The Five Boro Bike Tour brings cyclists from around the world to New York City to enjoy the sights
NEW YORK — Tens of thousands of cyclists from around the world took to the streets of New York City on Sunday for the Five Boro Bike Tour.
A total of 32,000 cyclists embarked on the 40-mile journey that started in Lower Manhattan, then headed into the Bronx, crossed over to Queens and Brooklyn, and ended on Staten Island.
“It’s awesome. The energy, the people, it’s a really cool community,” said Michael Sparling of Holbrook.
Beginners and old, experienced riders and beginners admired the sights of the city together.
“I like the idea that there are no cars, because it̵[ads1]7;s usually kind of scary to ride a bike on the streets here,” said Manhattan resident Elisha Stavropoulos.
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There are major city-wide closures between 07:00 and 19:00. Motorists are strongly advised to take public transport or seek alternative routes.
Click the QR code to access the “NYC Bike Smart” guide for resources, tips and maps pic.twitter.com/hOzAye2g9w
— NYPD Transportation Bureau (@NYPDTransport) 7 May 2023
“I love it. I heard about it, I said New York City is the place to go and try it. Why not? So I’m from Toronto, Canada,” said Amit Chattoraj.
The event also supports the charity work of Bike New York.
“We provide free education to over 30,000 New Yorkers. We teach them how to ride a bike, how to ride safely. We also train formerly incarcerated New Yorkers to become bike mechanics, then Citi Bike hires them,” Bike New York President Ken Podzida said.
This year marked the Five Boro Bike Tour’s 45th year. Adel Suwana was the millionth rider.
“I think it’s a really cool way to see New York in a bigger space, and I’ve never been to Staten Island, so it’s going to be the first of many,” said another rider.
There is no other trip to the city like this, and no other day when the streets are so car-free.
