TD Five Boro Bike Tour Volunteer Opportunities

Course Marshals assist with safety and communication on the Tour course. Though riding is not required for the Course Marshal position, basic cycling knowledge is helpful and strong people skills are a must. Course Marshals must be 16 or older by May 6, 2012.

On Tour day, Course Marshals meet at their assigned post, get updates from their Captain, and have breakfast. Under the direction of their Captain, Course Marshals spread out to their assigned positions in their zone. Some Course Marshals will ride within their zone to transport light equipment such as flags and bullhorns. As the Tour passes, Course Marshals direct riders and communicate safety concerns and general information. Lunch will be provided. It’s a long day of work (approximately 5-7 hours between 6:00am and 4:00pm, depending on location) but also a fun and rewarding experience.

In appreciation for their hard work, Course Marshals are rewarded with guaranteed entry for the 2013 Five Boro Bike Tour or discounted registration for one of Bike New York’s Regional Rides.

Course Marshal Responsibilities

Course Marshals work in teams under the direction of their Captain. As needed, they are assigned to specific tasks in their zone. Responsibilities may include alerting participants to specific road conditions, assisting with crowd control and road emergencies, encouraging slow riders, and providing information to participants, spectators, and nearby residents. In preparation for their Five Boro Bike Tour duties, all Course Marshals must attend a mandatory training and orientation session, which will be offered several times during mid-April.

Rider Assist Marshals are crucial to keeping the Tour running smoothly and safely. They are experienced cyclists who provide assistance along the route. Strong people skills, flat repair skills, and basic bike repair knowledge are a must. Rider Assist Marshals must be 16 or older by May 6, 2012, and are required to wear helmets when riding.

On Tour day, Rider Assist Marshals check in with their Captain for updates and breakfast at their assigned meeting location in lower Manhattan. They provide information and crowd control in their zone until their designated start time on the course. Rider Assist Marshals then proceed along the course, stopping to give assistance wherever needed. At the end of the Tour, Rider Assist Marshals check out at the Finish Festival in Staten Island and enjoy lunch. It’s a long day of work (about 5:00am – 4:30pm) but also a fun and rewarding experience.

In appreciation for their hard work, Rider Assist Marshals are rewarded with guaranteed entry for the 2013 Five Boro Bike Tour or discounted registration for one of Bike New York’s Regional Rides.

Rider Assist Marshal Responsibilities

Rider Assist Marshals complete their crowd control and Rider Information duties in the start area under the direction of their Captain. Once they begin riding at their designated start time, their responsibilities include helping riders with flat and bike repair, responding to road emergencies, providing information to participants, encouraging slow riders, and assisting riders boarding SAG (support and gear) buses. Rider Assist Marshals also help Captains and Course Marshals along the Tour who are in need of assistance. All Rider Assist Marshals must attend a mandatory training and orientation session, which will be offered several times during mid-April.

Front Riders are fit, experienced cyclists who lead the Tour from start to finish. They ride in tight formation at speeds of 15 – 20 miles per hour and keep the Tour on schedule. Front Riders must be 18 or older by May 6, 2012, and are required to wear helmets.

Front Rider Responsibilities

Front Riders must have precise bike handling skills, a high level of fitness, experience with paceline riding, and strong communication skills. On Tour day, they check in at 5:30am in Lower Manhattan. For the safety of all Tour participants, it is imperative that Front Riders maintain a cohesive group for the entire length of the Tour. All Front Riders must attend at least one Front Rider Training Session, which will be offered several times in April.

Event Day Volunteers are an integral part of the Tour. They serve many functions, which may include setting up, serving snacks and beverages at Rest Areas and Water Stations, assisting riders at Information Areas, providing information to spectators and community members, and working at the Festival on Staten Island. Shifts last approximately 5-7 hours between 6:00am and 4:00pm, depending on the location. No riding or bike skills are required, and volunteer groups are welcome. Breakfast and/or lunch will be provided depending on the shift. Volunteers must be 16 or older by May 6, 2012.
In appreciation for their hard work, Event Day Volunteers are rewarded with guaranteed entry for the 2013 Five Boro Bike Tour or discounted registration for one of Bike New York’s Regional Rides.

Event Day Volunteer Responsibilities

Event Day Volunteers work in teams under the direction of their Captain, and are assigned to specific tasks as needed. All Volunteers are expected to arrive on time and stay for the duration of their shift. Event Day Volunteers can select from the following roles:

 Support and Gear (SAG), All Five Boroughs: The ultimate assistants on Tour Day, SAG Volunteers assist riders who can’t finish the Tour, helping them board buses and loading their bikes onto the SAG vehicles.

 Start Area at Battery Park: Set up equipment and supplies, provide information, direct and assist riders, clean up and breakdown.

 VIP Hospitality at Start Line: Set up equipment and supplies, provide information, direct and assist riders, clean up and breakdown.

 Rest Areas and Water Stations: There are 4 Rest Areas and 2 Water Stations along the route. Volunteers set up the area, greet and assist cyclists, distribute snacks and water, help cyclists and spectators at Information Tents, direct traffic flow, and clean up after the Tour passes. All Rest Areas and Water Stations are accessible by public transportation, and parking is available on a limited basis.

 Central Park: Direct park users while the Tour is in progress. Direct all pedestrians, including walkers, runners and dog-walkers to their desired area, guiding them through detours and parade crossings. Knowledge of Central Park is helpful. This is a shorter shift: 7:00am to 11:00am.

 Festival at Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island: Event Day Volunteers are needed in many areas:

• Volunteer Check-In/Out
• Volunteer Lunch Tent
• VIP Area
• Merchandise Tent
• Water Distribution
• Crowd Control
• Shuttle Bus Host
• Cleanup

A shuttle bus will run from the Staten Island Ferry to the Festival, and parking is available as well.

 Staten Island Ferry: Direct traffic flow, distribute water, and provide information as riders line up and board ferries.

Be a part of the inaugural year of the BE NY! Volunteers ensure that the Expo is a fun and informative experience for Five Boro Bike Tour riders and all others attending BE NY. Shifts are approximately 5 hours, and lunch is provided. No riding or bike skills are required, and volunteer groups are welcome. Volunteers must be 16 or older by May 3, 2012.

In appreciation for their hard work, BE NY Volunteers are rewarded with guaranteed entry for the 2013 Five Boro Bike Tour or discounted registration for one of Bike New York’s Regional Rides.

BE NY Volunteer Responsibilities

Volunteers work in teams under the direction of their Captain, and are assigned to specific roles as needed. Training will be provided at the beginning of each shift, and volunteers are additionally encouraged to attend a BE NY Volunteer Orientation at the end of April. All Volunteers are expected to arrive on time and stay for the duration of their shift. Expo Volunteers can request to work in one of the following areas:

 ID Check: Check ID’s and registration confirmations before riders enter the Packet Pick-Up area.

 Packet Pick-Up: Give riders their official FBBT vest and bib.

 Rider Information: Assist riders with general questions related to the Tour.

 Crowd Control: Greet and direct riders and expo attendees.

Volunteer support is crucial in the days leading up to the Tour. No riding or bike skills are required, and volunteer groups are welcome. Volunteers must be 16 or older by May 5, 2012.

Pre-Tour Volunteer Responsibilities

Pre-Tour Volunteers work in teams under the direction of their Captain, and are assigned to specific tasks as needed. All Volunteers are expected to arrive on time and stay for the duration of their shift. Volunteers can select from the following roles:

 Festival Setup, Saturday May 5: Set up tables, chairs, signs, and small tents at the Festival site in Staten Island. Lunch provided with 5 hour shift.

 Battery Park Setup, Saturday May 5: Set up tables, chairs, signs, and small tents in Battery Park. Lunch provided with 5 hour shift.

 Flyer Distribution, arranged with BNY and completed weeks before the Tour: Distribute flyers in communities impacted by our event, including drop-offs at police precincts, public buildings, major apartment complexes, parking garages, and retail establishments.

In appreciation for their hard work, Pre-Tour Volunteers are rewarded with guaranteed entry for the 2013 Five Boro Bike Tour or discounted registration for one of Bike New York’s Regional Rides.