NEW YORK, NY–Bike New York, in association with the City of New York and the New York City Department of Transportation, announced today that the COMMERCE BANK FIVE BORO BIKE TOUR will return to the city streets on Sunday, May 4, 2008. The Tour, which is presented by Con Edison, travels 42 miles through New York City using car-free streets, highways, and bridges. Prospective riders and volunteers should visit http://www.BikeNewYork.org for more information.

Founded in 1977 with just 250 participants, this non-competitive ride has grown to involve some 30,000 cyclists and 1,500 volunteers, including fitness enthusiasts, families, and friends from around the globe. Because registration is limited to the first 30,000 applicants, riders are encouraged to sign up now, as the event is expected to close out well before May 4.

“The COMMERCE BANK FIVE BORO BIKE TOUR provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity for participants to experience all five boroughs of New York,” stated Bike New York Executive Director Pam Tice. “We hope that a ride through the city on May 4th will encourage cyclists to ride their bikes for errands and exercise throughout the year.”

The Tour starts in Battery Park in Lower Manhattan. Taking advantage of car-free roads, it travels north through the heart of Manhattan to Central Park and continues on to historic Harlem and the Bronx, returning south along the East River on the FDR Drive. From there it crosses into Queens and then Brooklyn, where cyclists take over the highway before making the thrilling climb up–and down–the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. The Tour ends with a celebratory Festival on Staten Island. After enjoying the live entertainment, exhibits, and food concessions, riders take a free ride on the Staten Island Ferry back to Manhattan, completing the ultimate of New York experiences. The route map and an interactive photo tour are available at http://www.BikeNewYork.org/rides/fbbt/route_map.html.

The COMMERCE BANK FIVE BORO BIKE TOUR receives valuable support from its partnerships with sponsors. A multiyear title sponsorship agreement with Commerce Bank, “America’s Most Convenient Bank,” began with the 30th anniversary Tour in 2007. Long-time presenting sponsor Con Edison returns for its 12th year, and the Tour also welcomes back The CW11, Fresh 102.7 FM, Snapple, Lärabar, Bonita Bananas, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, and New York Sports Clubs. First-time sponsor The New York Post joins the Tour for 2008.

Bike New York’s Bicycle Education Program is a primary beneficiary of Tour proceeds. Its offerings this year include a full schedule of Teach Your Child to Ride a Bike sessions for families, Savvy Cyclist classes for adults, bike commuting seminars, and trainings for educators and community leaders. All programs are free and focus on cycling skills and safety. Bike New York also produces smaller rides outside New York City, and cyclists may register for those events now as well.

Registration for the Tour is available for the discounted price of $43 until Friday, March 28, after which the fee increases. After Friday, April 4, only online registrations will be accepted if space permits. Early registration is encouraged; once the cap of 30,000 is reached, no new registrations will be accepted, and there is no Tour day registration. Riders will receive their 2008 Tour vest, rider and helmet number, and a 40-page Tour Program and Ride Guide in the mail. For more information and to register, please visit http://www.BikeNewYork.org or call Bike New York at 212 932 BIKE (2453).

Bike New York is a non-profit that promotes and encourages bicycling and bicycle safety through education, public events, and collaboration with community and government organizations. Best known as producer of the nation’s largest recreational cycling event, the Commerce Bank Five Boro Bike Tour, Bike New York also organizes smaller rides and runs a Bicycle Education Program offering free classes and workshops for adults and children. For more information on Bike New York’s rides and programs, visit http://www.BikeNewYork.org.