers from offers from MarathonFoto. MarathonFoto.

FLAUNT YOUR MEDAL AND

SHOW OFF YOUR STYLE THIS

You conquered 40 miles of car-free streets alongside 32K riders from all corners of the world.

Now it’s time to show off your hard-earned medal!

Share a celebratory pic of yourself and your medal on social media, and remember to tag it with #MedalMonday and #TDFBBT. We want to see your creativity shine! Extra points will be given for unique, humorous, or adorable medal photos. Need some inspiration? Check out our favorite shots from 2025!

Join us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X @BIKENEWYORK to keep up with our latest updates and announcements. And if you want to be featured in our feeds, tag your Tour weekend social media posts with #TDFBBT. Remember, capturing photos while you’re riding is not allowed, but there are plenty of opportunities to snap some awesome shots of your Tour experience off the saddle. Get snapping!

THE SECRET TO CITY CYCLING

WHY, WHEN, AND HOW TO TAKE THE

LANE

Here in New York City, more than 620,000 people navigate some portion of the city’s 300 square miles by bike each and every day. For millions more, though, the thought of traversing busy streets on two wheels, whether for exercise or simply to run errands, leaves them feeling tense, anxious, and vulnerable. It’s no wonder-roadways teeming with buses, personal cars, taxis, and trucks don’t exactly roll out the welcome mat, exclaiming, “There’s plenty of room here for you, too!” With bike lanes on only about 6 percent of New York City streets, it can sometimes feel like bicyclists don’t belong.

How do over 620,000 New Yorkers, and the countless city cyclists throughout the country, do it? What’s their secret? (Hint: It’s not that they’re crazy!)

That Lane Is Mine!

The answer is surprisingly simple. What these cyclists know is that they do belong on the road. In fact, they’re legally obligated to be there. They turn that knowledge into power when they assert their space on the road by claiming an entire traffic lane when necessary. You can do it too!

Why to Take the Lane.

A cyclist should take the lane when it is too narrow to share side-by-side with a passing vehicle. Commanding full use of a traffic lane by riding straight down the middle creates a visual indicator to drivers who are behind the cyclist that there’s not enough room to pass safely, and it deters risky decisions

by impatient drivers. It also makes cyclists more visible to both drivers and pedestrians, which can be especially useful at intersections. And it’s entirely legal.

How does it work? First imagine the opposite: sharing a narrow lane by squeezing immediately next to parked cars on the right side of a street and inviting drivers to pass closely on the left. This puts the cyclist at risk from both sides. While the cyclist is vulnerable to being “doored” on the right, i.e., hit by an abruptly opening car door, drivers nose into the narrow space on the left, getting too close for comfort with two tons of fastmoving steel. As you can imagine, this makes for a less-than-pleasant riding experience.

Now visualize a cyclist positioned in the middle of the lane, where s/he avoids both of these risks and commands control of his/her personal safety. Way to go, rider!

When to Take the Lane

If a bike lane is available on a street, you should use that lane as long as it is safe to do so. When riding in a wide traffic lane that comfortably accommodates you, four to five feet of breathing room on both sides of you, and a passing car, stay to the right side of the lane.

Otherwise, in a narrow traffic lane where this isn’t possible, take the lane by riding right down the middle. This includes situations where a wide roadway is narrowed by doubleparked vehicles, construction, or other hazards. It’s also a good idea to command control of the appropriate straight-through or turning lane when approaching and passing through an intersection, as this reduces the likelihood of a driver turning into you.

How to Take the Lane

Visualize yourself riding on the right side of a wide, two-way street that becomes narrow. As you approach the narrow portion, scan over your left shoulder and signal that you plan

to move to the center of the lane by pointing down toward the center of the lane with your left hand. Scan and signal until the coast is clear, then ease left and take your place in the center of the lane. Maintain this position until the roadway widens and you are able to move back to the right side.

On a multilane, wide, one-way road with many narrow lanes (like a typical Manhattan avenue), cyclists are entitled to the full use of a traffic lane on either side of the road. Position yourself in the left or the right lane based on road conditions, your direction of travel, bus routes, and local knowledge.

Commanding control of a traffic lane takes confidence and a bit of courage. But it’s a lot less scary than having a car door open in front of you suddenly, or having a speeding vehicle pass within a few inches because an impatient driver decided to take a risk…with your life. Once the lane is yours, you’ll feel more comfortable cycling city streets than ever before. And that’s when the fun begins!

Photo Credit - Sam Edwards

TRIBUTE TO JOE VALENTINO

Our father, Joe Valentino, lived an active and vibrant life, defined by his strength, generosity, and love for those around him. He was a lifelong athlete who participated in numerous events, including 5Ks, marathons, and bike races. Biking, however, was his greatest passion— a love that began in his childhood in New York and stayed with him throughout his life in New Jersey. Whether he was racing, riding along the shore, or exploring local trails, cycling gave him a sense of joy, freedom, and peace that was deeply a part of who he was.

Joe and Teddy Valentino

Our father was a devoted member of the TD Five Boro Bike Tour community for many years. When he was younger, he proudly rode in the event, and as time went on, he continued to show up—year after year—as a volunteer. It was never just about the ride for him; it was about the people, the shared purpose, and the quiet pride of being part of something bigger than himself.

We ride for him.

We carry him with us always.

He shared this love with our mother, Joannie Valentino, and together they rode the iconic TD Five Boro Bike Tour for many years, taking part in the once-a-year opportunity to ride car-free through all five boroughs. Side by side, they created cherished memories. After her passing in July 2025, those memories became even more meaningful to him—offering comfort and serving as a lasting reflection of the deep bond they shared.

He often brought our brother, Teodoro (“Teddy”) Valentino, along to volunteer. Those days were filled with laughter, stories, and a sense of togetherness that we will always hold close. Through these moments, our father showed us what it truly means to persevere, to give back, and to lead with kindness. He lived those values every day and passed them on to all of us in ways that will stay with us forever.

Our father passed away in November 2025, and he is deeply missed every single day. This year, we will be riding in the TD Five Boro Bike Tour alongside family and friends in his honor, continuing a tradition that meant so much to him. With every mile, we will feel him with us—his strength in our legs, his spirit in our hearts, and his love guiding us forward.

We ride for him. We carry him with us always.

— The Valentino Children

I didn’t know Joe for a long time—only what felt like forever.

About five or six days in total, spread across five or six years.

It was a funny kind of relationship, the kind that only volunteering can create. We were brought together once a year for about six hours—early on a Sunday morning in the quiet of Central Park, before it filled with the familiar rhythm of locals and tourists. In that stillness, volunteers gather, preparing to help guide 32,000 riders through the streets of the busiest city in the world.

It’s a special group of people—those who show up not for recognition, but out of a genuine care for others. Joe was one of those people. Year after year, I found myself grateful to see him arrive—steady, warm, and always ready to jump in with enthusiasm.

Our time together was simple: a few early-morning conversations, shared laughs, and then wave after wave of riders flying by. But somehow, those small moments became something more. Joe had a way of making the time feel fuller, lighter—more meaningful—just by being there.

It’s strange how someone you see only once a year can leave such a lasting impression. Joe did that. He showed up, he gave his time, and he made a difference—not in grand gestures, but in the quiet, consistent way that truly matters.

I was blessed and honored to volunteer alongside him, and I will carry those mornings with me for a long time.

— Owens Ridges, Jr. Volunteer, Bike New York

W i n a n u n f o r g e t t a b l e c y c l i n g

w e e k e n d a t I t a l y ’ s p r e m i e r b i k e

e v e n t s !

R i d e t h e b e s t r o u t e s i n I t a l y a n d

e x p e r i e n c e t h e t r u e p a s s i o n o f I t a l i a n

c y c l i n g !

C L I C K H E R E T O

P A R T I C I P A T E

2026 CHARITY PARTNERS

Welcome, charity riders!

Access Justice Brooklyn

Allyson Whitney Foundation

ALS United Greater New York

American Brain Tumor Association

American Cancer Society

American Diabetes Association

American Liver Foundation

Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, The (AFTD)

Avery’s Little Army INC

Blue Card, Inc., The

Boomer Esiason Foundation

Brielle Grace Breast Cancer Foundation

Broadway Green Alliance

BronxWorks

CACNA1A Foundation

CaringKind

Chelsea Piers Foundation

Children’s Tumor Foundation

Christodora, Inc.

Climate Ride

Clothes to Kids of Fairfield County, Inc.

Community Roots Charter School

Connections Mentor Inc.

Cycling for Change, Inc.

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

debra of America

DKMS

Doctors Without Borders/MSF-USA

enCourage Kids Foundation

Futures and Options

Futures Ignite

Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research

Game Devs of Color

Gotham Park

GRACE Foundation of New York, The Harboring Hearts

HeartShare Human Services of New York

Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation

Hudson River Community Sailing

Junior Achievement of New York

Liberation Programs

Lighthouse Guild

LiveOnNY

Livestrong Foundation, The LoveYourBrain Foundation

Lung Cancer Research Foundation

Lymphoma Research Foundation

Make-A-Wish Metro New York and Western New York

Marty Lyons Foundation, The The Montefiore Einstein, Inc.

Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, The

National Blood Clot Alliance

The cyclists riding on behalf of these inspirational charities prove that the bicycle is a powerful tool to effect change.

National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC TEAM TEAL)

New York Legal Assistance Group

New York Presbyterian Hospital

Next Step, The NMDP Foundation

NYC Health + Hospitals

NYU Langone Health

On Your Mark

Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy

PENCIL

Planned Parenthood of Greater New York

Rise Alliance for Children

Riverside Park Conservancy

Roads to Success

Ronald McDonald House New York

SeriousFun Children’s Network

Sharsheret

St. George’s Society of New York

Studio in a School

Sun River Health

Sylvia Center, The

Target ALS Foundation Inc.

Variety – The Children’s Charity of the National Capital Region

Wild Tomorrow

YAI

YMCA of Greater New York

You’re part of something powerful. But you can do even more.

Bike New York provides free bike education to thousands of New Yorkers each year—kids, adults, and communities gaining access to safe, affordable transportation for the first time.

By making a gift —you’re opening the door for someone else to ride, move freely, and access new opportunities.

Give more. Create access.

https://www.bike.nyc/donate/

Bike New York thanks the following agencies, officials, organizations, bike shops, and sponsors for their support of the TD Five Boro Bike Tour.

City Government Officials

The City The City of New York Zohran Mamdani, Mayor

NYC Department of Transportation

Mike Flynn, Commissioner

NYC Police Department

Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner

NYC Citywide Events Coordination and Management

Dawn Tolson, Executive Director

NYC Fire Department

Lillian Bonsignore, Commssioner

NYC Department of Parks and Recreation

Tricia Shimamura, Commissioner

NYC Tourism & Conventions

Julie Coker, President & CEO

Mayor’s Office of Mass Engagement

Tascha Van Auken, Commissioner

NYC Department of Sanitation

Javier Logan, Acting Commissioner

NYC Department of Emergency Management

Christina Farrell, Commissioner

NYC Department of Environmental Protection

Lisa Garcia, Commissioner

Central Park Conservancy

Elizabeth W. Smith, President & CEO Metropolitan Transportation Authority

Lieber, CEO Federal Agencies

Bike Shops

Supporting Sponsors

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center celebrates our 27th year in partnership with Bike New York and the TD Five Boro Bike Tour.

Congratulations to all the riders of this year’s tour!

WE RIDE Together.

And together, we’re making streets safer across the country.

The League is the national voice for people who bike. With people like you speaking up and taking action, we’re advancing the policies that protect and support better bicycling everywhere.

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