New York?s Five Boro Bike Tour: Over 32,000 ?ride for Boston?

The Five Boro Bike Tour (BikeNewYork.org)

In another show of intercity solidarity, more than 32,000 riders were expected in New York City on Sunday for the Five Boro Bike Tour to help raise money for the Boston Marathon bombing victims.

Security at the tour, the largest cycling event in America, was increased in the wake of the bombings. Backpacks, saddle bags and hydration systems were banned from the 40 mile, car-free ride through the five boroughs, though water bottles and fanny packs were permitted. The finishing area on Staten Island was also limited to the tour's participants and volunteers, due to the enhanced security.

And according to CBSNewYork.com, organizers called off the pyrotechnics that usually mark the start of the race.

"I Ride For Boston" stickers worn by the tour riders were handed out in exchange for a suggested $5 donation, with 100 percent of the proceeds from their sale going to One Fund Boston, the charity launched after the attack.

Ken Podziba, president and CEO of Bike New York, said the response "from our heavy-hearted riders who want to be able to express their solidarity with Boston" was "overwhelming." The organization produced more than 32,000 "I Ride For Boston" stickers?or one for every rider.

[Related: Authorities search woods near Boston Marathon bombing suspect?s college]

?New Yorkers will never forget the generous support we?ve received from around the world during our city?s toughest times, and we never hesitate to repay that generosity when the need arises,? New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said at a press conference ahead of Sunday's event.

On April 16, a day after the terror attack, the New York Yankees played Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline," a tradition at Boston's Fenway Park, over the loudspeakers at Yankee Stadium in honor of the marathon bombing victims.

Meanwhile, investigators continue to search various sites around Dartmouth, Mass., near where Boston Marathon bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev went to college as authorities continue to look for evidence related to the attack.

Last week, federal officials told the New York Times and NBC News that Tsarnaev said he and his brother Tamerlan, who was killed during a gunbattle with police on April 19, originally had planned to carry out their attack on July 4. But the bombings allegedly were moved up because the brothers completed building their explosives ahead of time.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/five-boro-bike-tour-nyc-ride-boston-160619080.html

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