The Five Boro Bike Tour, the largest charitable bike ride in the United States, kicks off in Manhattan and spans 40 miles across all five boroughs before concluding on Staten Island.
Starting from the intersection of Franklin and Church Street in Tribeca, cyclists begin their journey in waves, with the first group setting off at 7:30 a.m. and the final wave departing at 10:25 a.m.
The route takes riders through the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, and finally to Staten Island’s Fort Wadsworth, where they can catch a ferry back to Manhattan.
Participants come from all over, like Anthony Maynard from South Carolina, who relishes every moment of the 40-mile ride. Nichole Muller from Texas, a first-time rider, saw it as an exciting adventure to explore New York City in a unique way.
Many cyclists arrived on Saturday to collect their bibs and partake in the annual blessing of the bikes, seeking safety for their journey.
While there’s no official end time, most riders complete the tour by evening. Meredith Mitsifer from Arizona, riding tandem, looks forward to experiencing the city in a new light.
The event draws people of all ages and abilities, representing a diverse mix from across the globe. Ken Podziba, President and CEO of Bike New York, sees it as a microcosm of the world.
More than 32,000 cyclists join the charity ride, raising funds for Bike New York’s free bike education programs, benefiting both children and adults.
For some, like Steve Shiffman riding for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and Nicole Moler advocating for ovarian cancer awareness, the tour holds personal significance.
Participants appreciate the opportunity to explore New York City in a unique way, beyond just Manhattan, as they pedal through its diverse neighborhoods and iconic landmarks.
However, the bike tour also brings road closures, affecting drivers across the city, with closures on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and other key routes.
