America's 9/11 Ride connects the three attack sites in a single 500-mile line, Shanksville to the Pentagon to the World Trade Center, and the New York leg is where roughly 700 motorcycles arrive together under police escort. The 2026 edition marks the twenty-fifth anniversary, and its fundraising has put more than 366 first responders' children through college. Standing on Seventh Avenue as the column comes through is genuinely affecting, and free.
What to expect
A large escorted motorcycle column moving through Midtown toward Lower Manhattan, with police coordination at intersections and spectators lining the avenue. Expect noise, flags, first responder contingents and family groups; the atmosphere is commemorative rather than festive, and the best viewing is anywhere along the avenue barricades.
Good to know
- The Manhattan portion runs on Seventh Avenue in Midtown; 1/N/Q/R/W to 49th Street or B/D/F/M to 47-50th Streets
- Free to watch from the sidewalk, with no ticket or registration for spectators
- Riders register in advance through America's 9/11 Foundation, not on the day
- The ride is part of a multi-day route that starts at the Flight 93 memorial in Shanksville
- Expect street closures and heavy police presence along the route
- Suitable for all ages, though it is genuinely loud with hundreds of bikes
Get Saturday planned every Thursday
One email a week — the best of the NYC weekend board. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Common questions
Where does the ride start and end?
It begins at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, passes the Pentagon and finishes at the World Trade Center site in New York.
How many riders take part?
Organizers expect roughly 700 motorcycles across the route.
What does it support?
Registrations and fundraising go to America's 9/11 Foundation, which has awarded more than 366 college scholarships to first responder families.
More festivals this weekend
Also in Manhattan
More free events
