On a special day, May 7th, 2023, the streets of New York City were bustling with a unique energy, quite different from the usual annual days. Cyclists were training on the city’s streets to face the ongoing year’s sporting event, the 45th Annual Cycling Marathon.

This event saw the participation of 32,000 cyclists from all around the world. They traversed the five boroughs of New York City (Manhattan, Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island) and experienced the pleasure of free movement on its streets, without the stress of cars or numerous pedestrians, as the roads were cleared specifically for this event.

The city’s Mayor, Eric Adams, spoke about new investments (amounting to $900 million) to open even more bike lanes in the city. These lanes will not only invite more cyclists but also make a significant impact on how New York City moves and thinks about its citizens.

The Albanian-American Association “Skanderbeg” Inc. also took part in this event, represented by Mr. Imer Lacaj (Chairman of the association), Doris Bejrolli, and Elton Xhaferri.

The cyclists covered a 40-mile (64-kilometer) journey. The marathon began in the southern part of Manhattan, continued through Sixth Avenue, Central Park, passed through the southern part of the Bronx, went through Queens, Brooklyn, and finally concluded in Staten Island, where participants received medals for successfully completing the 45th annual New York City Cycling Marathon.