With 51,453 finishers in 2023, the New York Marathon is among the most popular venues of the World Marathon Majors. Other WMM tracks, such as Chicago, may be known as the venues where elite marathoners break world records. However, New York has a special pre-race tradition, unlike any other track, as many cyclists take over the closed route hours ahead of the official event.

Cyclists across New York flock to the course to experience riding their bikes on unobstructed New York roads. It’s a privilege; the infamous New York traffic makes it impossible for cyclists to enjoy empty roads for the rest of the years. Unfortunately, this year, the organizers have put an end to the two-decade-old tradition ahead of the 2024 edition.

On October 15, the TCS New York City Marathon X (formerly Twitter) page made a heartbreaking announcement. “On Marathon morning, November 3, 2024, the New York City Department of Transportation will close streets along the course,” read the announcement. They explained that “New York Road Runners staff and volunteers” will use the time to set up medical tents and water stations.

However, what came next surprised the cycling enthusiasts. “NO UNSANCTIONED BICYCLES WILL BE ALLOWED ON THE MARATHON COURSE ONCE IT IS CLOSED TO TRAFFIC THAT MORNING. This decision was made to ensure everyone’s safety.” read the announcement on X. However, the last part raised questions as no major incidents involving bikes have disrupted the New York Marathon for 20 years.

However, NYRR Senior Vice President Crystal Howard informed the New York Times that last year at least one cyclist hit a pedestrian on the course. Hence, following this year’s historic Chicago Marathon, the organizers have decided to put a stop to pre-race activity to avoid such incidents happening this year. The official post said authorities will remove anyone attempting to ignore the announcement on November 3.

“We ask that everyone adhere to this restriction,” reads the final line of the PSA. Almost immediately, cycling enthusiasts voiced their displeasure at the decision. The NYC Marathon unceremoniously ending such a longstanding tradition didn’t sit well with many.

Cyclists lamented the loss of a longstanding New York Marathon tradition

“It’s a real shame,” New York Cycle Club spokesperson Neile Weissman told the New York Times. Participants who have experienced the joy of riding on the marathon course had a similar opinion. “What a tremendous embarrassment. The streets belong to the people, not @nyrr,” an X-user commented on the post. The user didn’t hide their displeasure.

“The @nycmarathon comes at the grace and permission of the people, and cycling has never caused any issues with past marathons,” he added. The statement was in contrast to what Howard told the NY Times. Another cycling enthusiast reminisced about their first time participating in the pre-New York Marathon joyride.

“I remember biking the closed streets from Bay Ridge to Central Park at 6 AM on marathon day around 10 years ago. Will definitely miss being able to do that.” the individual commented. However, not everyone was surprised to see the sudden announcement. Rapha Cycling Club member Chris Jones felt slightly concerned about the future when he led the ride at last year’s New York Marathon.

The 53-year-old brought 200 cyclists to the event last year. However, the sheer numbers surprised the veteran cyclist. “It was easily the biggest (crowd) I’ve seen in more than a dozen years doing it,” Jones told the New York Times. Chris Jones had created the website where riders could sign up for the 2024 New York Marathon joyride. However, he took the website down after the announcement and plans to comply with the rules. However, only time will tell if the entire community feels the same.