Click here for security information about bringing bags on the Tour.

What is the TD Five Boro Bike Tour?

The TD Five Boro Bike Tour is America’s largest cycling event.  32,000 cyclists ride 40 miles of car-free streets through all five boroughs of New York City.  The Tour is co-produced by Bike New York and the New York City Department of Transportation.   Proceeds from Tour registration fund Bike New York’s education program which provides free bicycle education throughout New York City.

When is the 2013 TD Five Boro Bike Tour?

The next TD Five Boro Bike Tour is on Sunday, May 5, 2013.

Where does the money go?

Your charitable donation covers the increased cost of amenities provided for the ride—everything from food and support vehicles to entertainment and recycling facilities—as well as behind-the-scenes expenses. We work hard to keep our price at just a fraction of the charge of other major sporting events that close down city streets. Bike New York is a non-profit organization; any proceeds from the Tour support Bike New York’s mission, including free education classes for everyone in New York City — we reached more than 12,000 youths in 2012.

How much does it cost to ride the Tour?

The price for individual registration will be a charitable contribution of $86 per rider.  The price for Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Five Boro registration will be a charitable contribution of $325 per rider.  Proceeds from these charitable contributions fund Bike New York’s education programs providing free bicycle education throughout the five boroughs.   Ride for a Reason participants individually fundraise for one of our 43 Charity Partners.  All Tour fees are nonrefundable and nontransferable.

Do I need to register my child?

Yes. All participants must be registered, including children, even if they are not riding their own bike. All children must be at least 3 years old on May 5, 2013 to participate. An adult must register and sign the waiver on behalf of any minors.  All Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Five Boro riders must be 18 or older as of May 5, 2013.

 Can children ride on their own or do they need to be attached to my bicycle?

Children younger than 3 years old may not participate.

Youth ages 3-9 years must ride on a tandem bike, tagalong bike, or a bike trailer.

Youth ages 10-13 can ride their own bicycles and must stay in close proximity to their adult guardian.

Can kids ride in trailers?

Yes, as long as the bicycle is operated by an adult over the age of 18.

What are the rules related to bringing my child on the Tour?

As always, we welcome children on the ride, but for safety reasons no one under the age of three can participate in the TD Five Boro Bike Tour.  Youth ages 3 to 9 must ride on a tandem bike, tagalong bike, or a bike trailer.  Youth ages 10 to 13 can ride their own bicycles in proximity to their adult guardian.  Youth ages 14 to 17 can ride their own bicycles.  Children must be accompanied by an adult or guardian if they ride in a SAG vehicle. All youth must be registered by an adult guardian online. No youths younger than 3 years old on Tour day may participate. For safety purposes every child must have at least one registered adult enter the Tour with them.  All Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Five Boro riders must be 18 or older as of May 5, 2013.

I plan on riding a tandem with my spouse/friend/child. Do we both need to register??

Yes. All participants must register individually.  Minors must be registered by a parent or guardian.

What is the route for TD Five Boro Bike Tour?

The TD Five Boro Bike Tour is a 40 mile, car-free ride through all five boroughs of New York City.  Click HERE for the 2013 route map and stay tuned for updates!

How do I get back to Manhattan at the end of the TD Five Boro Bike Tour?

After leaving the Festival on Staten Island you can take the ferry back to Battery Park in Manhattan or pick up your car at the lot near the St. George’s Terminal in Staten Island.

What are staggered starts?

Bike New York will implement staggered starts for the TD Five Boro Bike Tour. Riders will be assigned to one of three start times.  This will minimize waiting at the start line, alleviate bottlenecks and create a more enjoyable ride for everyone.  Participants who link together as a group will be assigned to the same start time.

Can I start the ride farther along the Tour route and avoid the start line?

No, riders ­must start during the designated start time from the designated start area.

Is lunch provided for riders at the Finish Festival?

No, but riders can purchase food from the many vendors at the Finish Festival.  Snacks will be provided at rest areas along the route.  Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Five Boro riders will enjoy a gourmet Italian Pasta Party at the Finish Festival.

Will there be a Finish Festival?

There will be a Finish Festival at Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island! There will be music, sponsor exhibits and photo booths, and food available for purchase.

What happens if I start the ride, but cannot finish it due to unforeseen circumstances?

You can leave the ride at any time. Note that if you leave the Tour, you will be riding in motorized traffic and will have to watch for cars and road hazards.  Once you leave the Tour route you will no longer have access to Tour services including rest areas and SAG. If you need to depart, we recommend the following locations:

Mile 14, York Avenue and 63rd Street,Manhattan: This is your last chance to exit the Tour in Manhattan. If you don’t want to go to Queens, travel straight on 63rd Street after the Tour exits FDR Drive. Do not take the left-hand turn onto the ramp of the Queensboro (59th Street) Bridge.

Mile 27, Brooklyn Bridge: Just before the Tour enters the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE), you can leave the Tour and take the Brooklyn Bridge bike path into downtown Manhattan. Marshals on the Brooklyn side will direct you (this is recommended for those traveling with children).

Is bike repair offered along the Tour route?

Each rest area will have a bicycle mechanic station for minor repairs. Rider Assist Marshals should be able to offer some assistance for minor repairs while on the route.  We strongly recommend bringing an extra bike tube on the route.

Will there be food and refreshments along the Tour route?

Yes, each rest stop will have all sorts of nutritious snacks and goodies to keep you going until the end!

I got into the TD Five Boro Bike Tour. Can I sell my entry?

No. Registration is nonrefundable, non-deferrable and nontransferable. If you decide not to ride, we can convert your registration into a charitable contribution. Please email Bike New York as soon as possible if you want to explore this option.

What do I do if I see unlawful or hostile actions during the Tour?

Alert event staff and/or New York Police Department officers.

How can I find out where rest stops, water stations and bike maintenance hubs are along the TD Five Boro Bike Tour route?

Click HERE for the 2013 route map and stay tuned for updates!

What if I am late to my designated staggered start time?

If some unforeseen circumstance occurs, join the following staggered start time.  Please let a marshal know that you have entered at a different time.

Can I start at an earlier start time?

No, you can only fall back into a later start time.

What do I do if I lose one of my possessions while riding?

We ask all riders who find lost possessions on the route to hand them in to a staff member, letting them know where the item was found. If you lost an item, you can ask a representative at the information tent at the Finish Festival if anybody turned it in, but the best course of action would be to email Bike New York with a description of the item and a note about where you think you lost it. When all items are turned in, we will contact you if we find it.  The TD Five Boro Bike Tour and Bike New York are not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Do I need a helmet for the ride?

Yes, helmets are required for the TD Five Boro Bike Tour.

What if the weather looks bad?

The ride goes on, rain or shine. Be sure to dress and plan accordingly for the weather.  If cold weather or rain is expected, please dress with that in mind. If it’s going to be a warm, sunny day, don’t forget your sunscreen!

What else should I bring on the ride?

While the Tour provides snacks and hydration at the rest areas, don’t forget to bring two hydration bottles full of water and a sport drink, some small snacks, sunscreen and a spare tube in case you get a flat. You will want to pump your tires full of air the day before. Also, you will want your camera and fully charged cell phone.

What if I lose track of my friends while we are on the Tour?

Make a plan in advance with your friends in case you get split up. Rest areas are a good place to meet up with friends. Do not stop in the following locations: Central Park, on any of the bridges, or on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway (BQE). Out of courtesy for other riders, do not stop in the middle of the roadway; always pull over to the right side of the road if you need to stop for any reason.  There will also be a reunion tent at the finish festival where riders can choose to meet at that location.

Can I bring a pet on my bike?

No, pets are not permitted on the Tour.

Is there an age restriction for the Tour?

As always, we welcome children on the ride, but for safety reasons no one under the age of three can participate in the TD Five Boro Bike Tour.  Youth ages 3 to 9 must ride on a tandem bike, tagalong bike, or a bike trailer.  Youth ages 10 to 13 can ride their own bicycles in close proximity to their adult guardian.  Youth ages 14 to 17 can ride their own bicycles.  Children must be accompanied by an adult or guardian if they ride a SAG vehicle. All youths must be registered by an adult guardian online.  No youths younger than 3 years old on Tour day may participate. For safety purposes, every child must have at least one registered adult enter the Tour with them.  All youth are subject to the adult registration fee.  All Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Five Boro riders must be 18 or older as of May 5, 2013.

What sort of travel and accommodation options does Bike New York offer to riders?

This year the organizers of Bike Expo New York and the TD Five Boro Bike Tour have partnered with onPeak to provide you with hotel options for your trip to New York. Through this partnership, Bike New York and onPeak are able to offer you discounted nightly rates at favorable hotels throughout the city and will strive to provide you with a smooth and effortless booking process when making your 2013 travel reservations.  Check back in January for more details on these great hotel deals.  Visit our lodging page for more information.

Can you mail me my rider packet and Tour vest?

PACKETS WILL NOT BE MAILED.  All participants must pick up their packet and vest at Bike Expo New York on May 3 and 4 (the days preceding the Tour).  You must show valid photo identification (see valid photo identification) and your registration e-mail to receive your Tour packet.   Alternatively, you can send a member of your group to the Expo with the proxy packet pickup form, available here.  The Expo will take place at Basketball City on Pier 36.  Click HERE for more information.

My spouse is out of town during Bike Expo New York, but riding in the Tour.  Can I pick up his/her packet?

Yes, anyone picking up a Tour packet and rider vest must come with the proxy packet pickup form (click here) as well as a copy of the participant’s confirmation e-mail and a photocopy of valid photo identification.  Individuals picking up for a group must bring the signed proxy form along with the confirmation e-mail containing a barcode for each group member.

For more information, visit the Packet Pickup page.

My child is in school, can I pick up his/her packet without them?

Children are encouraged to attend Bike Expo New York for free bike classes and family programming. In order to pick up the child’s rider packet without the child present, the registered guardian must bring his/her valid photo identification and the confirmation e-mail containing both registration numbers and barcodes. You do not need to provide identification for the registered youth. Note that adults may only pickup the rider packet for the single youth registered under their name.

How can I pick up my child’s rider vest and Tour information and what information do I need to bring?

Children are encouraged to attend Bike Expo New York for free bike classes and family programming. In order to pick up rider information without the child present, you must bring your valid photo identification and the confirmation e-mail containing both registration numbers and bar codes. You do not need to provide identification for the registered youth. Note that adults may only pick up the rider packet for the single youth registered under their name.

What forms of identification are considered valid?

Residents of the United States and Puerto Rico must show state or federal government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license, DMV photo ID, or passport. Non-US residents, including Canadian residents, are required to show a valid passport (except residents of Puerto Rico, see above).

My friends and I linked together to ride as a group.  Can I pick up their packets at the Expo?

Yes, registered friends and family can pick up packets for all linked group members. Whoever is picking up the packages for the group must bring the signed proxy form along with the confirmation e-mails containing the unique barcodes and rider numbers as well as valid photo identification for all group members.

What is the new Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Five Boro option for the TD Five Boro Bike Tour?

The Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Five Boro brings together the production value of the Giro d’Italia with America’s largest cycling event to produce an “Italian” experience that participants will never forget!

This fun “Italian style” environment allows riders to challenge themselves with a timing chip, not for competition, but simply for the fun of timing your climb up the Verrazano Narrows Bridge before reaching the Tour Finish Festival. Participants will receive a special certificate with their time. Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Five Boro riders will celebrate their accomplishments with a taste of “La Dolce Vita!” This includes a priority start at the front of the Tour, an exclusive, limited edition “Made in Italy” bike jersey, breakfast, and a gourmet Italian Pasta Party at the finish line!  Registration opens on Tuesday, January 22 at 12:00pm (noon) EST.  All Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Five Boro riders must be 18 or older as of May 5, 2013.

Why is there no longer a VIP category for registration?

All the benefits of the former VIP rider category are encompassed within the new Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Five Boro category.  This fun “Italian style” environment allows riders to challenge themselves with a timing chip, not for competition, but simply for the fun of timing your climb up the Verrazano Narrows Bridge before reaching the Tour finish festival.  In addition, participants receive a priority start pass and breakfast before the ride, as well as a gourmet pasta party at the finish line.

How much is the Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Five Boro?

The price for Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Five Boro registration will be a charitable contribution of $325 per rider.  Proceeds from this charitable contribution fund Bike New York’s education programs providing free bicycle education throughout the five boroughs.

Can I register my child for the Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Five Boro?

All participants for the Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Five Boro must be 18 or older as of May 5, 2013 to ride.

Is the Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Five Boro competitive?

No.  The Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Five Boro includes a timed personal challenge as riders climb the Verrazano Narrows Bridge.  Riders will receive a certificate with their time.   No awards will be distributed.

As a Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Five Boro rider, do I have to participate in the timed bridge climb?

The bridge climb is included in the Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Five Boro registration package, but is noncompetitive.  Times are recorded electronically and presented to riders after the Tour.  No awards will be distributed.

Can I pick up the TD Five Boro Bike Tour registration jersey at Bike Expo New York? 

No, TD Five Boro Bike Tour registration jerseys will be mailed to participants before the event.

When can I order the TD Five Boro Bike Tour registration jersey?

The TD Five Boro Bike Tourregistration jersey is available exclusively online during the registration process.  It will not be available to riders at any point after they have completed registration.

Where can I find sizing information for the TD Five Boro Bike Tour registration jersey?

Sizing information for theTD Five Boro Bike Tour registration jersey can be found on our registration details page.

Can I return/exchange my TD Five Boro Bike Tour registration jersey?

No, all jersey sales are nonrefundable and nontransferable.  Participants purchasing a jersey should consult the sizing information on our registration details page.

How many TD Five Boro Bike Tour registration jerseys can I purchase?

Participants may purchase up to 5 TD Five Boro Bike Tour registration jerseys of any size.