Thousands Of Cyclists Take To The Streets For Five Borough Bike Tour
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Tens of thousands of bicyclists took part in Sunday's TD Five Boro Bike Tour.
The race kicked off at 7:45 a.m. at Battery Park in Lower Manhattan, where the race also ended.
In all, 32,000 riders took on the course through all five boroughs. It is the biggest bike ride in the U.S.
"We get to ride on the Verrazano Bridge, which you never get to do by bike, and you see the skyline of the city and the Statue of Liberty," one rider told WCBS 880's Monica Miller.
Thousands Of Cyclists Take To The Streets For Five Borough Bike Tour
"Driving down the FDR with no traffic is the best part of the whole show," another rider said.
With the Boston Marathon bombings still fresh in the minds of law enforcement, large backpacks and hydration packs were not allowed.
"I have enough water on my bike to hold on. It's kind of a drag not having my hydration pack but it's all good," a rider from Long Island told Miller.
There were also NYPD officers posted all along the route and police helicopters flying overhead to keep an eye on things.
"You can't police 40 miles of route, but you can do things to make it as safe and as reasonable as possible, and that's what we're doing," said NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly.
Increased Security For Five Borough Bike Tour
As CBS 2's Janelle Burrell reported, many riders were united in cycling with the victims of the Boston Marathon victims in mind. Some wore 'I Ride For Boston' stickers.
"It's a good opportunity to show support," said cyclist Philippe David of the Upper East Side.
"I'm originally from Boston. I think that it's a great that New York and Boston can come together in this little piece," added cyclist Mark Babson of Lambertsville, N.J.
All of the proceeds from the $5 stickers went directly to a fund set up for those most affected by the attacks.
"After 9/11, the world showed their support for New York City, and now I think the world is showing their support for Boston," said Bike New York's Ken Podziba. "We have people from all over the world – 65 countries, every state in the nation here, and they're doing it for Boston."
The annual 5 Boro Bike Tour has been going on since 1977.
One man died while taking part in the bike race, police confirmed to WCBS 880 on Sunday afternoon.
Boren was pronounced dead at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center after attempts at CPR failed, according to police.
It is believed Boren had suffered a heart attack in the past, police said.
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