NEW YORK, NY (BRAIN) — After a successful first year Bike Expo New York returns next May 2-4 at Basketball City, a new venue just north of the Manhattan Bridge. The three-day consumer show serves as the primary fundraiser for local nonprofit Bike New York.
Last May Bike Expo New York drew 43,000 attendees and more than 100 brands including Specialized, Cannondale, Fuji, Shimano, Raleigh and Pearl Izumi among others. The three-day show is free to the public and serves as the packet pickup for the TD Five Boro Bike Tour, a soldout event with some 32,000 riders from all 50 states and dozens from overseas. This year’s tour is May 5 and packet pickup will again take place at the expo.
Exhibitors include local retailers as well as major bike and parts suppliers and bike clubs. The show hosts a mix of indoor and outdoor entertainment as well as a BMX action sports showcase, a fashion show and classes for adults and children new to cycling. Pegged as a family festival, it also includes features like jugglers and clowns on stilts.
“The expo was launched last year for the first time to lay the groundwork to raise funds to teach more educational classes, ” said Brent Tongco, communications director for Bike New York. “It turned out to be huge success. A lot of big brands came out and supported us and a handful of local retailers came out in partnership with companies. This year we’re looking to expand on our entertainment features.”
The venue, easy to get to by car, bike or public transit, offers 110,000 square feet of booth space with about 40,000 of that outside. Bike New York used that space to run spin classes overlooking the East River. Booth costs range from $1,550 to $9,300.
