Additional Information
EVENT DAY IN BRIEF
There are 42 miles of adventure ahead on May 2 when you ride traffic-free through New York City! Join 30,000 cyclists for the largest recreational cycling event in America.
Route Highlights: The journey starts in Lower Manhattan. You’ll head north through the heart of Manhattan to Central Park and continue on to historic Harlem and the Bronx, returning south along the East River on FDR Drive. From there you’ll cross into Queens and then Brooklyn, where cyclists take over the Gowanus Expressway before making the thrilling climb up -- and down -- the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge to Staten Island.
Rest Areas: Replenish your energy at five areas along the route. Complimentary snacks at each stop include Bonita Bananas, Lärabars, and oranges.
Other Services: Entertainment, rider photos, bike repair, Reunion Centers, “SAG” (support and gear) trucks and buses, and medical support are among the amenities available for riders -- along with car-free streets, a spectacular route, and the company of 30,000 enthusiastic cyclists and more than 1,500 volunteers.
Short Cut: Riders in the rear third of the Tour will be directed to a shortened route that bypasses the Astoria Park rest area and leads directly to the Con Ed Learning Center rest area, a shortcut of 4 miles.
Finish Festival: Relax, grab a bite to eat, check out bike-related exhibits, and shop for official Tour gear and other goodies at the Festival on Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island (11 a.m. – 5 p.m.).
TOUR RULES
To ensure a smooth ride, please be aware of and follow these rules and security measures. Thanks in advance for your cooperation!
Please wear or bring the following items:
- Wear your cycling helmet. Affix the helmet number so you can be identified in brightroom photos.
- Wear your Tour vest, which shows that you are a registered rider entitled to all Tour services and allows you to bypass vest checkpoints.
- Complete the emergency information label inside your vest and that of any children you are escorting.
- Carry photo identification (children excluded) and keep it handy; you may be asked to show it.
- The Tour is for cyclists only. For safety reasons, skaters may not participate.
- Children ages 14 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Strap young passengers into a child's seat or trailer that is attached firmly to your bike. Children under one year old may not participate.
Exercise bicycle safety and respect other cyclists:
- Watch for and follow instructions from Tour marshals and police officers.
- Ride with the flow of the Tour.
- Maintain adequate distance between you and the cyclists around you, especially going down hill.
- Use hand signals when turning or stopping. Signal with your voice before passing; call out "on your right" or "on your left."
- Faster cyclists pass on the left. Slower-paced cyclists stay to the right. Move all the way to the side if walking your bike.
- Move completely off the road if stopping for any reason.
- Use care when changing lanes.
- Control speed and slow down for congestion and hazardous conditions.
- Keep at least one hand on the handlebar at all times.
- Cycle defensively. Be prepared for moves by other cyclists.
- No headphones, cell phone use, or picture taking while riding.
- Slow down when approaching a security checkpoint. Make sure your Tour vest is visible. You will be asked to leave the Tour if you do not have one.
No photos on bridges or their access points. Your camera could be confiscated.
Carry only what is necessary in panniers (saddle bags), handlebar bags, and/or bags that attach to the back of the seat. Backpacks are not recommended; if used, they must be very small. Bags are subject to search. Please cooperate if federal, state, or city officials ask to see the contents of your bags.
Use Information/Reunion Centers. Located at all rest areas and the Festival, Information Centers have message boards and can help separated cyclists find each other.
Bike New York reserves the right to reject any entry and to disqualify and bar or remove any individual from the Tour. Reasons for this include but are not limited to: violation of the Tour aforementioned rules, unsafe conduct, non-payment of Tour fees, participating without an official vest and number, participating with an official vest or number assigned to another person, transferring or attempting to transfer an official vest or number or to obtain such items from another person, and providing false information on the Tour entry form. Individuals disqualified from the Tour may be barred from future Tours and other Bike New York events.
RIDE WITH BIKE NEW YORK THROUGHOUT THE YEAR!
Sign up for Bike New York’s fun, friendly, and scenic smaller rides as motivation to keep riding through the summer. Visit www.BikeNewYork.org for more details and to register. Easily accessible from New York City, they offer mileage choices for riders of all skill levels plus top-notch rest areas and support.
Classes and Trainings
Ride proceeds support Bike New York's Bicycle Education Program, which offers free classes and trainings for cyclists throughout the New York metropolitan region. Let us help you get to know your bike, learn basic repairs and adjustments, and ride safely and confidently in traffic. Visit www.BikeNewYork.org/education for more details.
