These are Lottery Registration FAQs.  Please see the Tour FAQs page for information about the ride and the Expo & Packet Pickup page for details about packet pickup and the Expo.

Why is there a lottery system?
What day does the lottery begin?
What time does the lottery begin?
How long is the lottery open?
What time does the lottery end?
Is the lottery first-come first-serve?”
How much does it cost to enter into the lottery?
How much is the lottery registration fee for a group?
Will my $6 registration fee be refunded if I do not get into the lottery?
Will the $6 count towards the tour registration fee if I am selected to register for the tour?
When/how will I know if I was chosen?
Do I receive priority registration or automatic entry in the lottery if I have participated in the tour before?
Can I register as a group?
Can I enter the lottery in a group and as an individual?
Can I enter the lottery multiple times?
Can I enter the lottery in multiple groups?
When does VIP registration begin?
Is VIP registration included in the lottery system?
Will I receive notice if I am not selected to register through the lottery?
After I am selected, will I need to do anything else?
I didn’t get in, does this mean I can’t ride?
How do I guarantee a place in next year’s tour?
Is there a fee for the lottery?
Why is packet pickup held exclusively at Bike Expo New York?
What is Bike New York doing to avoid registration scalpers?
When and where will I pick up my rider packet and tour vest?
Can I enter the lottery in multiple groups?
What forms of identification are considered valid?
I want to ride for a charity. How do I get started?
My friends and I entered the lottery as a group. Can I pick up their packets at the Expo?
My spouse is out of town during Bike Expo New York, but riding in the tour. Can I pick up his/her packet?
Is there an age restriction to enter the lottery?
How can someone pickup my packet for me?
What are the rules for picking up a group member or someone else’s packet?
What do I need to bring to pick up a friend or group member’s packet?


Why is there a lottery system?

Tour registration was so popular last year that it sold out in one day.  We want to make sure that anyone who wants to ride has a more fair and equitable chance of participating in the event.


What day does the lottery begin?

The lottery starts on January 17 and runs through February 7.


What time does the lottery begin?

January 17, 2012 at 10:00 AM


How long is the lottery open?

The lottery starts on January 17 and runs through February 7.


Can I enter the lottery in a group and as an individual?

No, you may only enter in either a group or as an individual. If your name appears multiple times in the lottery, you may jeopardize entry for all members of each group.


What time does the lottery end?

February 7, 2012 at 5:00 PM


Is there a fee for the lottery?

Yes, there is a nonrefundable $6 lottery registration fee.


How much does it cost to enter into the lottery?

Each person will be charged a nonrefundable and nontransferable lottery registration fee of $6 per person.


Is the lottery first-come first-serve?

No, the lottery is a random selection process.


How much is the lottery registration fee for a group?

The group leader will be charged $6 for each person in the group (including him/herself) during the lottery registration process.


Will my $6 registration fee be refunded if I do not get into the lottery?

No, this is a nonrefundable and nontransferable fee to enter the lottery.


Will the $6 count towards the Tour registration fee if I am selected to register for the tour?

No, the $6 nonrefundable and nontransferable lottery registration fee is only for entry into the lottery.  Upon your acceptance to the Tour via the lottery, you will then need to complete the full Tour registration and pay the Tour registration fee.


When/how will I know if I was selected?

If you are selected you will receive an e-mail with instructions on how to complete your registration.  If you registered as a group and are selected to register, your entire group will receive the acceptance e-mail with the same instructions.  All Lottery registrants will receive notification of their status by March 1.


Do I receive priority registration or automatic entry in the lottery if I have participated in the tour before?

No, participants are randomly selected.


 Can I register as a group?

Yes, you can register up to nine additional (for a total of 10) people into the lottery with you as a group.  If selected, all members of the group will be able to register for the Tour.  One group leader must register the entire group for the lottery.


Can I enter the lottery multiple times?

No, each person can only enter once.  The lottery system will not allow for multiple entries.


Can I enter the lottery in multiple groups?

No, you may only enter in one group.  If your name appears in multiple groups you may jeopardize entry for all members of each group.


When does VIP registration begin?

January 17, 2012 at 10:00 A.M.


Is VIP registration included in the lottery system?

No, VIP registration is available beginning January 17 on a first come, first serve basis.  You can register as a VIP any time until the spaces are filled.  More information can be found HERE.


Will I receive notice if I am not selected to register through the lottery?

Yes, you will receive an e-mail of your status by March 1.


After I am selected, will I need to do anything else?

Yes, you will have one week from the time-stamped date of your e-mail notification to complete your registration (instructions will be in your notification email). If you do not complete the registration process, your spot will be given to another lottery registrant.


I didn’t get in, does this mean I can’t ride?

No!  You can “Ride for a Reason” with one of our many charity partners, or register as a VIP.


How do I guarantee a place in next year’s tour?

Those who do not get into the 2012 TD Five Boro Bike Tour can guarantee an entry spot into the 2013 Tour by volunteering this year during Tour weekend or Bike Expo New York.  Bike New York volunteer applications will be online the second week of February.   Click HERE for more information.


Why is packet pickup held exclusively at Bike Expo New York?
Our move from packet mailings to pickup at Bike Expo New York helps us reduce the number of registration scalpers and packet scammers. Moving packet pickup to a central venue and holding it closer to the tour eliminates opportunities for fraud and protects you from falling victim to this scam. Beyond packet pickup, Bike Expo New York is free and packed with giveaways, classes, exhibitors and entertainment. It is a fun way to meet other cyclists and celebrate the 2012 Tour.


What is Bike New York doing to avoid registration scalpers?

The lottery system requires detailed information for lottery entry and does not allow groups larger than 10 to register.  Additionally, anyone picking up their packets must attend Bike Expo New York and provide valid photo identification, or the proxy packet pickup form available by emailing info@bikenewyork.org.


When and where will I pick up 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, 4 and 5 (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 by emailing info@bikenewyork.org.  The Expo will take place at Basketball City on Pier 36.  Click HERE for more information.

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); national identification cards are not accepted.


I want to ride for a charity. How do I get started?

Those interested in riding for a charity should email Jamie DeFour for more information.


My friends and I entered the lottery as a group.  Can I pick up their packets at the Expo?

Yes, group members can pick up packets for all registered group members. Group members must bring the signed proxy form along with the confirmation e-mail containing all group members and valid photo identification.


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 as well as a copy of the participant’s confirmation e-mail and valid photo identification.  Individuals (including non-riders) can pick up a maximum of five proxy packets. Individuals must bring the signed proxy form along with the confirmation e-mail containing all group ride members.

For more information, visit the Packet Pickup page.


Is there an age restriction to enter the lottery?

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 (as of May 6, 2012) must ride on a tandem bike, tagalong bike, or a bike trailer.  Youth ages 10 to 13 (as of May 6, 2012) can ride their own bicycles in proximity to their adult guardian.  Youth ages 14-17 (as of May 6, 2012) can ride their own bicycles but are subject to adult registration fees.  All youth must be registered by an adult guardian.  For safety purposes every child must have one registered adult enter and ride the tour with them.


How can someone pickup my packet for me?

You need to fill out a packet pickup proxy form and include a signed copy of valid photo identification as well as a copy of your registration confirmation e-mail.


What are the rules for picking up a group member or someone else’s packet?

Individuals (including non-riders) can pick up a maximum of five proxy packets. Individuals must bring the signed proxy form along with the confirmation e-mail containing the rider’s number. Group members can pick up packets for all registered group members. Group members must bring the signed proxy form along with the confirmation e-mail containing all group members.


What do I need to bring to pick up a friend or group member’s packet?

Individuals must bring the signed proxy form along with the confirmation e-mail containing ride members information. Group members must bring the signed proxy form along with the confirmation e-mail containing all group members.