On Sunday, June 8th, Transportation Alternatives will host the first-ever Tour de Queens, a family-friendly 20-mile bike ride. All are welcome, and the ride is free (registration is required).

The 700-cyclist tour will begin and end at the Queens Museum of Art in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park and take riders through the East Elmhurst, Astoria, Queensbridge, Long Island City, Maspeth, Middle Village, Rego Park and Forest Hills. A rest stop with snacks and refreshments will be provided in Queensbridge Park on the scenic East River shore.

The Tour de Queens builds on Transportation Alternatives' 35 years of activism fighting for safer, saner streets throughout New York City, and joins the enormously successful Tour de Bronx and Tour de Brooklyn rides.

"It's Queens' turn to inspire demand for bike-friendly streets," says Mike Heffron, Chair of Transportation Alternatives' Queens Committee. "We're excited to be building Queens' bicycle community and promoting safe cycling in Queens."

"I am delighted that the first Tour de Queens is taking place. We are always asking residents and visitors alike to Discover Queens and biking is a wonderful way to do that. And, what more appropriate place is there to start the tour than our flagship park!" says Queens Borough President Helen Marshall. "I thank Transportation Alternatives and all those who contributed to the success of this event and hope that it becomes an annual tradition."

"This tour combines two of my great loves: Queens and bikes," says Queens Museum of Art Executive Director Tom Finkelperl. "The Museum is pleased to be supporting the Tour de Queens and showing off the beauty and diversity of our borough."

For details about the ride, to volunteer or to find out about limited day-of-event registration, visit the Tour de Queens website at tourdequeens.org or call 212-629-8080. Transportation Alternatives thanks the key sponsors of this ride for their generous support, including: Transportation Alternatives' Queens Committee, Queens Borough President Helen Marshall, Tom Cat Bakery and the Queens Museum of Art.