NYC DOT employees distribute free bike helmets at Manhattan Summer Streets 2023. Photo via DOT.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) will host a series of events across Queens in the coming months, offering free bike helmets and lights to local residents in order to encourage cycling safety during the warm-weather months.
The giveaway, part of a citywide initiative that has been ongoing since 2007, will make helmets available to cyclists of all ages, with DOT safety educators on hand to ensure each helmet is properly fitted.
The city will host six helmet giveaways across Queens over the coming two months as part of the citywide initiative, starting with an event co-hosted by Council Member Lynn Schulman at Russell Sage Playground from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. this Saturday, April 11.
On May 3, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., the city will co-host a giveaway alongside Council Member Linda Lee at Holy Cow Playground (197-49 Peck Ave.), while Council Member Vickie Paladino will co-host a giveaway at Crocheron Park (214-41 34th Ave.) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 9.
In June, the city will host three helmet giveaways in Queens, starting with an event co-hosted by Council Member Sandra Ung at Kissena Park Playground (164th Street and Lithonia) between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on June 6.
Council Member Julie Won will co-host a giveaway at Hunters Point South Park at the same time on June 13, while Council Member Phil Wong will co-host the final Queens giveaway at Juniper Valley Park (80th Street & Juniper Boulevard) on June 27 between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
The city will additionally host bike light giveaways in Queens on two dates in May, including a giveaway at the Skillman Avenue and 43rd Street bike lane in Sunnyside between 4 and 7 p.m. on May 12. A second bike light giveaway will take place between 4 and 7 p.m. on May 15 at the intersection of 31st Avenue and Vernon Boulevard.
The DOT has partnered with community organizations and elected officials to distribute free safety equipment each year since the initiative was launched in 2007, distributing more than 350,000 free helmets to New Yorkers over the past two decades.
Mamdani said the upcoming giveaways said the events will help New Yorkers cycle safely through the streets throughout the warmer months of the year.
“A safe bike ride is a good bike ride,” Mamdani said in a statement. “Safe cycling starts with the right gear, like a well-fit helmet and bike light.”
DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn said cycling is becoming more prevalent among New Yorkers as a healthy and affordable way to travel around the city and said the giveaways would help keep people safe during the spring and the summer.
“As the weather warms, both new and experienced cyclists should gear up to ensure every ride is safe and enjoyable,” Flynn said in a statement.