Join us at America’s largest charitable bike ride!
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.
Volunteer registration opens in February!
Date: The first Sunday in May
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. Hours earned will count toward our Volunteer Incentive Program.
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 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 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:
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 Stations: Set up the Rest Area or Water Station, 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.
Rest Areas:
Astoria Park (Queens); Con Ed Learning Center (Queens); Commodore Barry Park (Brooklyn);
Central Park: Redirect park users while the Tour is in progress. Knowledge of Central Park is helpful. This is a comparatively short shift (7:00-11:00AM).
Finish Festival (Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island): volunteer check-in/out, volunteer lunch tent, VIP area, merchandise tent, water stations, crowd handlers, shuttle bus host, and cleanup.
A shuttle bus will run from the Staten Island Ferry to the Finish Festival, and parking is available as well.
