TD Five Boro Bike Tour
Join us at the world’s largest charitable bike ride!
Overview
Traditionally held the first Sunday every May, 32,000 cyclists from every state in the nation and dozens of countries around the world roll through New York City on car-free streets for a tour of the Big Apple unlike any other.
We rely on a small army of more than 2,000 volunteers to ensure that our riders have the best experience possible. From handing out bananas to helping a fellow cyclist fix a flat, there’s a job for everyone.
Important Details
Date: May 5, 2024
Duration of shift: 5-12 hours, depending on role
Location: New York City – all five boroughs
Age Restriction: Varies depending on position
Requirements: All volunteers must sign up in advance and attend an orientation session before the Tour
Perks: Complimentary breakfast and/or lunch, commemorative T-shirt, opportunity to register for next year’s Tour before public registration opens, and 50% off the registration fee for the Discover Hudson Valley or Twin Lights Ride
If you’d like to be notified when volunteer registration opens, please email us at tourvols@bike.nyc.
In the meantime, have a look at the volunteer roles below.
Volunteer Positions
Course Marshal
- Duration of shift: 5-8 hours, between 5:00 AM and 6:00 PM
- Bike riding skills are not required for some positions, but for others, you will need to ride to your location.
- Strong people skills a must.
- Must attend a mandatory training and orientation session, which will be offered several times in April.
On Tour day, Course Marshals meet at their assigned post, receive instructions from their Captain, and have breakfast. Course Marshals then report to their assigned positions throughout the City. 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 to participants, spectators, and residents along the route.
Rider Assist Marshal
- Open to prior-year volunteers only.
- Duration of shift: Approximately 5:00AM – 6:00PM
- Must have strong people skills, know how to fix a flat, have a basic understanding of bike repair, and be an experienced cyclist.
- Must attend a mandatory training and orientation session, which will be offered several times in April.
Rider Assist Marshals work under the supervision of a Captain. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: crowd control, providing riders with important information, 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) vehicles. Rider Assist Marshals also help Captains and Course Marshals along the Tour who are in need of assistance. At the end of the Tour, Rider Assist Marshals check out at the Finish Festival in Staten Island and enjoy lunch.
STationary Support
- Duration of shift: 4-7 hours, between 6:00AM and 6:00PM, depending on location
- Bike riding skills are not required.
- Volunteer groups are welcome.
Stationary Support Volunteers work in teams under the direction of a Captain. Responsibilities include but are not limited to 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 Finish Festival on Staten Island. Event Day Volunteers can select from the following posts, but may be asked to perform other tasks as needed.