Thursday, April 9, 2026

Mamdani Administration Celebrates 2026 Spring Cycling Season with Helmet and Bike Light Giveaways

 

NYC DOT will distribute free bike helmets and lights across the city throughout April, May and June to promote safe cycling across the five boroughs

DOT Helmet

NYC DOT employees distribute free bike helmets at Manhattan Summer Streets 2023.

Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Mike Flynn announced a series of events offering free bike helmets and lights to New Yorkers, supporting a record number of cyclists on city streets as the weather warms. Helmets will be available for people of all ages, and trained NYC DOT safety educators will ensure each helmet is properly fitted.   

  

“A safe bike ride is a good bike ride,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Safe cycling starts with the right gear, like a well-fit helmet and bike light, and I’m excited to partner with elected officials across New York City to make sure cyclists of all ages have the tools and knowledge they need to move safely through our streets.”   

  

“Getting helmets and bike lights into the hands of New Yorkers is the right way to kick off a summer of cycling in New York City,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Julia Kerson. “I’m grateful to the many elected officials who came together to help keep our neighbors safe while biking.”   

  

“As the weather warms, both new and experienced cyclists should gear up to ensure every ride is safe and enjoyable,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. “More and more New Yorkers are taking up cycling as a healthy, affordable and quick way to get around our city, and we are grateful to partner with local elected officials to provide both the infrastructure and resources to encourage more New Yorkers to go out and ride this spring.”  

  

Each year, NYC DOT partners with community organizations and elected officials to host free helmet-fitting events across the city. Since the program began in 2007, the City has provided more than 350,000 free bicycle helmets to New Yorkers. NYC DOT also hosts bike light giveaways to distribute lights and other safety resources.  

  

Free Helmet Giveaways

April   

April 11, 2026, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with Council Member Lynn Schulman at Russell Sage Playground, Queens  

  

April 19, 2026, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with Council Member Christopher Marte at Sol Lain Playground (athletic field), Manhattan   

  

April 25, 2026, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., for Car Free Earth Day at 1466 St Nicholas Avenue (between West 184th Street & 183rd Street), Manhattan   

  

May   

May 2, 2026, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with Council Member Shaun Abreu at Cathedral of St. John the Divine, Manhattan  

  

May 3, 2026, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with Council Member Linda Lee at Holy Cow Playground (197-49 Peck Avenue), Queens  

  

May 9, 2026, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with Council Member Vickie Paladino at Crocheron Park (214-41 34th Avenue), Queens  

  

May 16, 2026, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with Council Member Rita C. Joseph at The Parade Grounds of Prospect Park (45 Parade Place), Brooklyn   

  

May 17, 2026, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with Council Member Eric Dinowitz at Spuyten Duyvil Playground, the Bronx  

  

May 30, 2026, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with Council Member Shahana Hanif at Prospect Park (West Drive Entrance), Brooklyn  

  

June   

June 5, 2026, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with Council Member Carmen De La Rosa at Anne Loftus Playground (Broadway Avenue & Riverside Drive), Manhattan  

  

June 6, 2026, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with Council Member Sandra Ung at Kissena Park Playground (164th Street & Lithonia), Queens  

  

June 13, 2026, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with Council Member Julie Won at Hunters Point South Park, Queens  

  

June 14, 2026, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with Council Member Gale Brewer at Tecumseh Playground (West 77th Street & Amsterdam Avenue), Manhattan  

  

June 25, 2026, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., for NYC Health and Hospitals Bellevue Hospital Helmet fitting at East 27th St & First Avenue, Manhattan   

  

June 27, 2026, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with Council Member Phil Wong at Juniper Valley Park (80th Street & Juniper Boulevard), Queens  

  

Bike Light Giveaways

May  

The Bronx  

May 4, 2026, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Willis Avenue Bridge bike path & East 135th Street   

  

May 8, 2026, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 2063 University Avenue (across from Bronx Community College)  

  

Queens  

May 12, 2026, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Skillman Avenue & 43rd Street bike lane  

  

May 15, 2026, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Vernon Blvd bike lane (31st Drive & 31st Avenue)  

  

Brooklyn  

May 19, 2026, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Brooklyn Bridge Promenade (Brooklyn Bridge Boulevard & Tillary Street)  

  

May 22, 2026, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Prospect Park Machate Circle bike path (Parkside Ave & Prospect Park Southwest)  

  

Manhattan  

May 26, 2026, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Hudson River Greenway & West 97th Street   

  

May 28, 2026, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Williamsburg Bridge bike path (Delancey Street & Clinton Street)  

  

Staten Island   

May 26, 2026, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Great Kills Park (192 Buffalo St)  

  

The schedule will be updated with additional events in the coming weeks. All events are weather permitting and available while supplies last.  


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