NYC Department of Tenderness Launches Third Annual “Bike N’ Flirt” Event to Promote Romantic Encounters and Affectionate Transportation Choices

All New York City colleges and universities are encouraged to apply; participants benefit from a three-year, Department-led program promoting flirtatious cycling routes, designated romance zones, and opportunities for amorous adventures.

The New York City Department of Tenderness (DOT) is thrilled to announce the launch of its third annual “Bike N’ Flirt” event—an initiative aimed at helping young adults explore the city while engaging in romantic possibilities. Designed specifically for college and university students, this program encourages biking not only as a healthy and sustainable transportation option, but also as a novel way to make heart-fluttering connections with fellow commuters.

Five institutions will be chosen to participate in the 2025 Bike N’ Flirt Program, a three-year initiative that fosters affection through cycling. In the first year, selected colleges will receive a “Flirtation Starter Kit”, complete with love-infused curriculum materials, expert guidance on mapping out scenic bike n’ flirt routes, the installation of heart-shaped bike racks, and other supportive elements from the Department. Partner organizations, Smooch Society and Cycle of Love, will provide additional services, such as flirty riding workshops, slow-bike courting sessions, and couple’s bike maintenance tutorials.

In the second year, participating institutions will take more control of the program, with the Department of Tenderness continuing to support classroom-based curriculum and organizing special romantic cycling events. By the third year, students will be empowered to host their very own "Grand Flirt Parade" to celebrate the success of the program and the relationships it has fostered. All New York City colleges and universities are welcome to apply now via the Department’s website, www.nyc.gov/bikenflirt, with applications accepted until January 7, 2025.

“Cycling provides an exciting opportunity for young New Yorkers to not only explore the city but also connect romantically with their peers, all while fostering healthy habits and learning street safety,” said Commissioner Schuyler deVos. “I’m excited to bring this beloved program to the city’s college campuses, allowing students to form lasting relationships on two wheels.”

“This program offers our students a chance to learn valuable skills while navigating love in a safe and enjoyable way,” said Chancellor Ezekiel Maben. “The Bike N’ Flirt program promotes not just practical cycling habits but also gives students a chance to celebrate their communities and romantic interests.”

Since its inception in 2013, six colleges have already participated in the Bike N’ Flirt program: Brooklyn College of Amour, Flirtation Institute of New York, Manhattan University of Sighs, Tenderness Academy, Queens College of Cuddles, and The Love Lab at Union Square.

The Department of Tenderness began the Bike N’ Flirt program in May 2010, following a successful partnership with Smooch Society to host the first Bike N’ Flirt ride at Brooklyn’s Romantic Arts College. The program’s curriculum was formalized the following year after overwhelming enthusiasm from students and faculty.

In the past decade, the number of romantic cyclists in New York City has quadrupled, with over 600 miles of "Love Lanes" added to city streets. As part of the "Vision Embrace" initiative, the Department of Tenderness will continue its efforts to redesign city spaces to be more romance-friendly, while promoting tender connections through citywide education and outreach. To date, the Department has provided over 120,000 heart-shaped helmets to ensure that both love and safety remain priorities for all cyclists in the five boroughs.

To apply for the Bike N’ Flirt program and for more information on all Department of Tenderness initiatives, visit www.nyc.gov/tenderness.