About

About Us

Bike New York is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to promote and encourage bicycling and bicycle safety through education, public events, and collaboration with community and government organizations. Best known for producing America’s largest cycling event, a 42-mile, traffic-free ride for some 32,000 cyclists known as the TD Bank Five Boro Bike Tour, we also put on regional rides outside NYC, offer free classes to the public, and develop customized bicycle safety and education programs in and around New York City.

Events

Bike New York dates back to 1977, when the Five Boro Bike Tour began as a program of American Youth Hostels. Known as "Bike New York: The Great Five Boro Bike Tour," the event grew so much over the years that by the late 1990s it required a dedicated, year-round staff to handle operations, sponsorship, and communications. Thus, in 2000, Bike New York was established as a not-for-profit organization. Since then, the Tour has continued to introduce generations of riders to the joys of cycling in New York City.
Tour History > 

Two years after becoming independent, in 2002, Bike New York added the Twin Lights Ride to its fall schedule. Twin Lights cyclists travel the back roads of Monmouth County, New Jersey, starting and ending near a landmark lighthouse that guards the entrance to New York Harbor. In 2004, theHarlem Valley Rail Ride began, treating riders to a car-free rail trail and beautiful countryside in upstate New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. In 2008, Bike New York expanded its offerings to the east with the Long Island Harbors Ride. Though the terrain is different, these rides have a lot in common: mileage choices for riders of all skill levels, easy access from New York City, well-marked routes, frequent rest areas, SAG support, and fun tour-ending festivals.

Educational Partnerships

Proceeds from Bike New York events support the operation and growth of its Bicycle Education Program, established in 2004, which offers free classes and trainings for adults and children. The Bicycle Education Program also provide programming for numerous agencies and non-profits, and can develop customized programs for groups upon request. Government offices we work with include City of New York Parks and Recreation, New York City Department of Transportation, New York City Department of Education, and Hudson (NJ) Transportation Management Association. Association and non-profit partners include the Bronx River Alliance; Central Park Conservancy; Friends of Cunningham Park; Henry Street Settlement; League of American Bicyclists; Montefiore School Health Program; New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance; Oasis in Central Park; Recycle-A-Bicycle; Strategic Alliance for Health, Trailblazers; and the Trust for Governors Island.

Selected groups also receive direct support from Bike New York, including Recycle-A-Bicycle and the Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets Fund. 
We Support >