Backpacks, Hydration Packs Banned For Five Boro Bike Tour

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Participants in the TD Five Boro Bike Tour next weekend will have to abide by new restrictions implemented after the Boston Marathon bombings.

As WCBS 880's Jim Smith reported, the group Bike New York, which runs the Five Boro Bike Tour, said on its Web site that it wants to assure riders, volunteers and spectators that it is working closely with partners in city government to ensure the tour will be safe.

So in the wake of the Boston bombings, the group has banned backpacks, hydration packs, saddlebags, and any other large bags for the 40-mile ride on May 5.

Checkpoints along the route will be set up to ensure compliance, and confiscated items will not be returned.

The event draws more than 32,000 bike riders, who will only be able to use small fanny packs, water bottles and bike frame bags.

The finish festival on Staten Island will now be limited only to participants and volunteers.

The bike tour has also called off the pyrotechnics that usually mark the starting line. The posters featuring a picture of pyrotechnics above riders, which appear at bus shelters, subway stations, and other areas across the city were to be removed starting Wednesday.

Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said Tuesday the city is "re-evaluating" security for major events such as the bike tour and last weekend's 5K run/walk to the Sept. 11 Memorial and Museum and 4-mile race in Central Park.

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