Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson announced the kick-off of the 29th Annual Tour de Bronx on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at Lou Gehrig Plaza in the Concourse section of The Bronx. In partnership with The Bronx Tourism Council, Transportation Alternatives, Pepsi Cola Bottling Company of New York, Inc., Montefiore Medical Center, J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., and The Bronx Community Foundation, the formal launch served to highlight the annual bike race which will take place on Sunday, Oct. 22.

Riders will be setting off at 11 a.m. outside Bronx Borough Hall, located at 851 Grand Concourse, off 161st Street, with on-site check-in beginning at 9 a.m. Along with the launch of this year’s tour, which comprises a 40-mile route and an alternative 25-mile route, the borough president also announced a new family-friendly 10-mile route, and to mark the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop, a special route taking in 1520 Sedgwick Avenue, the birthplace of Hip Hip.

“From the Concourse to Castle Hill, the Bronx River, and beyond, cyclists will get an opportunity to safely explore our greenways and everything that makes our borough beautiful,” said Gibson. “With an emphasis on encouraging alternative modes of transportation and fitness, Tour de Bronx has each year been successful in attracting both new and skilled cyclists to explore our parks, cultural institutions, greenways, and everything else that makes our borough a beautiful place to live, work, and visit.”

She added, “I want to thank the Bronx Tourism Council and all of our sponsors for their support of this year`s Tour de Bronx and we look forward to seeing everyone on October 22nd.”

Marcos Crespo, senior vice president of community affairs at Montefiore Medical Center, said for close to two decades, the hospital has proudly been the main sponsor of the event. “As an institution committed to health and wellness beyond the walls of our hospitals and healthcare facilities, we are grateful for the opportunity to promote this annual event and engage in riding our bikes throughout the 61 neighborhoods that make up this beautiful borough,” he said.

Crespo thanked Gibson for putting on what he described as a wonderful event. “[We] look forward to celebrating with all participants at the end of the ride at the New York Botanical Garden,” he added.

Tour de Bronx has been a signature event for the borough for over 20 years, attracting both avid and novice riders, ans regarded as the largest free cycling event in the State of New York. Last year, over 1,000 riders participated and this year it is anticipated to be even bigger with over 3,000 cyclists registered.

Registration opened in September and will close on Saturday, Oct. 21, before 11 p.m. For more information, or to register, go to ilovethebronx.com.

Schedule for Sunday, October 22, 2023

09:00 a.m. – Check-in – 165th Street and the Grand Concourse

11:00 a.m. – 40-mile route cyclists leave start line at 161^st Street

11:15 a.m. – 25-mile route cyclists leave start line at 161^st Street

11:30 a.m. – 10-mile route cyclists leave start line at 161^st Street

The mission of Transportation Alternatives is to advocate for better walking, biking, transit, and public space in New York City. More information about Transportation Alternatives can be found at Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or Linktree. Email bronx@transalt.org to join their Slack channel.