The Bronx Marks the Spot
With Tour de Bronx
The Largest Free Bicycling Event in New York State
With Tour de Bronx
The Largest Free Bicycling Event in New York State
- Thousands come from around the country and around the world
to Xercise, Xplore and Xperience The Bronx
to Xercise, Xplore and Xperience The Bronx
Today, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., The Bronx Tourism Council and Transportation Alternatives announced the 19th Annual “Tour de Bronx,” the largest free bicycling event in New York State which will take place on Sunday, October 27th.
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.
“The
‘Tour de Bronx’ is a wonderful event, and each year I am always excited
to join my fellow Bronxites and thousands of visitors from around the
city, nation and the world to ride and see all the great things The
Bronx has to offer. Riding a bike around our borough is the healthiest
way to see the best of the Bronx, and I am delighted to hear the
positive feedback from visitors each year when they participate in the
‘Tour de Bronx.’ I invite everyone to join me again this year to tour
our beautiful borough,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
"This
great event shows Bronx residents that biking is not only a fun and
healthy way to get around the borough. It's a viable transport option,"
says Transportation Alternatives’ Executive Director Paul Steely White.
To
further prove that The Bronx is fast becoming a destination, last
year’s event welcomed registrants from all over the United States, as
well as Europe, South America and even Asia. “Given the amount of
positive coverage we’ve been enjoying in national and international
media, we expect to see an increase in visitors participating in this
event,” stated Olga Luz Tirado, Executive Director of The Bronx Tourism
Council. “We are anxious to show off our borough to the rest of the
world.”
“The
New York Botanical Garden looks forward to welcoming the Tour de Bronx
cyclists to nature’s showplace, dressed in its finest fall colors” said
Aaron Bouska, Associate Vice President for Government and Community
Relations at the New York Botanical Garden. “Not only do cyclists get to
see the best of the Bronx on October 27,
but they do so in a healthy and sustainable manner – values we share
and promote every day at the Garden. Congratulations to Bronx Borough
President for his leadership in this endeavor.”
“For
the past five years, Montefiore has supported Tour de Bronx as a way to
promote healthy living and wellness in our community while celebrating
the historic neighborhoods and beautiful greenways of the Bronx," said
Steven M. Safyer, president and CEO, Montefiore Medical Center.
"Montefiore is committed to improving the health of the community we
serve and we are proud to sponsor this borough-wide biking event."
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 end-of-ride pizza, refreshments and a music
festival.
Log onto www.ilovethebronx.com to register.
Left - BP Diaz speaking about the Tour De Bronx.
Right Roberto Garcia of Montifore Hospital has two employees who take part in the Tour De Bronx.
Below - Several sponsors and bike riders who will take part in this year's Tour De Bronx.
