40th Annual TD Five Boro Bike Tour rides through Brooklyn

They went. They rode. They conquered.

Over 30,000 cyclists participated in the popular 40th annual TD Five Boro Bike Tour.

The rain held up for the most part on the Sunday, May 7 event as bikers from all over the country rode their bikes across the five boroughs, making for another successful event that puts its funds towards bike lessons for those who haven’t yet had the opportunity.

“It was a beautiful day and not just because the rain held off for most of it — nearly 32,000 cyclists got to enjoy forty miles of car free streets in all five boroughs in support of the country’s largest free bike education program,” said Director of Communications for Bike New York Sam Polcer. “We saw so many smiles, hugs, selfies, high fives and bike lifts along the route and at the finish festival in Staten Island, but really, those folks should be giving themselves a round of applause, because thanks to them, more than 17,000 kids and adults will learn bike skills from Bike New York this year.”

Sunset Park native Junito Torres, who currently lives in Bedford Stuyvesant, participated in the 40-mile run with his wife Luz and daughter Linda and enjoyed the experience. “The ride was very smooth despite the quite cool temperatures,” he said. “It’s an incredible accomplishment completing the course and it always feels great to know you did it. I’m already looking forward to next year. My daughter sure did enjoy it as well and is also looking forward to next year.”

Torres also made sure to show some Sunset pride during the event. “Our hearts will always be from Sunset Park,” he said.

The ride was presented by REI and all the proceeds from the bike run fund free bike education. According to Bike New York, the Five Boro Bike Tour is the largest charitable bike ride in the US where proceeds fund it free bike education programs. Last year, they taught more than 17,000 kids and adults.

“Being able to turn the iconic TD Five Boro Bike Tour into a leader in the growing movement of social and environmental responsibility is certainly one of our finest achievements,” said Ken Podziba, president & CEO of Bike New York. “Reaching the Gold has been a real team effort, and we could not have done so without such committed partnerships from organizations and city agencies like GrowNYC and NYC Compost Project, and the support of our very green title sponsor, TD Bank.”

“Bike New York has demonstrated its integrity and leadership with the hosting of the TD Five Boro Bike Tour by aligning the entire event operation around stated principles of environmental stewardship and social justice,” added Managing Director of the Council for Responsible Sport Shelley Villalobos.

 

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