Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Release #06-29

Contact: Kay Sarlin (212) 442-7033
Chris Gilbride

29th Annual Five Boro Bike Tour Kicks Off 2006 Bike Month NYC

Transportation Commissioner Iris Weinshall today announced that Sunday, May 7th, the City will host the 29th annual Five Boro Bike Tour, the largest recreational cycling event in the United States. The Five Boro Bike Tour, presented by the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) and Bike New York, is a 42-mile, traffic-free ride along New York City's historic streets, through its diverse neighborhoods and over many of its scenic bridges. The event draws more than 30,000 participants each year and kicks off Bike Month NYC 2006, the City's fifteenth annual celebration of bicycling in New York City. Bike Month NYC is held each May and features more than 150 rides, classes, races, expos and other events to encourage New Yorkers to take advantage of the benefits of cycling.

"Biking is a safe, fast and fun way to get where you need to go in New York," said DOT Commissioner Weinshall. "I encourage anyone who's thought about giving it a try to strap on a helmet and participate in one of the many events taking place across the City."

"The Five Boro Bike Tour is the annual kick off to New York's Bike Month," said Pam Tice, Executive Director of Bike New York. "We hope everyone will join us for the 29th installment of this unique New York City event."

"Bike Month's scores of events make it simple and easy for anyone to go out with their family, friends and neighbors, start cycling and experience the pleasure of riding a bike in New York City," said Paul Steely White, Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives.

The Five Boro Bike Tour begins at 8:00 am at Church and Franklin Streets in Lower Manhattan and ends at the newly renovated Saint George Ferry Terminal in Staten Island where cyclists can enjoy a relaxing ride back to Manhattan aboard the Staten Island Ferry. DOT will provide increased Staten Island Ferry service beginning Sunday at 5:30 am and lasting until 6:30 pm to shuttle tour participants back to Manhattan.

Bike Month NYC 2006 is presented by DOT, Transportation Alternatives and the Department of Health and offers cyclists of every skill level a chance to participate in organized rides and meet other riders while enjoying the benefits of cycling. Bike Month began as a one-day event in 1990 and has since grown into a month full of activities that showcase bicycling in the City and the tri-state region. New York's cycling community has grown by more than 50% over the past two decades. On an average day more than 120,000 New Yorkers ride their bikes.

A complete list of Bike Month NYC events can be found at www.bikemonthnyc.org. For more information on the Five Boro Bike Tour, please visit www.bikenewyork.org.

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