The New York City Marathon: A New Chapter for Cyclists
The Annual Tradition Comes to an End
The New York City Marathon brings together thousands of runners and their fans to the five boroughs annually. This year, however, one much-anticipated part of the coveted event will be scrapped. For the first time in decades, the city is closing off the 26-mile long marathon route to cyclists on the morning of the event, which takes place on Sunday, November 3.
A Beloved Tradition Censored
Riding your bike along a closed-off route through all the boroughs has been a beloved tradition of the marathon, with hardcore cyclists looking forward to it each year. On a regular day, it’s pretty tricky to safely navigate much of the city on a bike, considering we have some of the most aggressive drivers out there and not all neighborhoods offer dedicated lanes.
Safety Concerns Raise the Curtain on Change
The reason for this bike-rider ban is safety concerns raised by volunteers from New York Road Runners, who have pointed out that runners have been hit by cyclists in the past. "The New York City Department of Transportation will close streets along the course so that delivery trucks, ambulances, and New York Road Runners staff and volunteers can safely set up medical tents and water stations," the New York City Marathon posted on X. "Anyone attempting to ride anywhere on the course ahead of the marathon—starting in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn—will be diverted and removed by authorities."
A Sigh of Disappointment
Many New Yorkers were clearly not happy about the news, as evident on X, where comments echoed sentiments of loss and disappointment.
A Conclusion on Safety
Although we’re sad about the end of the tradition, we are all for it: safety is always our priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is the marathon route being closed to cyclists?
A: The New York Road Runners raised safety concerns that runners have been hit by cyclists in the past.
Q: How will this impact the event overall?
A: The marathon route will still be open to runners, and spectators will still be able to cheer them on.
Q: Can I still bike around the city on marathon day?
A: Yes, you can still bike around the city, but you will not be able to ride along the closed-off route.
Q: What is the new policy on cyclist access to the marathon route?
A: The city is closing off the 26-mile long marathon route to cyclists on the morning of the event.
