What you should know
- 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
NEW YORK — Today, 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.”
“We’re excited to team up again this year with the Department of Transportation at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine to fund our free bike helmet giveaway,” said City Council Majority Leader Shaun Abreu.” More than ever, New Yorkers of all ages are cycling for fun, for exercise, and to get to work. We want to make sure that no matter what it’s for, every ride is a safe one!”
"Our helmet fitting events are a way for the community to get outside, get active, interact with our city agencies, and encourage safe biking -- for families and delivery workers alike," said Council Member Carmen De La Rosa. "These giveaways provide a direct impact and benefit to our community members and make our agencies more visible. We look forward to this year's fitting in Anne Loftus Playground!"
“We’re proud to partner with DOT to get free helmets and safety resources directly into the hands of riders in our community,” said Council Member Shahana Hanif. “As more New Yorkers take to our streets on bikes, safety has to come first. A properly fitted helmet can save lives, and events like this make sure cost is never a barrier. We want every rider in District 39, from kids to daily commuters, to feel safe and protected on our streets.”
“As the weather warms and more New Yorkers take to our streets on two wheels, safety must always come first. I commend NYC DOT and Commissioner Mike Flynn for continuing this critical initiative to provide free bike helmets and lights to residents of all ages, said Council Member Rita Joseph. Programs like these not only protect cyclists but also promote a culture of safety and shared responsibility on our roads. I encourage everyone to take advantage of these resources so we can keep our communities safe while enjoying a more active, connected city.”
“Ensuring the safety of not just our children, but all New Yorkers, is always a top priority, especially as more residents take our streets on bicycles during the warmer months,” said Council Member Vickie Paladino. “These free helmet giveaways are a simple yet impactful way to promote safe riding habits and help prevent serious injuries. I’m proud to partner with NYC DOT to bring these important resources directly to our community and to the families we serve.”
“In a city known for how we move, making sure New Yorkers can travel safely is essential,” said Council Member Lynn Schulman. “As the warmer weather approaches and more New Yorkers spend time outdoors, I’m proud to partner with NYC DOT to host this year's first free District 29 helmet giveaway in a series of events across the city — ensuring that riders of all ages have access to critical safety equipment. Initiatives like this help protect New Yorkers and support a safer, more connected city.”
“This event is always a big hit in the community, and I thank all of our partners who come together each year to make it happen,” said Council Member Phil Wong. “I can’t wait to see families out at Juniper Valley Park, making sure their kids are protected with a helmet and ready to ride safely this summer.”
“More New Yorkers are choosing to bike, and we need to make sure they have the tools to do it safely. Free helmet and light giveaways are a simple but important way to protect riders of all ages, especially as our streets get busier in the warmer months. I’m proud to partner with NYC DOT to help get safety gear directly into the hands of Lower Manhattan residents and encourage more people to get around by bike with confidence,” said Council Member Christopher Marte.
“We look forward to this event every year. It’s a great day for families to come out, pick up a free helmet, take part in the bike swap, and for kids to get their first riding lessons. As more New Yorkers are biking, making sure both kids and adults have properly fitted helmets is one of the easiest ways to stay safe. Thank you to NYC DOT and Bike New York for partnering with us to make this event possible and to help get helmets into the hands of so many riders,” said Council Member Gale A. Brewer.
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 11, 2026, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with Council Member Lynn Schulman at Russell Sage Playground, Queens
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
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
Bike Light Giveaways
May
The Bronx
May 4, 2026, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Willis Avenue Bridge bike path & East 135th Street
May 8, 2026, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 2063 University Avenue (across from Bronx Community College)
Queens
May 12, 2026, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Skillman Avenue & 43rd Street bike lane
May 15, 2026, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Vernon Blvd bike lane (31st Drive & 31st Avenue)
Brooklyn
May 19, 2026, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Brooklyn Bridge Promenade (Brooklyn Bridge Boulevard & Tillary Street)
May 22, 2026, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Prospect Park Machate Circle bike path (Parkside Ave & Prospect Park Southwest)
Manhattan
May 26, 2026, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Hudson River Greenway & West 97th Street
May 28, 2026, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Williamsburg Bridge bike path (Delancey Street & Clinton Street)
Staten Island
May 11, 2026, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Great Kills Park (192 Buffalo St)
The schedule will be updated with additional events in the coming weeks. All events are weather permitting and available while supplies last.