Tens of thousands of cyclists took part in the TD Five Boro Bike Tour on Sunday, riding through 40 car-free miles of the city.

"It's once a year, I guess they shut down the streets for us bikers, which is really nice," said one bicyclist along the route.

About 32,000 people participated in this year's ride, compared to the 250 cyclists participated in the first tour in 1977. Officials said they had to cap the number of riders because more than 100,000 people had signed up to participate.

"It's a great day, maybe for those who don't always ride their bikes," said Polly Trottenberg, the commissioner of the city transportation department. "And New York is becoming such a cycling city."

The ride began in Tribeca, and traveled north through Central Park to the Bronx. The tour passed through Queens and Brooklyn before ending on Staten Island.

Cyclists were out supporting a number of different causes. But the proceeds from the tour ultimately help fund Bike New York's bike education programs for children and adults.