FAQ

Update regarding coronavirus

Transportation Alternatives has decided to postpone the Tour de Staten Island, originally scheduled for April 26.



TA staff are working diligently to secure a new date. We are awaiting confirmation from city officials that our permits will be honored, and we will continue to keep riders informed via email and social media as we secure a new day for the 2020 Tour de Staten Island, and prepare for a safe and fun ride.



Thank you for your patience and understanding during this unprecedented time. We’ll be in touch with further details soon.

Registration

How many tickets are available?

To make sure every participant has a safe and enjoyable ride, we are only selling 2,000 registrations.



Am I registered for the tour?

All riders receive a confirmation email after they complete registration online. If you're unsure about your registration status, please email us at info@transalt.org to confirm.



Can I edit the details of my registration online?

No. Email us at info@transalt.org to change your registration information.



Can I ride a different route than the one I registered for?

Yes. If you decide you would like to ride a different route, you can! It is not necessary to inform us. Check "Bib Pickup and Check-in" to determine your new start time and your new ferry boarding time.



Where can I pick up my bib?

Bib pick up is available at the start line on ride day.



What forms of identification are valid for me to pick up my registration packet?

Bring a copy of your registration confirmation email to pick up your packet.



Do I need to register separately if I'm planning to ride on a tandem bike with a friend?

Yes, you do. Every rider on the course is required to register for the tour.

The Ride

Will roads be closed to motor vehicles for the bike tour?

The Tour de Staten Island does not have any road closures. Riders should be prepared to ride confidently alongside traffic.



Are there ride marshals on the route?

Yes – they are identifiable by their orange vests. They can assist you with minor bike issues or repairs. However, please be aware that ride marshals do not carry extra supplies, so make sure you bring extra tubes or any other supplies you think you may need.



Can I ride my e-bike?

Pedal assist e-bikes are legal to operate on streets in New York City and you are free to do so during the Tour de Staten Island. Pedal assist e-bikes are bicycles with an electric motor that provides assisted power up to 20 mph when you pedal – you can still ride faster than 20 mph but have to use the power of your own legs or a nice downward hill to do so. Electric bikes with throttle and ones that provide motorized propulsion beyond 20 mph are not yet legal to operate anywhere in New York.



Will there be SAG vehicles along the route?

There will be limited SAG (support and gear) on the route. The SAG vehicle will pick up riders and return them only to the finish area. Riders who cannot complete the ride, but are located within walking distance to a SIR stop will be asked to use the train.



How fast will I need to ride to complete the tour?

35-milers will need to ride at approximately 10 mph. 50-milers should be riding at 12 mph. Please note: The amount of time you spend at a rest area is important! Be sure to consult the rest area closing times on your cue sheet to make sure you can reach the next stop before it closes. The finish line closes at 4pm at Staten Island Urby.



How long do I have to ride before I reach a rest stop?

35 mile route: there are rest stops at mile 12 and 24.



50 mile route: there are rest stops at mile 12, 24, and 42.



What kinds of snacks will there be at the rest stops?

Every rest stop has water, Nuun, nutrition bars and fruit. Rest stops on the 50 mile route also have peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Please pack a lunch or bring cash for a more substantial meal if you think you'll require more food. Please note: We do not provide bottled water. You must bring your own bottle.



Can kids participate in the Tour de Staten Island?

Kids are welcome to join. Riders under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a guardian. Helmets are mandatory for children 14 and under and strongly encouraged for riders of all ages. Children under 10 years old are encouraged to ride in a carrier or on a tandem bike with a parent. The Tour de Staten Island does not have any street closures so your kids should be confident enough to ride alongside traffic.



Are there any bag restrictions?

No. Feel free to use backpacks, hydration packs, panniers, baskets, and any other bag you have at home!



Can I check my bag?

Bag check is not available. Please only bring gear that you can carry on your own bicycle.

Miscellaneous

Is the Tour de Staten Island a charity event?

Yes! The Tour de Staten Island is produced by Transportation Alternatives and benefits our work advocating for safer streets for all New Yorkers!



I ordered a t-shirt and/or jersey during registration. Where can I pick it up?

You can pick up your t-shirt only at the end of the ride.



Do you have a gift shop?

Yes! You can grab some TA swag from our online store or visit our merch table at the tour Finish Festival.



Where can I stay in Staten Island?

We've partnered with the Hilton Garden Inn New York/Staten Island to offer a discounted rate to our riders! Click the link above, or call to book and request the OTDSI room block before April 12.



Where can I park my car?

We encourage participants to bike or use public transportation to our start sites and we do not provide free event parking. Paid parking is available at the Littleman Park Lot, 8 Navy Pier Court, Staten Island, NY.



Rates

Up to 1 hr - $4.00

Up to 2 hrs - $6.00

Up to 10 hrs - $10.00

Up to 24 hrs - $14.00



Street parking may also be available.



What is your cancellation policy?

There is no rain date; we ride rain or shine.



You can protect your ride this year with optional rain insurance. If it rains more than .75'' on ride day, you'll get $75 back! Your check will be mailed to you regardless of whether you came to the start site or not.



Hours of coverage for insurance are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. on 4/26/2020. Rain will be measured by the official New York weather station, which is not affiliated with Transportation Alternatives or the insurance company.



In case of inclement weather, Transportation Alternatives reserves the right to cancel/alter/modify the tour for safety concerns. In any case, we do not refund tour entry fees or transfer registrations to another TA event. In the unlikely case a tour is canceled, you may claim your registration fee as a tax-deductible donation.



If you have to cancel for personal reasons, we are unable to offer you a refund. All funds raised through TA bike tours support Transportation Alternatives’ life-saving work for safe streets in New York City.