TOUR DE BRONX: LARGEST FREE CYCLING EVENT IN THE TRI-STATE AREA

Oct82024

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Bronx, NY - On Monday, September 30, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, in partnership with The Bronx Tourism Council; the Bronx Economic Development Corporation; Transportation Alternatives; New York Yankees; Montefiore Einstein, Cricket Wireless, Metroplus Health, Tronex Health and other event sponsors, hosted a press conference at Lou Gehrig Plaza on 161^st Street to announce the launch of the 30^th anniversary of the Tour de Bronx cycling event. Emmy-award-winning reporter at PIX 11 News, James Ford, served as the emcee. Tour De Bronx 2024 media sponsors are 1010 WINS, Bronxnet Television, News 12 The Bronx, PIX 11 News, Schneps Media, and WABC-TV.

In its 30^th year, Tour de Bronx is a signature event in the borough that allows novice and experienced riders to take in the natural beauty and scenic views of treasured neighborhoods, coastal communities, historic districts, and more.

At the press conference, the Borough President, who is planning to ride for the 3rd straight year, invited those interested in participating in the family-friendly 10-mile, intermediate 25-mile, or advanced 40-mile routes on Sunday, October 6, 2024, to go to ilovethebronx.com.

"It is an honor to announce that we are bringing this legendary event, now in its 30th year, back to the Boogie Down," said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. "We are excited to announce the return of our family-friendly 10-mile ride, the intermediate 25-mile, and the advanced 40-mile taking riders from the Concourse to Castle Hill, Soundview Park, and beyond. With an emphasis on encouraging alternative modes of transportation and fitness, Tour de Bronx also attracts both new and skilled cyclists looking to be fit while having fun. Thank you to our many sponsors for their support and we look forward to seeing everyone on October 6th!"

"Montefiore Einstein is thrilled to be celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Tour de Bronx, a milestone event that has brought our community together for three decades," said Yianna Justo, Director of Community Affairs, Montefiore Einstein. "We're excited to continue supporting this legacy through our sponsorship, participating with our own team of cyclists, and offering a restorative yoga session to help participants find balance and mindfulness as part of their health journey."

"The Bronx Economic Development Corporation and The Bronx Tourism Council are proud to lead the charge on Tour de Bronx for its 30th anniversary with The Bronx Borough President," said BXEDC President Rob Walsh. "I rode in the 25-mile course last year and am looking forward to riding in it again this year with thousands of my closest friends."

"Tronex Healthcare is truly honored to have the opportunity to support the 2024 Tour De Bronx, once again," said Edmund S. Tai, Senior Vice President of Tronex. "This remarkable convergence of nourishing and healthful camaraderie is an extraordinary way to promote community and economic engagement."

"We believe outdoor activities like cycling are an integral part of building a healthy lifestyle for our members and those in the communities we serve," said Steve Mitchell, MBA, Vice President of Sales Administration with Metroplus Health. "It is with this belief that we are proud to sponsor and support the 30^th Annual Tour De Bronx in providing a fun, safe, and family-friendly experience to New Yorkers."

"Cricket Wireless is proud to sponsor the 30^th Tour de Bronx," said Heather Omahne, Lead Management Northeast States for Cricket Wireless. "Cricket understands the importance of community, and our goal is to keep the Bronx connected through supporting events with Bronx Tourism Council and the Bronx Borough President's Office, and providing easy, high-quality, and affordable wireless experiences."

"NYC Votes, the voter engagement initiative of the NYC Campaign Finance Board, is partnering with Tour De Bronx to provide essential information and resources that make it easier for Bronxites to make their voices heard on Election Day," said Timothy Hunter, Press Secretary at the NYC Campaign Finance Board. "When more New Yorkers turn out to vote, we get closer to a government that reflects who we are as a city."

"I am excited that The Bronx Tourism Council is celebrating 33 years of operation, and the borough's legacy event, Tour De Bronx, is celebrating 30 years," said Julius Drake, Director of t Development for the Bronx Tourism Council. "As an immigrant from Jamaica, I am extremely proud to be a part of this historic moment."

"Just a few years ago, just 6% of protected bike lanes were in the Bronx. Now, ahead of this year's Tour de Bronx, we are proud to report that more than 20% of New York City's protected bike lanes are in the Bronx through the NYC Streets Plan," said Shawn Garcia, Director of Advocacy at Transportation Alternatives. "This would not have been possible without the powerful efforts and advocacy of community members and partners in government like Borough President Gibson. While we celebrate this amazing milestone, we know we have more work to do to end preventable traffic violence and save lives. Together, we can redesign streets for safety in the Bronx to give everyone the freedom to choose to bike - not just during the Tour de Bronx, but every day of the year."

Along with City Island and Orchard Beach in the East Bronx, some riders will pedal past the Bronx Walk of Fame and the Riverdale Historic District in the West Bronx, while others take in the Bronx Greenway, the Longwood, Mott Haven, and Perry Avenue Historic Districts, and more.

Over 4,000 riders registered last year, and an even bigger crowd is expected this year. Registration applications for Tour De Bronx accessed through ilovethebronx.com are open through Saturday, October 5th, at 11:00 p.m.

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