New York City celebrates Bike to Work Day this Friday as part of National Bike Month, promoting cycling as a healthy, fast, and eco-friendly way to travel.
Bike Ridership Hits Record High in New York City
New York City is seeing a cycling boom. An estimated 226 million bike trips are made every year across the five boroughs. The NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) is encouraging even more people to hop on two wheels this Friday, May 16, for Bike to Work Day.
Commissioner Leads Citywide Call to Ride
NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez is calling on all New Yorkers to take part. “This Friday, I encourage everyone to join me on Bike to Work Day,” said Commissioner Rodriguez. “Cycling is good for your health, better for the planet, and often faster than driving. We are building a better bike network every day to support riders across the city.”
City Expands Protected Bike Lanes
To support the growing number of cyclists, the city has built 87.5 miles of new protected bike lanes in the past three years. Another 20 miles of lanes were upgraded to improve safety and accessibility for all riders, including delivery workers and families.
City Employees Join in Guided Rides
Bike to Work Day isn’t just for the public. NYC DOT is also organizing rides for city workers. Seasoned cyclists from the agency will guide staff from meeting spots in all five boroughs, helping more people experience the benefits of commuting by bike.
Bike Month Brings Citywide Events
May is National Bike Month, and NYC DOT has planned events throughout the city to keep the momentum going. These include:
Helmet and Gear Giveaways: Free helmets, lights, and safety vests will be distributed in partnership with local groups and council members.
Learn-to-Ride Lessons: New riders can learn to bike with expert instructors.
Repair Stations and Group Rides: Mechanics will be on hand to fix bikes, and group rides will roll through scenic city routes.
Self-Guided Adventures: NYC DOT offers suggested bike routes so riders can explore the city on their own schedule.
Special Events Highlight Community Spirit
One of the biggest events will be the Bike Bonanza on May 18 at Tecumseh Playground on the Upper West Side. Hosted with Councilmember Gale Brewer, the event features helmet fittings, bike safety classes, and a kids’ bike swap.
New Family Bike Routes Introduced
To celebrate Bike Month, NYC DOT has also released updated family-friendly bike routes across all five boroughs. These routes are designed for safe and easy riding and are part of the newly updated NYC Bike Map for 2025. More routes will be added throughout the year.
About Bike to Work Day
Bike to Work Day began in 1956, started by the League of American Bicyclists. The event aims to highlight the benefits of cycling and encourage more people to give biking a try. Over the decades, it has grown into a national tradition and now plays a key role in cities like New York that are working to become more bike-friendly.
Conclusion
With record ridership and strong public support, New York City is moving full speed ahead into a bike-friendly future. This Friday, Bike to Work Day offers New Yorkers a perfect opportunity to join a growing community of cyclists and experience a healthier, greener way to commute.
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