Every spring, New York City transforms into the world’s greatest cycling playground. The TD Five Boro Bike Tour is that rare, magical event where the city’s famously chaotic streets fall silent to cars and belong entirely to cyclists. Whether you’re a seasoned rider planning your next bucket-list event or a curious newcomer wondering what all the excitement is about, this complete guide to the TD Five Boro Bike Tour route has everything you need to know.
What Is the TD Five Boro Bike Tour?
The TD Five Boro Bike Tour is the nation’s biggest charitable bike ride, ranked by USA Today as the top road cycling event in the country. As the largest charitable bike tour in the United States, this annual NYC cycling event draws over 32,000 riders from around the globe, uniting competitive athletes, cycling enthusiasts, and families for a 40-mile journey that’s as much about community as it is about endurance.
The event began on June 10, 1977 as the Five Boro Challenge with about 250 participants. The original tour was 50 miles long and started and ended in Queens. What started as a one-time event became a tradition the next year when New York City Mayor Ed Koch embraced the idea of a city-wide bike tour. Decades later, it has grown into a global phenomenon that stops traffic — literally.
Organized by Bike New York, the event raises money to help the organization provide free bike education, advocacy, and community outreach programming.
The TD Five Boro Bike Tour Route: Borough by Borough
The route is the heart of the experience. The TD Five Boro Bike Tour takes you on a 40-mile, bucket-list-worthy ride starting in Lower Manhattan. From there, you’ll cruise uptown through Central Park and Harlem, dip into the Bronx, swing back down along the East River, and cross iconic bridges like the Queensboro and Verrazzano-Narrows. It all wraps up in Staten Island with a well-earned finish celebration.
Here is a detailed borough-by-borough breakdown of what riders can expect:
Manhattan — Where It All Begins
Starting at Bowling Green near Battery Park in Lower Manhattan, cyclists embark on a journey that weaves through iconic neighborhoods and city landmarks. Riders head north past One World Trade Center, through the energy of Midtown, into the iconic greenery of Central Park, and onward through the historic streets of Harlem.
The Bronx — A Change of Scenery
After the energy of Manhattan, cyclists cross the Madison Avenue Bridge into the Bronx, experiencing a shift in cityscape and a new wave of crowd support. This segment is a fan favorite, offering a glimpse into a borough that many visitors rarely explore on two wheels.
Queens — The Queensboro Bridge Moment
The route continues over the Queensboro Bridge — one of the most challenging and memorable segments, offering breathtaking Manhattan skyline views. Crossing this bridge car-free, with thousands of fellow cyclists, is a highlight that riders talk about for years.
Brooklyn — The Home Stretch
After Queens, the route winds into Brooklyn, passing through neighborhoods buzzing with local culture and cheering spectators lining the streets.
Staten Island — The Finish Festival
The ride ends with a fun-filled Finish Festival in Staten Island, with food, drinks, music, and giveaways — the perfect celebration after a day of adventure. Crossing the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge to reach the finish is an unforgettable moment — a sweeping, soaring finale to an epic urban ride.
Route Distance and Elevation
The tour covers approximately 40.8 miles with around 828 feet of total elevation gain. This makes it a very approachable ride for cyclists of all fitness levels, not just seasoned athletes. The route is non-competitive, meaning there’s no pressure to race — it’s all about the experience.
Rest Stops Along the Route
One of the things that makes this event so beginner-friendly is its exceptional logistical support. There are eight rest stops along the route where you can grab food and water, use restrooms, and take a break. Entry includes access to fully supported rest stops with snacks and entertainment.
In addition to rest stops, SAG (Support and Gear) vehicles follow the tour to assist any rider who has a mechanical issue or needs a lift to the finish. On-route mechanics are also stationed along the way, so no one gets left behind.
Wave Start Times
There are five different waves for riders. The first starts at 7:30 a.m., with subsequent waves departing at 8:30 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 9:50 a.m., and 10:30 a.m. Wave times are assigned based on registration and rider experience, helping manage the flow of 32,000 cyclists through city streets safely and enjoyably.
Who Can Ride? Age and Bike Requirements
The tour is famously inclusive. Among the bikes that take to New York City streets for the event are recumbent bikes, tandems, tricycles, and even unicycles. Cyclists from across the country and around the world, all with different skill levels, come to the city each year to participate.
When it comes to families, children under 3 are not permitted on the tour. Kids aged 3 and up must be registered and follow these guidelines: ages 3–9 must ride with an adult using a tandem, child seat, tag-along bike, or trailer; ages 10–17 can ride their own bikes but must stay close to the adult they’re registered with. Helmets are mandatory for all riders, no exceptions.
Registration and Pricing
The TD Five Boro Bike Tour is 40 miles, with entry prices ranging from $140 to $450. Standard entry includes an official Rider Kit with a bike plate, helmet cover, and bib number, plus access to all rest stops. Higher-tier registrations unlock VIP perks like a pre-ride breakfast and an exclusive luncheon at the Finish Festival.
Registration is managed through Bike New York’s official website at bike.nyc. Spots fill up quickly, so early registration is strongly recommended.
Getting to the Start Line
Riders from Brooklyn and Queens should transfer to a Manhattan-bound R train at Jay St-MetroTech and take it to Cortlandt St/World Trade Center.
The Staten Island Ferry is also a great option. Ferry service for the tour begins at 6:00 AM, running every half hour until 11:00 AM. Starting at 11:00 AM, ferries run every 15 minutes until 6:00 PM. Bike New York recommends that participants driving to the tour park on Staten Island in the morning.
The Charity Behind the Ride
This is more than just a cycling event — it’s a force for good in the community. The tour is the largest charitable bike ride in the country, and it raises money to fund the free bike education programs offered by Bike New York, an education nonprofit that focuses on bicycling advocacy in the city. The charity bike ride raised millions for Bike New York and important charity partners, helping fund bike education programs, improved cycling safety in NYC, and community outreach across the city.
Tips for First-Time Riders
Riding the TD Five Boro Bike Tour for the first time? Here’s how to make the most of it:
Train for the distance. Forty miles is manageable for most recreational cyclists, but a few weeks of consistent riding beforehand will make the day far more enjoyable.
Start early. The earlier waves mean cooler temperatures, fewer crowds at rest stops, and more time to enjoy the Finish Festival.
Use the app. Download the route map or use the Bike New York app for updates and info on rest stops, hydration stations, and emergency support.
Pack light. Bags with shoulder straps, backpacks, hydration packs, and panniers are prohibited. Stick to a small saddlebag or frame bag.
Book a rental in advance. If you don’t have your own bike, rental options exist through official partners — but they sell out fast, especially in the weeks leading up to the event.
Soak it in. You’re riding car-free through New York City with 32,000 fellow cyclists. Put the phone down for a few miles and just enjoy it.
Why the TD Five Boro Bike Tour Is Worth It
There is simply nothing else like it. For one day, the roads are yours, the bridges are yours, the city is yours — there’s no better way to experience the Big Apple. Whether you’re crossing the Queensboro Bridge with the Manhattan skyline spread out before you, rolling through the sun-dappled streets of Central Park, or finishing with a cold drink at the Staten Island Finish Festival, the TD Five Boro Bike Tour delivers memories that last a lifetime.
It’s a celebration of cycling, of community, and of one of the greatest cities on Earth — and every rider who crosses that finish line earns the right to say they’ve seen New York the way it was meant to be seen: from the saddle of a bike, with the wind at their back and the streets all to themselves.