SUNDAY, MAY 2, 2027

 

 

TD FIVE BORO BIKE TOUR - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

2027 Tour - when does registration open?

We’re finalizing details for the 2027 TD Five Boro Bike Tour and will make an announcement as soon as we are ready to go.

Stay tuned!

What is a rider ID kit? Do I need it to ride in the Tour?

All participants must wear the full rider ID kit to ride in the Tour, for the following reasons:

  • In case you need to take a ride in one of our SAG (Support and Gear) buses while your bike goes on the bike truck, we’ll match your bike plate and bib number to get your bike back to you
  • If you get separated from friends and family, we can assist you at the Finish Festival using the PA system
  • Photos – we’ll have scads of photographers along the route to help document YOUR Tour

Here’s what’s in your rider ID kit:

For Standard riders and Bike New York Members:

  • Your Tour helmet cover
  • Your numbered bib (to attach to the front of your jersey or shirt)
  • Your numbered bike plate (to attach to the handlebars of your bike)
  • Fasteners (safety pins and twist ties)

For VIP and Charity riders:

  • All of the above items
  • Your VIP or Charity credential, so you can access breakfast at the Start and your luncheon area at the Finish Festival
  • For VIP riders, your rider ID kit includes your Manhattan Portage VIP bag and your VIP jersey

How do I get my rider ID kit?

You’ll pick up your rider ID kit at our Packet Pickup and Bike Expo. We’ll announce details in early 2027.

CANCELLATIONS: I can't make it to the Tour—can I get a refund or transfer my entry?

Please note the following:

  • Bike New York event registration fees are generally non-refundable, and are non-deferrable
  • Your registration fees may be refundable ONLY if you purchase the cancellation protection plan during registration and file a claim with the protection plan company containing evidence of a coverable reason for non-attendance

If you’d like to transfer your Tour registration to another person, we’ll provide information on transfers closer to Tour day.

What if I don’t have a bike? Can I rent one?

Yes! Our official Tour rental partner Unlimited Biking provides a wide variety of bikes for the Tour.

With the convenience of bike pick-up in lower Manhattan on Tour morning, and drop-off at the Staten Island Ferry (St. George Ferry Terminal), you can ensure your Tour goes smoothly.

And the best part? Proceeds from your rental help fund our free education, outreach, and advocacy programs!

Do I have to be on a team? What's the purpose of teams?

For Standard riders: If you want to start in the same wave with friends and/or family, make sure you’re on the same team and choose the same start preference. This is optional.

Bike New York Members do not join teams; you’ll automatically be grouped together in Standard Wave 1.

Charity riders: You’ll automatically be assigned to Wave 1 under the name of the Charity Partner for which you are fundraising.

VIPs are automatically assigned to Wave 1.

If you would like to ride with friends and family who are assigned to a later wave, you may join them in their wave. Riders may not move to an earlier wave.

What kind of bike is allowed on the Tour? Can I use my e-bike?

Any human-powered pedaled bike (recumbent, unicycle, tandem, tricycle, etc.) is permitted, with the exception of surrey or party bikes (equipped with steering wheels).

Class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes may be used on the Tour.

NoteClass 2 or throttle e-bikes are not permitted on any Bike New York events, even if the throttle function is disabled.

Where does the money from my Tour registration fee go? What portion of my registration fee is tax deductible?

Your registration fee helps make this ride possible! It covers essential costs like:

  • City permits and security
  • Emergency management services
  • Rest area snacks and support
  • Event logistics (including porta-potties and sanitation)
  • Volunteer support and supplies
  • SAG (Support and Gear) vehicles
  • MTA fees for the Verrazzano Bridge
  • National Park Service fees for the Finish Festival
  • Event insurance
  • Entertainment and more

Producing an event of this magnitude (the world’s largest charitable ride) in NYC is costly, but thanks to our generous sponsors and dedicated volunteers, we’re able to keep registration fees lower than they’d otherwise be. On top of that, your fee helps support Bike New York’s mission, including:

  • Free bike education programs
  • Workforce development initiatives
  • Community outreach programming
  • Advocacy to make NYC streets safer and more bike-friendly

 

TAX-DEDUCTIBLE INFORMATION

Bike New York is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Our tax ID is 13-4069149.

Below are tax-deductible amounts for the Tour:

Standard and Member Registration: $32.00 (2026 Tour)

VIP Registration: $94.00 (2026 Tour)

What if I can't finish the Tour?

Not to worry! Our SAG (Support and Gear) vehicles follow at the back of the Tour, ready to assist if you run out of steam, or have an issue with your bike that can’t be fixed by one of our on-route mechanics.

SAG vehicles are also stationed at each Rest Area.

If you’re on the route and want to hitch a ride with SAG, just pull safely off to the side of the road and turn your bike upside down to signal our support vehicles  that you need transport to the Finish Festival.

Can I bring a bag on the Tour? Can I check a bag?

Yes. However, the following are prohibited:

  • Bags with shoulder straps (including backpacks, hydration packs, drawstring bags, and messenger bags)
  • Panniers or bags that hang on the side of your bike
  • Covered baskets
  • Any bag over 420 cubic inches (6.9 liters)

Here’s more info on baggage restrictions.

If you think that one or more of the above criteria applies to your bag, do not bring that bag. Bike New York is not responsible for confiscated property.

If you​r bag is confiscated, it will not be returned to you under any circumstances.

There is no baggage check on the Tour; bring only what you can carry!

How can I make sure I'm in the first wave for the Tour?

The only way to guarantee a start in Wave 1 of the Tour is to register as a VIP, a Bike New York Member, or a Charity rider. All other Standard riders will be placed in Waves 2 through 5 with some consideration given to your start time preference.

Do I have to wear a helmet?

Yes, helmets are required on all Bike New York events. No ifs, ands, or buts.

Are there age restrictions for the Tour? Do I have to register my child?

Yes.

Children under the age of 3 are not allowed on the Tour. 

All children ages 3 and older must be registered to participate in the Tour, and must adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Youths ages 3 to 9 must ride with an adult on a tandem bike, in a child’s seat, on a tag-along bike, or in a bike trailer.
  • Youths ages 10 to 17 may ride their own bikes, but must remain in close proximity to the adult with whom they were registered.

What happens if it rains?

All Bike New York events are rain or shine. In the case of severe or hazardous weather, we will notify all registered riders about contingency plans.

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

Yes.

All participants must register in order to ride in the Tour. Youth riders (under age 18) must be registered by a parent or guardian, and must be on the same team as their registered parent or guardian.

Children under the age of 3 are not allowed on the Tour.

I'm a Bike New York Member; can my friends and family ride with me in the first wave?

If your friends and family are Bike New York Members, they will automatically be placed in Standard Wave 1 with you.

If you want to ride with friends or family who are not Bike New York Members, you may start with them in the latest of their assigned waves.

WHEN YOU RENT A BIKE WITH UNLIMITED BIKING, THE OFFICIAL RENTAL PARTNER OF BIKE NEW YORK, PROCEEDS HELP FUND OUR BIKE EDUCATION PROGRAM!

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PRESENTING SPONSORs

 

CO-PRODUCED BY

 

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Bike

We’re quite partial to this option. From anywhere in Manhattan or downtown Brooklyn, the best way to get to the Start Area is by bike. The Hudson River Greenway and Broadway both lead directly to Bowling Green. For detailed directions, use Google Maps to plan your route. Be sure to click the bicycle icon. We’ll provide more information on getting to your start location in the coming weeks.

Staten Island Ferry

The Staten Island Ferry is one of the best boat rides you can take, and it’s FREE!

If you are parking or staying on Staten Island, you can take the ferry to lower Manhattan, and then bike to your Start location. There are no bike limits for the Staten Island ferry.

Ferry service for the Tour begins at 6:00AM, running every half  hour until 11:00AM.

Starting at 11:00AM, ferries will run every 15 minutes until 6;00PM, and then every half hour after that.

Note:  Lines for the Manhattan-bound ferry may be long starting  in the early afternoon, so plan your ride accordingly.

Driving & Parking

We recommend that participants driving to the TD Five Boro Bike Tour park on Staten Island in the morning.

You can bike to the Ferry and ride over to lower Manhattan to the Start. After you finish riding, you’ll ride back to your car and avoid any lines at the Ferry.

NOTE: Cars parked along the Tour route will be towed and impounded.

Learn more about parking on Staten Island

Subway

Note that some subway stations do not accommodate bikes. The MTA requests that participants do not bring bikes on the L/M/G trains. Visit www.mta.info for customized travel directions using TripPlanner, or call the MTA for more information by dialing 511. Check the MTA schedule for changes as Tour day approaches.

LEARN MORE ABOUT GETTING THERE BY SUBWAY

PATH Train (from New Jersey)

  • From Hoboken, take the PATH train toward 33rd St. and get off at the Christopher St. stop. From Newark, Harrison, Journal Square, Grove St., and Exchange Pl., take the WTC train and get off at the World Trade Center stop. 
  • Bikes are not permitted on the first car of the train.
  • Note that you will need to use stairs to get to street level, so be prepared to carry your bike.
  • For up-to-date information, system map, station locations, and parking information, visit www.panynj.gov or dial 1-800-234-PATH.
LEARN MORE ABOUT BIKES ON THE PATH TRAIN

Long Island Railroad (LIRR)

On Tour day, off-peak fares apply, and bike permit rules are suspended.

  • Cyclists can take the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to Penn Station or Grand Central-Madison and then transfer to downtown subway service, or cycle downtown.
  • We ask that you space you and your bikes evenly throughout the train to facilitate the flow of people boarding and disembarking at stations.
  • Please bring a bungee cord to secure your bike.
  • For more information on departure times and station locations, including weekend timetables, visit www.mta.info/lirr.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE LIRR

Metro-North Railroad

  • Take the Metro-North to Grand Central Station at East 42nd St. and Park Ave.
  • To get to Bowling Green via subway from Grand Central Terminal, take the 4, 5, or 6 train to the Brooklyn Bridge or City Hall stations.
  • On Tour Day:
    • Bikes are allowed on all trains on the Harlem, Hudson, and New Haven Lines.
    • Bike permit rules are suspended.
    • There will be no restrictions on the number of bikes per train.
    • Off-peak fares apply.
  • For more information on departure times and station locations, visit www.mta.info/mnr.
LEARN MORE ABOUT METRO-NORTH RAILROAD

NYC Ferry

Note: This is NOT the information for the Staten Island Ferry.

We have been asked by NYC Ferry’s organizers to discourage Tour participants from using NYC Ferry on Tour day.

NYC Ferry is significantly constrained in their ability to take bikes onboard.

 

LEARN MORE ABOUT NYC FERRY

NY Waterway (From New Jersey)

We do not have specific Tour day information for NY Waterway.

Please visit NY Waterway’s website for more information.

LEARN MORE ABOUT FERRIES FROM NEW JERSEY

While you're in NYC . . .

If you’re coming to New York City for the TD Five Boro Bike Tour, then make sure to check out nycgo.com for official visitor information to help you plan your trip! The guide is a great resource for everything you need to know regarding where to stay, eat, drink and play while you’re in town.

2026 TD Five Boro Bike Tour Start Map

2026 TOUR MAP

 

*All maps are subject to change. Please refer to this page for the most up-to-date maps, and visit our Start Schedule page for more infomation on your Start time and location.

We partner with multiple nonprofits to bring riders together raising funds for charity. The deadline to apply to become a 2026 Charity Partner has passed.

 

If you have any questions, please feel free to email charitypartner@bike.nyc.

2026 CHARITY PARTNERS

A

Access Justice Brooklyn

Allyson Whitney Foundation

ALS United Greater New York

American Brain Tumor Association

American Cancer Society

American Diabetes Association

American Liver Foundation

Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD), The

Avery’s Little Army INC

 

B

Blue Card, Inc., The

Boomer Esiason Foundation

Brielle Grace Breast Cancer Foundation

Broadway Green Alliance

BronxWorks

 

C

CACNA1A Foundation

CaringKind

Chelsea Piers Foundation

Children’s Tumor Foundation

Christodora, Inc.

Climate Ride

Clothes to Kids of Fairfield County, Inc.

Community Roots Charter School

Connections Mentor Inc.

Cycling for Change, Inc.

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

 

D

debra of America

DKMS

Doctors Without Borders/MSF-USA

 

E

enCourage Kids Foundation

 

F

Futures and Options

Futures Ignite

 

G

Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research

Game Devs of Color

Gotham Park

GRACE Foundation of New York, The

 

H

HeartShare Human Services of New York

Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation

Hudson River Community Sailing

 

J

Junior Achievement of New York

 

L

Liberation Programs

Lighthouse Guild

LiveOnNY

Livestrong Foundation, The

LoveYourBrain Foundation

Lung Cancer Research Foundation

Lymphoma Research Foundation

 

M

Make-A-Wish Metro New York and Western New York

Marty Lyons Foundation, The

Montefiore Einstein, Inc.

Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, The

 

N

National Blood Clot Alliance

National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC TEAM TEAL)

New York Legal Assistance Group

New York Presbyterian Hospital

Next Step, The

NMDP Foundation

NYC Health + Hospitals

NYU Langone Health

 

O

On Your Mark

 

P

Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy

PENCIL

Planned Parenthood of Greater New York

 

 

R

Rise Alliance for Children

Riverside Park Conservancy

Roads to Success

Ronald McDonald House New York

 

S

SeriousFun Children’s Network

Sharsheret

St. George’s Society of New York

Studio in a School

Sun River Health

Sylvia Center, The

 

T

Target ALS Foundation Inc.

 

V

Variety – The Children’s Charity of the National Capital Region

 

W

Wild Tomorrow

 

Y

YAI

YMCA of Greater New York

If you would like to cover and/or ride the 2026 TD Five Boro Bike Tour as a member of the press, please email communications@bike.nyc

THE 2026 TOUR PROGRAM