Understand in 2 minutes! “BIKE NEW YORK (Five Boro Bike Tour)”

Hello. Following the HONOLULU CENTURY RIDE 2023, we are pleased to present the second edition of the “INFOGRAPHIC(*) GUIDE.”
*INFOGRAPHIC – A means of conveying information using illustration

This time, we’ll be discussing the upcoming “BIKE NEW YORK,” scheduled for May 5th this year (Sunday). This event is known as the largest cycling event in the Northern Hemisphere, held in New York City, USA. Officially named the “TD FIVE BORO BIKE TOUR” (with “TD” representing the main sponsor, TD Bank), it involves cycling through the five boroughs of New York City and is eagerly anticipated by riders from across the United States.

The inaugural event took place in 1977. At that time, it originated from a bicycle education program and had around 200 participants, consisting of high school students and members of bicycle clubs. The route circled the five boroughs, covering a distance of about 50 miles. However, the following year, with the change in New York City’s mayor, there was a push to promote cycling, leading to a shorter, more family-friendly route of approximately 40 miles (about 64 km in today’s distance). It was also during this year that the event was officially named the “FIVE BORO BIKE TOUR.”

The 2024 event marks the 46th edition.
Currently, it is organized by “Bike New York,” a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting cycling in New York City. To make the route safe and accessible for beginners and families, certain roads, highways, and bridges are closed to car traffic, allowing cyclists to participate with ease.
Let’s take a look at the route.

Departure is from Battery Park in downtown Manhattan. We’ll head north through Central Park from 6th Avenue (Avenue of the Americas), then loop around the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn before finishing in Staten Island. The hidden gem of this route, crossing five bridges to cover all five boroughs! With manageable inclines, you’ll experience the diverse New York City landscape as you pass through each borough. Enjoy the skyline and Brooklyn Bridge views while casually biking through the fresh greenery of New York at your own pace.

There’s also a wide variety of rental bikes available, making it the perfect lineup for enjoying your ride. Of course, many riders bring their own bikes, and you can also spot stylish New York-style ride styles. It’s interesting to see participants paying attention to design as well.

Text_ Mayumi Kamura
Infographic_ Jun Otake

EVENT
Editor M’s laid-back architectural sightseeing ride at Bike New York

I took part in the TD Five Boro Bike Tour held in New York on May 5, 2024! The weather that day was far from ideal. At the start, the temperature was just 10°C, with winds around 20 km/h—freezing cold—and heavy gray clouds overhead. Still, considering the forecast had shown a 91% chance of rain up until the day before, it almost felt lucky that it wasn’t pouring from the morning. Even layered in long-sleeve jerseys, the cold was relentless, and I was still shivering despite wearing a rain jacket. Hoping the ride itself would eventually warm me up, I first headed to Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan to pick up my rental bike. As fierce sea winds swept through before sunrise, I cou […]

#New York
EVENT
See You at Fun Ride Events in 2026!

As the new year began, Global Ride’s Instagram was filled with New Year ride videos—not only from Japan, but also from riders living in Australia, the United States, Taiwan, Singapore, and beyond. Seeing those fresh first rides of the year from all over the world really reminded us that the riding season has kicked off globally. Speaking of the world—true to its name, Global Ride will be sharing even more fun ride experiences from around the globe starting this year. Our first news of the year introduces a selection of fun ride events that the Global Ride editorial team is keeping a close eye on and will be covering on location.If any of them catch your interest, feel free to get in touch wi […]

#Photo Album
EVENT
North America’s Largest Fun Ride Event
The Complete Guide to TD FIVE BORO BIKE TOUR!

Held every May in New York, TD Five Boro Bike Tour (“TD” comes from the title sponsor, TD Bank) is one of the world’s most iconic urban fun ride events.For one special day, Manhattan’s major avenues, highways, and even massive bridges—normally filled with traffic and blaring horns—are opened entirely to bicycles.This is not a race.It is an opportunity to experience New York City itself.And that is precisely what makes the event so extraordinary. Text_Mayumi Kamura Table of Contents 1. Event Overview FIVE BORO = Riding Through New York’s Five Boroughs Manhattan The Bronx Queens Brooklyn Staten Island2. What Makes This Event So Unique? (1) Ride Through a “Zero-Car” New York (2) A Celebration, […]

#New York