Join us at America’s largest charitable bike ride!
Traditionally held every May, 32,000 cyclists from every state in the nation and dozens of countries around the world roll into New York City 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.
UPDATE: We’re excited to announce the 2021 TD Five Boro Bike Tour will be held on August 22nd! Packet Pickup will be held on August 20th and 21st.
Volunteer registration is Open Now!
Date: August 22, 2021
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 and attend an orientation session in advance of 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.
Course Marshals are stationed along the Tour route and assigned by their Captain to specific tasks in their area. On Tour day, Course Marshals travel from their check in location to their assigned positions throughout the City. Responsibilities include: alerting participants to road conditions, assisting with crowd control and road emergencies, encouraging slow riders, and providing information to participants, spectators, and nearby residents.
Start Area Marshals provide information and crowd control in their Start Area Zone under the direction of their Captain. Once they begin riding at their designated start time, their responsibilities include helping participants with flats and bike repair, responding to road emergencies, providing information to participants and spectators, and helping Course Marshals wherever needed. At the end of the Tour, Start Area Marshals check out at the Finish Festival in Staten Island and enjoy lunch.
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 / Event Day Volunteers work in teams under the direction of a Captain or Event Day Staff. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: setting up, serving snacks and beverages at Rest Areas and Water Stops, assisting riders at Information Areas, providing information to spectators and community members, and working at the Finish Festival on Staten Island. Stationary Support / Event Day Volunteers can select from the following posts, but may be asked to perform other tasks as needed:
Start Area at Battery Park: Set up equipment and supplies, provide information, direct and assist riders, clean up and strike.
VIP Hospitality at Start Line: Set up equipment and supplies, provide information, direct and assist riders, clean up and strike.
Rest Areas and Water Stops: Set up the Rest Area or Water Stop, 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. Cheer on riders as they continue on their way. All Rest Areas and Water Stops are accessible by public transportation, and parking is available on a limited basis.
Central Park: Redirect park users while the Tour is in progress. Knowledge of Central Park is helpful. This is a comparatively short shift.
Finish Festival (Staten Island): Assist with volunteer check-in/out, volunteer lunch tent, VIP area, merchandise tent, water stations, crowd handlers, shuttle bus host, and cleanup. Welcome riders and volunteers as they complete their epic journey.
Staten Island Ferry Greet Team (Staten Island) : Be that friendly face at the end of the ride and assist participants board the Staten Island Ferry.
Pump Teams: Help riders put air in their tires so they can keep rolling. Great for individuals, small teams, and youth groups working with an experienced adult. Some experience required.
