Transportation Officials Announce Ban on Unsancitioned Cyclists on NYC Marathon Course
City transportation officials have announced a ban on unsanctioned cyclists during the NYC Marathon to ensure safety and accessibility.
The New York City Department of Transportation announced on Thursday that it is prohibiting unsanctioned cyclists from entering the New York City Marathon course at any point on November 2.
The notice was widely circulated in an email to run club leaders and specifically outlined that street closures in the hours before the race are meant for emergency vehicles, crews setting up for the event and medical tents.
For decades, cyclists have used large stretches of the 26.2 mile course to organize rides in the early morning hours before sunrise to trek empty streets without contending with cars and trucks on the same roads.
In the city, there are rare opportunities for street takeovers outside of the Five Boro Bike Tour in May and Summer Streets in August — both of which are sanctioned.
No comment from officials on the reasoning behind the ban.
Author summary: NYC bans unsanctioned cycling during marathon.