FAQ

Founded in 1990 as a spirited act of protest to stake cyclists’ claim to New York City streets, the Century is the nation’s only 100-mile urban ride. The Century shows the diversity of our city’s neighborhoods, and the accomplishments we’ve made for safer streets and policy. 

When our first group of 200 passionate cyclists took a stand for better biking infrastructure, New York City had just a handful of bike lanes. Today, our streets are more vibrant and thriving for people on bikes.

Your participation directly supports activists fighting for a world-class bike city, car-free spaces, fast and reliable transit, and safer streets for all. Transportation Alternatives strives to turn NYC streets into safer, sustainable, and more equitable places to walk, bike, take transit, gather, and thrive.

The routes are available on our homepage. Follow Transportation Alternatives on Instagram to get the latest highlights on the NYC Century.

This is a self-guided ride with no street closures. The tour takes place on roads open to traffic. Designated marshals in safety vests will be riding alongside participants and stationed at rest stops.

Member discounts to the NYC Century will be sent to your email on April 22 and available on TA’s membership portal. If you have questions about your membership status, you can visit the membership portal or email membership@transalt.org.

We encourage you to build up to similar mileage and give it a try! We have designed the routes to accommodate various types of cyclists, from entry-level to seasoned athletes. Please note: this ride will take place on streets that are open to traffic -- be prepared to ride confidently alongside it.

Absolutely! Bring out your friends and family for this special day.

Yes! Youth admission for kids 14 and under is $50. Youth (17 years of age and younger) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

✅ Guaranteed first wave access

✅ NYC Century t-shirt

✅ TA Membership

✅ Access to the route of your choice (40, 55, 75 or 100 miles)

✅ The official NYC Century finisher medal

✅ One free drink and admission to the Finish Festival

✅ Snacks and hydration at rest stops

✅ Marshal and SAG support 

✅ Fun surprises along the way!

✅ Access to the route of your choice (40, 55, 75 or 100 miles)

✅ The official NYC Century finisher medal

✅ Admission to the Finish Festival

✅ Snacks and hydration at rest stops

✅ Marshal and SAG support 

✅ Fun surprises along the way

Here’s our recommended list of items to bring with you!

• Two (2) filled water bottles 

• Sunscreen

• Light snacks (especially if you have dietary restrictions) and electrolytes

• A spare tube 

• A helmet

• Government ID

• Registration Ticket

• Cash/credit cards

• OMNY device

• Portable charger (optional)

• Rain gear (if applicable) 

Yes, we have partnered with Bike Flights to provide bike delivery services. This is a separate fee from the price for admission.

Yes! You can book your rental for the NYC Century at Holland Bikes with promo code TACENTURY for 80% off.

Both Holland Bikes locations at Central Park and Brooklyn are open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Yes! There are trained marshals along the route committed to keeping cyclists safe as well as stationary marshals at rest stops and selected areas to assist cyclists with varied needs.

Yes. There are rest stops that give participants an opportunity to rest, stretch, and enjoy some snacks before jumping back on the route. There are stationary marshals at rest stops that can answer questions about the route, too. 

Please fill out this Google form, and we will circulate a sign up sheet at a later date. Marshals are required to complete training in advance of the NYC Century.

Yes, e-bikes and cargo bikes are allowed on the Century Bike Tour. Upway is a proud sponsor of the NYC Century. Looking to upgrade your bike to an e-bike? Get $100 off your next e-Bike purchase of $700 or more. Use code CENTURY100 at checkout. 

The NYC Century is a fundraiser for Transportation Alternatives. Unfortunately, no refunds will be offered. This event is rain or shine. If you’re unable to attend, the fee will be considered a tax-deductible donation to Transportation Alternatives. 

If you purchase the rain insurance policy and it rains 1/2 an inch at the Central Park weather station, you'll be reimbursed for your registration fee, up to $100. See full details on the ticketing page.

We do not recommend Citi Bike for this long distance bike tour because of the need to re-dock. We encourage you to rent a bike instead, and we have partnered with Holland Bikes to provide bike rentals for the tour. 

We are pleased to announce that we have teamed up with Under The ‘K’ Bridge Park for your start and Upway for your finish locations.

For more information, please visit our Start and Finish Festivals page.

Subject to space availability, families of registered riders can join at the Finish Festival. Only registered riders with official bibs can receive free food and drinks at the festival.