On Wednesday, October 15, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. joined representatives from Transportation Alternatives, Montefiore, The Bronx Tourism Council, Coca-Cola, Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center, St. Barnabas Hospital and the Bronx YMCA at a press conference to encourage riders to register for the 20th annual Tour de Bronx. Those interested in registering for the ride can visit ilovethebronx.com.
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., The Bronx Tourism Council and Transportation Alternatives today announced the 20th Annual “Tour de Bronx,” the largest free bicycling event in New York State which will take place on Sunday, October 26, 2014.
Sponsored by the Montefiore Medical Center, St. Barnabas Hospital and the Bronx Lebanon Medical Center, the “Tour de Bronx” traditionally brings together nearly 6,000 bicyclists from around the world. This year’s launch event was held at the Bronx YMCA, one of the stops on the Tour de Bronx.
During the event, Borough President Diaz encouraged potential riders to register to participate at www.ilovethebronx.com.
“Riding in the Tour de Bronx is a healthy way to explore our borough, especially with 6,000 fellow travelers. Once again, I am proud to welcome cyclists from all over the region to this fantastic event, which gives them an opportunity to explore our amazing parks and neighborhoods and discover all the things that make our borough a great place to live, work and raise a family,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
“The Tour de Bronx is not only a highly-anticipated event for Bronxites, but avid cyclists from all over the country come here just to ride through The Bronx. It’s the perfect opportunity to showcase the best of the best in our borough!” stated Olga Luz Tirado, executive director, The Bronx Tourism Council.
“We’re proud to join Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and The Bronx Tourism Council in celebration of the 20th Tour de Bronx,” said Paul Steely White, Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives. “This not-to-be-missed ride is the best way to take in the borough’s diverse neighborhoods, waterfront vistas and great greenways. It’s also the perfect occasion to show New Yorkers that biking is not only fun and healthy, but also a viable way of getting around all five boroughs.”
“We are proud to sponsor this borough-wide biking event that celebrates Bronx historic districts and diverse neighborhoods, while promoting health and wellness in our community,” said Steven M. Safyer, M.D., president and CEO, Montefiore. “For the past six years, Montefiore has supported the Tour de Bronx in its efforts to bring community members together to help increase awareness about the importance of exercise and healthy living.”
It couldn’t be easier to participate in the “Tour de Bronx,” as numerous City agencies and corporate sponsors are rolling out the red carpet for cycling enthusiasts. Metro North Railroad will waive their bicycle permit requirements and quantity limits for the day, allowing for groups of riders to participate. The Department of Transportation will fit and distribute free bicycle helmets beginning at 8 a.m. while supplies last. The rider must be present and sign a waiver. For children under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present and will also need to sign a waiver. Coca Cola will distribute Dasani water, Powerade sports drinks and Fuze. Pizza will be provided after the ride courtesy of Domino’s.
The event offers both a 25- and 40-mile course, each of which winds through dozens of beautiful Bronx neighborhoods, historic districts, parks, waterfront, Greenway paths and more. Both routes culminate at The New York Botanical Garden for an end-of-ride slice of pizza, light refreshments and a live music festival.