News

Today marked the 35th anniversary of the TD Five Boro Bike Tour as 32,000 cyclists pedaled 40 miles of car-free streets throughout the five boroughs of New York City.  The days preceding the Tour also marked the inaugural launch of Bike Expo New York (BE NY) Presented by Eastern Mountain Sports.  Garnering more than 43,000 attendees, BE NY was the most attended inaugural consumer bike expo in the country.

America’s largest cycling event, the TD Five Boro Bike Tour, has come a long way in three and a half decades from the 250 cyclists and two-car police escort to the world-class event it is today.  For the first time in its history, the Tour’s popularity and incredible demand necessitated a lottery registration system to give everyone a more fair and equal chance to ride.  “It’s amazing how much this event has grown since its inception,” says Ken Podziba, president and CEO of Bike New York.  “After 35 years, there’s still no better way to experience the uniquely dynamic sights, sounds and electrifying energy of New York City.”

“TD Bank is thrilled to again be the title sponsor of the Five Boro Bike Tour,” said Chris Giamo, Regional President, TD Bank. “We’re proud to be associated with this initiative to help promote a healthy and environmentally friendly way to enjoy the City.”

More than 950 riders participated in this year’s “Ride for a Reason” charity program.  This year, Bike New York partnered with more than 40 charities, including LIVESTRONG, Grassroot Soccer, Planned Parenthood of New York City, The Harlem School of Arts, and many more.   The “Ride for a Reason” charity program provides people the opportunity to participate in the TD Five Boro Bike Tour while helping raise money for an organization they wish to support.  This year charity riders raised approximately $1 million.

This year’s TD Five Boro Bike Tour also hosted the first-ever “kooky costume contest” celebrating the fun outfits showcased throughout the sea of Tour participants.  “We’ve seen some wacky outfits over the years from pink flamingos to penguins,” says Ken Podziba, president and CEO of Bike New York.  “The crazy costumes mirror the outrageous energy, diversity and fun we see every day in New York City.”  Tour participants will upload photos and vote for the winner online.  Prizes include a bike from Specialized valued at $810 for the first place winner, and gift certificates to Eastern Mountain Sports valued at $600 for second place and $400 for third place.  More information can be found on Bike New York’s website www.bikenewyork.org.

For the first time ever the Tour participants picked up their packets in person at the inaugural Bike Expo New York presented by Eastern Mountain Sports at Basketball City, Pier 36.  BE NY carried an unmistakable New York flair with street signs, carpeted bike lanes and even a massive Verrazano Bridge suspended from the ceiling.  The Expo opened with notable presentations including the Fix a Flat Amateur Bike Repair Competition presented by Eastern Mountain Sports and the New York City Mountain Bike Association discussing tips for New York City bike trails.  Models paraded the hottest looks for summer riding at the BE Chic, BE NY Fashion show presented by Momentum Magazine, while Pro BMX athletes Dan Sieg and 2009 King of New York Champion Rob Deveaux dazzled crowds with jaw-dropping BMX stunts during the Action Sports Showcase  presented by Baby Bean: The Action Sports Agency.  In keeping with its mission to provide free bicycle education in New York City, Bike New York held several of its signature Learn to Ride classes throughout the event.

“With the addition of Bike Expo New York, the TD Five Boro Bike Tour went from the largest one-day celebration of cycling to a four-day showcase of the many benefits of two-wheeled transportation, ” said Eastern Mountain Sports CEO Will Manzer. “At Eastern Mountain Sports, we believe good things happen when more people ride bikes more often and Bike Expo New York was the perfect venue for us to bring this message to a huge audience.”

BE NY hosted more than 90 organizations representing the best brands and organizations in biking, including Raleigh, Specialized, Fuji, Cannondale, Shimano, and People for Bikes.  Local brands were also represented with companies such as Vespertine, Rolling Orange, Montecci and many more.  For the full list of exhibitors, visit www.bikeexponewyork.org. The Expo also hosted packet pickup for more than 30,000 cyclists participating in the Tour.

“Bike Expo New York really brought the New York City bike community together,” says Ken Podziba, president and CEO of Bike New York.  “With more people biking, the increasing expansion of bike lanes, and bike share around the corner, Bike Expo New York was the perfect way to show the world what a bike friendly city New York has become.”