Central Park Cycling Heads-Up: Week of May 3–9

Hey cyclists,

Whether you’re riding the loop daily or just clipping in on weekends, here’s what’s happening in the park this week.

Today (Sun May 3) — Five Boro Bike Tour finish

If you’re in the Tour, congrats — Central Park is your finish line this morning. If you’re not, the finish festival on Center Drive and East Drive runs 7 AM to noon. The lower and east loop will be jammed with riders, support vehicles, and crowds. Don’t try to ride through it.

• Want to ride this morning? Stick to the upper loop above the 102nd Transverse until things clear
• Easier option: wait until 1 PM, the loop should be reopening
• The Bandshell area also gets busy after noon (Arise New York, 12–6 PM) — give West Drive between 66th and 72nd a wider line

Mon–Fri (May 4–8) — normal car-free hours, watch Engineers’ Gate area

Standard weekday car-free riding all week. One small thing: there’s a daily setup at the 5th Ave sidewalk at 97th / Duke Ellington Circle (midnight–noon) for the Olmsted Luncheon. Doesn’t affect the road, but pedestrian flow at that corner will be heavier than usual — slow your line through there.

Wed May 6 afternoon — Reservoir north end

An event setup at North Reservoir Landscape A from 2–5 PM. Won’t close the road, but the East Drive section between 96th and 102nd may have foot traffic crossing.

Sat May 9 afternoon — Skate Circle returns near 72nd

Central Park Skate Circle takes over Dead Road North from 2–7 PM. West Drive at 72nd gets congested with skaters, spectators, and music. Plan a morning ride or route through the upper park in the afternoon.

Quick recap

Sun 5/3, 7 AM–noon — Center & East Drive Stay above 102nd, or wait until 1 PM.

Mon–Fri — Engineers’ Gate area Slow line through 90th/5th, no road closures.

Wed 5/6, 2–5 PM — East Drive at the Reservoir Watch for pedestrians crossing.

Sat 5/9, 2–7 PM — West Drive at 72nd Ride morning, or stick to upper-park loops.

Best riding windows this week: Sun afternoon (after 1 PM), weekday mornings, and Sat morning. Tailwinds.

The Central Park Guide