NYC Century Bike Tour: What You Need To Know

NEW YORK, NY — The 29th annual New York City Century Bike Tour kicks off Sunday morning, when thousands will pedal through the boroughs to raise money for local street safety through Transportation Alternatives.

Click here for more on this year’s top fundraisers.

More than 6,000 cyclists of all skill levels are expected to participate this weekend, biking routes of various distances – 15, 35, 55, 75 or 100 miles – through Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx. Start times range from 6 to 8 a.m., depending on the chosen route.

For those who want in on the action and plan to watch from the sidelines, here’s the lowdown:

Starting Locations

Bikers can begin at either of the event’s two start points:

• Manhattan: Central Park, Malcolm X Boulevard and Central Park North
• Brooklyn: Prospect Park, Machate Circle at the intersection of Prospect Park Southwest, Parkside Avenue, Ocean Parkway and Coney Island Avenue

There will be only one Finish Festival, located at the Central Park starting line. Food trucks will be on hand there for hungry onlookers and racers who want to grab a post-event bite.

Prospect Park will not host a Finish Festival, so starters must pick up their complimentary t-shirts and water bottles at the Manhattan start point.

Rest Stops/Bathrooms

Fully-stocked rest stops with lavatory facilities will be available at the following New York City parks:

• 15 miles: Union Square
• 35 miles: Grand Army Plaza, Astoria Park
• 55 miles: Grand Army Plaza, Marine Park, Astoria Park
• 75 miles: Grand Army Plaza, Marine Park, Forest Park, Astoria Park
• 100 miles: Grand Army Plaza, Marine Park, Forest Park, Little Bay Park, Astoria Park, Van Cortlandt Park

Both the Central Park and Prospect Park starting locations will also have bathrooms and snacks available. Bottled water will not be available on site, so be sure to bring your own and stay hydrated.

Parking

Event organizer Transportation Alternatives said it is “dedicated to reclaiming NYC streets from automobiles.” Bikers and spectators are strongly encouraged to use public transportation, bike or walk to the start points. There is no designated parking area. Click here for more information.

The New York City Century Bike Tour was founded in 1990 “as a spirited act of activism to stake the cyclist’s claim to NYC streets,” TransAlt said. It has become one of the “most unique” bike tours in the world, featuring the nation’s only all-urban route for cyclists at any skill level.

Photo courtesy of Renee Schiavone/Patch