NYC 5 Boro Bike Tour 2026: Verrazzano Bridge Closures and Traffic Guide
New York City is preparing for the return of the TD Five Boro Bike Tour on Sunday, May 3, 2026. As one of the city’s most significant annual events, the tour transforms the streets of all five boroughs into a massive cycling arena, but it too creates substantial disruptions for motorists and commuters. If you’re planning to travel across the city that Sunday, understanding the closure schedule—particularly for the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge—is essential to avoiding gridlock.
- Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge: Fully closed to vehicle traffic from approximately 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
- Event Scale: More than 32,000 cyclists will traverse a 40-mile car-free route.
- Traffic Impact: Severe cross-borough travel restrictions from 7:00 AM through approximately 3:00 PM.
- Open Corridors: The FDR Drive, Queens-Midtown Tunnel, Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel, and Hugh L. Carey Tunnel remain open.
Will the Verrazzano Bridge Be Closed?
Yes. The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge will be fully closed to all vehicle traffic on Sunday, May 3, from approximately 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This is the most impactful closure of the day, as it completely severs the primary vehicle link between Brooklyn and Staten Island for six hours.
Traffic Advisory and Road Closures
The TD Five Boro Bike Tour is not a stationary event like a parade; it is a moving closure that spans 40 miles across Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. Given that the route moves in waves, the NYPD implements rolling closures throughout the morning and afternoon.
Motorists should expect the following disruptions:
- Queensboro Bridge: This crossing will have restricted vehicle access.
- Borough Streets: Multiple major streets and avenues in all five boroughs will face temporary closures at the discretion of the NYPD.
- General Timing: The most severe travel restrictions are expected between 7:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
Navigation Strategies for Drivers
To navigate the city during the tour, drivers should avoid the primary route and utilize the designated open corridors. The following routes are recommended to maintain movement across the city:
- FDR Drive
- Queens-Midtown Tunnel
- Holland Tunnel
- Lincoln Tunnel
- Hugh L. Carey Tunnel
For those scheduling airport transfers, it’s advisable to add a buffer of 30 to 60 minutes to account for unexpected delays and detour congestion.
About the TD Five Boro Bike Tour
Organized by Bike New York, a nonprofit organization, the tour has been a staple of the city since 1977. It is a noncompetitive, recreational ride designed to celebrate the cycling community and raise funds for essential services.
Proceeds from the event support free bike education programs, cycling advocacy, and community outreach across New York City. Standard registration for the 2026 tour is $68.24, which includes processing fees and a $1 tax-deductible charitable donation. Registered participants receive a Rider Identification Kit, mechanical support, and snacks at designated rest stops, concluding the journey at the Finish Festival on Staten Island.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the bike tour last?
Although the full route is 40 miles, the primary traffic disruptions and road closures occur from early morning (roughly 7:00 AM) through mid-afternoon (approximately 3:00 PM).
Is the Five Boro Bike Tour a race?
No. The tour is a noncompetitive, rolling celebration where riders move at their own pace.
Which tunnels remain open during the event?
The Holland, Lincoln, Queens-Midtown, and Hugh L. Carey tunnels remain open to vehicle traffic, providing the most reliable alternatives to closed bridges.
As May 3 approaches, residents and visitors are encouraged to monitor official NYPD traffic advisories and adjust their travel plans to avoid the 40-mile corridor of the tour.