Press Releases

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2025
Contact: (212) 839-4850, press@dot.nyc.gov

NYC DOT Encourages New Yorkers to Commute on Two Wheels for ‘Bike to Work' Day This Friday

May Is National ‘Bike Month’ And Friday, May 16, Is National ‘Bike to Work Day’

Bike Ridership In NYC Has Surged To Record Levels With An Estimated 226 Million Cycling Trips Taken Each Year

NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and NYC DOT staff before their bike ride on Bike To Work Day 2024. Credit: NYC DOT
NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and NYC DOT staff before their bike ride on Bike To Work Day 2024. Credit: NYC DOT

NEW YORK – New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez is encouraging New Yorkers to join him in partaking in Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 16, to promote cycling as a healthy, environmentally-friendly, and accessible form of transportation. Bike ridership is at an all-time high in New York City, with an estimated 226 million cycling trips each year across the five boroughs. To encourage and support this growth in ridership, NYC DOT built a record 87.5 miles of new protected bike lanes and upgraded an additional 20 miles in the past three years.

“This Friday, I encourage all New Yorkers to join me in participating in Bike to Work Day. I hope more New Yorkers will continue to embrace cycling as a go-to way of getting around. It's good for your health, the planet, and it gets you where you're going faster,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “Every day, we are dedicated to improving New York City's biking network with more bike lanes and developing infrastructure that supports cyclists of all abilities from all corners of the five boroughs.”

In addition to encouraging all New Yorkers to participate, NYC DOT is leading Bike to Work Day activities for its employees and those across the rest of city government. Experienced NYC DOT cyclists will guide city agency employees from meet-up locations in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and Manhattan.

May is Bike Month. Throughout May, NYC DOT has organized various events across New York City, such as free helmet distributions, group rides, bike repair stations, learn-to-ride lessons, and additional activities.

About Bike to Work Day
The League of American Bicyclists established 'Bike to Work Day' as part of the organization's efforts to showcase the benefits of cycling and encourage more Americans to try cycling. The first national Bike to Work Day was held in 1956.

Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and NYC DOT staff members on Bike-To-Work Day 2024. Credit: NYC DOT
Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and NYC DOT staff members on Bike-To-Work Day 2024. Credit: NYC DOT

Citywide Events & Programs This May

Educational & Community Programming:

  • Helmet Fittings & Gear Giveaways: In partnership with community organizations and council members, NYC DOT will host dozens of events citywide offering free helmets, lights, and equipment. Delivery workers can also receive free safety vests and education through outreach.
  • Self-Guided Rides & Adventures: In addition to in-person events, NYC DOT has curated a list of self-guided rides through scenic and newly upgraded cycling routes.
  • Bike Bonanza (May 18): In partnership with Councilmember Gale Brewer, NYC DOT will host a full day of bike fun at Tecumseh Playground on the Upper West Side, including helmet fittings, learn-to-ride classes, and a kids’ bike swap.

Family Bike Routes

In addition to updating the NYC Bike Map for 2025, NYC DOT has published a series of family-friendly bike routes throughout the five boroughs to celebrate Bike Month. New rides will be added throughout the year and shared on the website.

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