Volunteer FAQ’s

Our volunteers have varied backgrounds and lifestyles, but share a passion for advancing Transportation Alternatives’ mission. We encourage volunteers of all walks of life: students, young professionals, older community members, etc. All races and gender identities are welcome. Volunteers are expected to be helpful to registered cyclists and event staff, and maintain a welcoming and cheerful disposition throughout the event. If under the age of 18, volunteers must have a chaperone.

We ask that bike marshals have previously ridden in bike tours, can ride independently eyeing route markers or following Ride with GPS, and have basic bike fix skills. Your main responsibility is to asssit riders and communicate critical road information to the TA team. If you’re a female or BIPOC cyclist, and do not meet some of the requirements, we encourage you to volunteer regardless and we can help you build skills as a marshal!

Certain volunteer assignments allow you to ride the route. It depends on the timing and your volunteer location. For example, you could help check cyclists in and then depart for the 35 mile route. Please check with events@transalt.org if you would like to ride after your volunteer post.

Yes, expect fruit, pastries, and coffee in the morning. Volunteers are welcome to all food at our fully stocked rest stops and will receive a complimentary beer or beverage at the Finish Fest!

Volunteers get a complimentary ‘NYC Century’ T-Shirt, which you will pick up and wear the day of the ride to identify yourself as a marshal/volunteer.

The Start and Finish Festival will be hosted in the Meatpacking District.

The rest stops will be announced closer to the event but are spread throughout Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx. If assigned to a rest stop, transportation to and from the rest stop is the volunteer’s sole responsibility.

There are many ways to get to the NYC Century Start Festival. The Start is accessible by train, bus and bike. Please look at Google Maps and decide a route convenient for you.

Helmets are strongly encouraged on Transportation Alternatives' bike tours. Helmets are required by law for riders under 14.

Full routes will be available at the marshal training. Marshals will receive cue sheets, Ride with GPS links, and GPX files. All marshals must familiarize themselves with the route in advance of the ride.

The waiver is a contract that may excuse or relieve a party, for injuries to a participant that arise out of the known and unknown risks in an activity. This includes the inherent risks that arise from participating in a bike tour. Please only sign the waiver if you are in good health and able to comfortably complete your volunteer responsibilities, and accept the risk associated with your position.

We ride rain or shine! In the case of inclement weather, TA reserves the right to cancel/modify the tour for safety concerns.

Street parking is extremely limited in Manhattan. There are numerous parking garages in the area including three ICON parking facilities nearby, at 99 Jane Street, 134–36 Jane Street, and 385 West 15th Street. Taking public transportation is strongly encouraged.

The mandatory Marshal Training will take place virtually on Monday, September 15th with a make up date on Tuesday, September 11th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. It will occur on Zoom, and the link will be shared a few days prior.

Yes, the marshal training is mandatory. If you cannot attend, you must notify TA in advance. A recording will be circulated following the training. Please make all efforts to attend live so you have a chance to ask questions, get clarity on event expectations, and meet the team of marshals.

Marshals should bring tools to help fix a bike flat, and a bag to carry snacks and electrolytes. Marshals may need to pull over to help a cyclist in need, whether it be a cyclist that is showing signs of fatigue, needing route assistance, or needing help with a minor bike issue. A complete list of recommended marshal items will be provided during the marshal training. TA will also provide marshal/medical kits.

Please note that volunteer spots are first come first serve and we recommend signing up as early as possible to get your desired role. All marshals must sign up by September 10 and other volunteers must sign up by September 15.

Mechanics are experienced bike technicians that can diagnose and repair basic bike issues. Bike mechanics are expected to provide their own tools. Mechanics are stationed at the Start and Finish Festival as well as designated rest stops. Depending on your post, mechanics can ride after their volunteer shift.

Yes! Legal e-bikes, Class 1, 2, and 3, which do not exceed 25 mph are permitted.