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NYC DOT will distribute free bike helmets and lights across the city throughout April, May and June to promote safe cycling across the five boroughs
Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Mike Flynn announced a series of events offering free bike helmets and lights to New Yorkers, supporting a record number of cyclists on city streets as the weather warms. Helmets will be available for people of all ages, and trained NYC DOT safety educators will ensure each helmet is properly fitted.
“A safe bike ride is a good bike ride,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Safe cycling starts with the right gear, like a well-fit helmet and bike light, and I’m excited to partner with elected officials across New York City to make sure cyclists of all ages have the tools and knowledge they need to move safely through our streets.”
“Getting helmets and bike lights into the hands of New Yorkers is the right way to kick off a summer of cycling in New York City,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Julia Kerson. “I’m grateful to the many elected officials who came together to help keep our neighbors safe while biking.”
“As the weather warms, both new and experienced cyclists should gear up to ensure every ride is safe and enjoyable,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. “More and more New Yorkers are taking up cycling as a healthy, affordable and quick way to get around our city, and we are grateful to partner with local elected officials to provide both the infrastructure and resources to encourage more New Yorkers to go out and ride this spring.”
Each year, NYC DOT partners with community organizations and elected officials to host free helmet-fitting events across the city. Since the program began in 2007, the City has provided more than 350,000 free bicycle helmets to New Yorkers. NYC DOT also hosts bike light giveaways to distribute lights and other safety resources.
Free Helmet Giveaways
April
April 19, 2026, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with Council Member Christopher Marte at Sol Lain Playground (athletic field), Manhattan
April 25, 2026, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., for Car Free Earth Day at 1466 St Nicholas Avenue (between West 184th Street & 183rd Street), Manhattan
May
May 2, 2026, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with Council Member Shaun Abreu at Cathedral of St. John the Divine, Manhattan
May 3, 2026, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with Council Member Linda Lee at Holy Cow Playground (197-49 Peck Avenue), Queens
May 9, 2026, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with Council Member Vickie Paladino at Crocheron Park (214-41 34th Avenue), Queens
May 16, 2026, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with Council Member Rita C. Joseph at The Parade Grounds of Prospect Park (45 Parade Place), Brooklyn
May 17, 2026, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with Council Member Eric Dinowitz at Spuyten Duyvil Playground, the Bronx
May 30, 2026, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with Council Member Shahana Hanif at Prospect Park (West Drive Entrance), Brooklyn
June 5, 2026, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with Council Member Carmen De La Rosa at Anne Loftus Playground (Broadway Avenue & Riverside Drive), Manhattan
June 6, 2026, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with Council Member Sandra Ung at Kissena Park Playground (164th Street & Lithonia), Queens
June 13, 2026, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with Council Member Julie Won at Hunters Point South Park, Queens
June 14, 2026, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with Council Member Gale Brewer at Tecumseh Playground (West 77th Street & Amsterdam Avenue), Manhattan
June 25, 2026, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., for NYC Health and Hospitals Bellevue Hospital Helmet fitting at East 27th St & First Avenue, Manhattan
June 27, 2026, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with Council Member Phil Wong at Juniper Valley Park (80th Street & Juniper Boulevard), Queens
