01-05-2025
NYC is giving out free bike helmets this month—here's where to get one
May is Bike Month in New York City and the Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) is marking the occasion with a sprawling slate of events and giveaways designed to keep the city's cycling boom in motion. Whether you're a Citi Bike commuter, a delivery rider or just dusting off your handlebars for the season, there's something for everyone in this wheel-powered celebration.
The marquee event will be Bike Bonanza on May 18, a full day of helmet fittings, learn-to-ride classes and kids' bike swaps at Tecumseh Playground on the Upper West Side.
It's not just about swag, though—this year's programming goes big on real infrastructure upgrades. Under Mayor Eric Adams' administration, New York City has added a record-breaking 87.5 miles of protected bike lanes and improved 20 more, including nearly 30 new miles in 2024 alone. That work's paying off: cycling trips now top 226 million per year and DOT data shows that protected lanes cut pedestrian injuries by nearly 30%.
Cyclists can also expect new tech on the road. A novel set of bike-friendly traffic signals and 'Green Wave' timing debuted along Manhattan's Third Avenue this spring, encouraging slower speeds and safer intersections. Additionally, a brand-new bike counter and visualization tool enable riders to explore citywide cycling data in real-time.
Need a helmet? Want a free light? Looking to join a ride? From Staten Island to the Bronx, the full lineup of events (including dates and locations) is available on the DOT's Bike Month calendar. You can browse through the list of free helmet giveaways below. Delivery workers, in particular, can score safety gear and educational resources throughout the month at targeted outreach stops.
So grab your bike, tune your brakes and get rolling—NYC's got your back this May.
Where to get a free bike helmet in NYC
Brooklyn
Bronx
Manhattan
Queens
