Mayor Zohran Mamdani joined tens of thousands of cyclists Sunday for the annual TD Five Boro Bike Tour, riding alongside participants across all five boroughs in what he said was a historic first for a city mayor.
About 32,000 riders shifted into high gear for the 40-mile ride, which began in Lower Manhattan and wound its way through Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island.
What You Need To Know
Mayor Zohran Mamdani rode the full Five Boro Bike Tour, calling it a historic first
About 32,000 cyclists participated in the 40-mile ride across all five boroughs
Riders traveled from around the world, including participants from Texas and London
Proceeds from the event fund free bike education programs through Bike New York
“I am so excited today, to apparently be making some history for the first city mayor to be riding with you the whole way. Nearly 50 years ago this tour began with the love of New York City. Hundreds of cyclists and one very special sponsor, Nathan’s Hot Dogs. And now today, we are brought back by the same love of the city that we call home and the love of cycling across our city,” Mamdani told cyclists before the ride.
Participants traveled from around the world to take part. Jackie, who rode as a guide for her visually impaired friend Alma, traveled from Texas and described the energy as “incredible.”
“It’s like nothing I’ve been around in a long time,” she said.
Jairo Meran, of Staten Island, rode with a classmate and said he was looking forward to the experience.
“I just wanted to have fun, enjoy the city, enjoy the ride, you know, meet new people, make friends,” he told NY1 at the start line.
Another rider, who went by the name Rastarolla, flew in from London the night before the event with a vintage penny-farthing bicycle.
“I just like old technology. It’s just the simplicity of it. It’s just such a simple machine from 1870 and it’s still going. It’s a very simple design. Very effective design. You’ve got to love it,” he said.
The route took cyclists up through Central Park, into the Bronx, back down along the FDR Drive, across the 59th Street Bridge into Queens, through Brooklyn and over the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge before ending on Staten Island.
While the event gave riders the rare opportunity to travel on car-free streets, it also created challenges for drivers navigating across the city.
Kenneth Podziba, CEO of Bike New York, said the tour focused on enjoyment rather than competition.
“People want to ride slow. It’s the opposite of a race. People want to have fun. There’s entertainment along the course. There’s 5 REST areas with music and food and games, so people love it,” Podziba said.
Organizers said the ride was the world’s largest charitable bike ride, with proceeds supporting free bike education programs run by Bike New York.