Vital Stats: 7K – Number of cyclists expected at Tour de Bronx (Source: Bronx Borough President’s Office)

The borough’s biggest tourism event of the year is on the way, when more than 7,000 bicyclists will hit the borough’s streets.

The 21st Annual Tour de Bronx is scheduled for Oct. 25. Established in 1994 by Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer and The Bronx Tourism Council as a way to promote health, eco-friendly transportation and tourism, the event is now a highly anticipated fall tradition in the region.  Cyclists from the Bronx and beyond have a chance to meander through scenic neighborhoods, and pass by the borough’s picturesque waterfront and greenways.

“Tour de Bronx is a great event for people of all ages, especially for visitors to our vibrant borough.  It gives everyone an opportunity to explore historical sites, see beautiful waterfronts, and ride through our amazing local neighborhoods,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr.  “Once again, we are welcoming riders from across the region and around the globe to see the Bronx as they had never seen it before.”

Participants arrive from all over, choosing to complete either a 25-mile ride or 40-mile itinerary.  The shorter route covers southern, eastern and central Bronx points of interest, including Mott Haven, Clason Point, and Pelham Bay Park.

The 40-mile route passes by historic Fort Schuyler on the Throggs Neck peninsula, and the maritime enclave City Island, snaking along two northwest Bronx neighborhoods steeped in history–Woodlawn and Riverdale. The New York Botanical Garden will host concluding festivities, in which riders receive a complimentary souvenir T-shirt and enjoy live music and light snacks.

For early birds, there is a reward from the New York City Department of Transportation. The agency will fit and provide a limited number of free bicycle helmets to participants between 8 a.m. and noon, while supplies last. Being at the starting point early has other advantages, as riders in front can get ahead of the significant crowd expected to participate.

For those who wish to take a commuter train to the event, Metro-North will not require permits or limit the number of bikes aboard trains throughout the day.

When the event began in 1994, just a few hundred signed up. By 2014, the tour ballooned to a record-breaking 7,000 participants from around the country, plus a few foreign visitors. Transportation Alternatives and Montefiore Health System are major sponsors.

“This annual event sends an important, positive message about our community and being physically and mentally active,” said Steven M. Safyer, M.D., president and CEO of Montefiore Health System.

To learn more and register for the ride, visit www.ilovethebronx.com.