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 the ban in an email to run club leaders, stating that street closures on November 2 are meant for emergency vehicles, event setup crews, and medical tents.
For decades, cyclists have used the 26.2-mile course for early morning rides before sunrise, taking advantage of empty streets. However, with limited opportunities for street takeovers in the city, this ban may impact cyclists who rely on these events.
Sanctioned events like the Five Boro Bike Tour in May and Summer Streets in August provide rare alternatives for cyclists.
Since at least the early 1990s, cyclists have used large stretches of the course to organize rides in the early morning hours.
Author's summary: NYC bans unsanctioned cyclists from marathon course.