TD Five Boro Bike Tour pedal up to an extra hour
NEW YORK CITY — The return of the TD Five Boro Bike Tour this year goes even further, that is, in terms of time.
The May Day event will last an additional hour to give cyclists more time to explore more than 40 miles of New York without a car, organizers said.
The extra hour is the Tour’s first significant format change in decades, organizers said.
“The extra hour is a game-changer for riders on the TD Five Boro Bike Tour,” Ken Podziba, president and CEO of Bike New York, said in a statement Monday. “The ability to spread out the starting waves means less congestion, more extra room to soak up the stunning views and enjoy a more leisurely, freewheeling ride.”
The 2022 Five Boro Bike Tour will bring the event back to full capacity – 32,000 riders – for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began, organizers said.
The arrival of the pandemic started two difficult years for the Tour. Beyond the capacity limit, last year’s Tour was delayed due to bad weather from Hurricane Henri.
But this year is in full swing for the Tour, whose registrations are open.
“The DOT is thrilled that not only will the TD Five Boro Bike Tour be back at full capacity this year, but that riders will also have an extra hour to enjoy riding on car-free roads in all five boroughs,” said Ydandis Rodriguez, the city’s city manager. transportation department commissioner, said in a statement. “May will be Bike Month – and so I thank Bike New York for their work in getting us started this year – as well as their year-round efforts to promote cycling and safety among New Yorkers of all ages.”