Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. hosted a press conference on Monday, October 16, at Woodlawn Cemetery to encourage cyclists to participate in the Tour de Bronx.
The largest free cycling event in New York state will occur on Sunday, October 22. Log onto www.tourd
Established in 1994 by the office of the borough president and the Bronx Tourism Council as a means to promote a healthier lifestyle, the Tour de Bronx encourages alternate modes of transportation and a way to see the borough and its attractions, according to Diaz.
“This is one of my favorite events of the year,” said Diaz, who plans on participating in the event as he has done in the past.
The Tour De Bronx not only emphasizes maintaining a healthy lifestyle, it complements the borough president’s ‘#Not62’ initiative to improve the overall health of the borough.
The event also highlights historical sites, waterfronts and neighborhoods to both residents and visitors from around the world.
“We welcome riders from across the region and around the globe to see the Bronx as they have never seen it before,” Diaz said.
Participants may choose from two routes: a 25-mile or a 40-mile ride through different areas of the Bronx, including Clason Point along the East River, Castle Hill, Morrisania, Pelham Bay Park, historic Fort Schuyler on the Throggs Neck peninsula, and the nautical community of City Island.
Both routes culminate at the New York Botanical Garden, where riders receive a complimentary souvenir T-shirt, and can enjoy a live musical performance and refreshments.
The Tour De Bronx has grown since its inception. In 2016, the event saw a record-breaking 8,000 plus registrants.
This year, the Bronx Tourism Council has partnered with Ride With GPS, a route-mapping tool designed for cycling and walking.
This app will not only alert riders where to turn using voice navigation, it will also indicate neighborhoods and give a brief history of various parts of the borough as riders make their way to the end point.
“We’re thrilled to partner with the Bronx Tourism Council to help promote the longest-running free cycling event in New York,” said Kevin Prentice, director of support & business development at Ride With GPS. “With easy-to-use maps and voice navigation, riders will stay on course to appreciate the rich culture and history of the Bronx.”
“This is a highly anticipated event for many cycling enthusiasts and casual riders alike,” said Olga Luz Tirado, executive director of the Bronx Tourism Council. “Utilizing the GPS technology, Bronxites and visitors will experience the borough in a more fun and unique way.”
The Tour de Bronx is made possible by Montefiore Medical Center; Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center; St. Barnabas Health System; and Mercy College.
Additional support is provided by the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation; the Business Initiatives Corporation of New York; the Coca Cola Company; Domino’s Pizza; Nature’s Bounty Co.; Bronx YMCA; Woodlawn Cemetery; the New York Botanical Garden; and Fordham University.
The event is also supported by the NYC Department of Transportation; the FDNY; the NYPD; NYC Department of Sanitation and Transportation Alternatives.
