Lighthouse Guild Assembles Team of Blind and Sighted Riders for 2026 TD Five Boro Bike Tour

New York City’s Iconic 40-Mile Ride Becomes a Platform for Adaptive Athletics — Challenging the Barriers That Hold Blind People Off the Starting Line

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Civic PR | lighthouseguildpr@civic-us.com

NEW YORK, NY – March 5, 2026 – Lighthouse Guild, the leading organization helping people with vision loss lead independent lives, today announced that Team Lighthouse Guild will return to the TD Five Boro Bike Tour on Sunday, May 3, 2026. The team — made up of both sighted solo cyclists and visually impaired riders paired with sighted captains on tandem bikes — will traverse 40 miles across all five New York City boroughs, raising funds for Lighthouse Guild’s vision programs.

Now in its fourth year participating in the world’s biggest urban cycling event, Team Lighthouse Guild has grown into one of the Tour’s most recognized charity teams, drawing media attention for the powerful image it puts on the city’s streets: blind and visually impaired New Yorkers, side by side with sighted allies, taking on the iconic tour.

For many people who are blind or visually impaired, organized sports are hard to access. Research from the RNIB/British Blind Sport program shows that, even though blind and partially sighted adults have a desire to be more active, they are twice as likely to not participate in physical activity as the general population. Other studies also show that fear of falling and injury — compounded by balance challenges common with vision loss — cause many adults with vision loss to avoid sport altogether. 

The consequences extend beyond fitness. Sedentary lifestyles among people who are blind or have low vision are linked to reduced independence, diminished social connection, and lower overall quality of life.

For Kiana V. Glanton, who coordinates Team Lighthouse Guild and will herself ride in the May 3rd tour as a blind rider, the Five Boro Bike Tour is an act of advocacy as much as it is an athletic event. “Riding with Team Lighthouse Guild brings blind and visually impaired riders closer to a more accessible New York City. We get to pedal through the very streets and bridges that once felt daunting to navigate. The city gets to witness our resilience, and we get to experience its energy in a way that feels both safe and empowering,” said Kiana.

The 2026 team is made possible in part through the support of STIG, a New York based national leader in cybersecurity and managed IT solutions, which has committed to becoming the organization’s 2026 sponsor for Adaptive Athletics. “At STIG, our mission has always been to protect and empower the communities we serve — not just through cybersecurity and technology, but by showing up where it matters most. Sponsoring Team Lighthouse Guild’s Adaptive Athletics program is an extension of that commitment. We believe that every individual deserves access to the tools, resources, and opportunities that allow them to thrive, and adaptive athletics embodies exactly that spirit,” said Nick Auletta, Partner at STIG.

Loudney Etienne rode with Team Lighthouse Guild in 2025. With her two sons by her side, Loudney got on a bike for the first time in thirty years, and experienced tandem cycling for the first time in her life. She said, “I joined the team because I wanted to prove to myself that I could step outside my comfort zone, and knowing I’d be supported on a tandem bike made that possible. Anyone with vision loss thinking about joining this year should take the leap — it’s a safe, empowering way to challenge yourself and discover what you can do. I can’t wait to ride again and share that experience with new teammates.” 

Team Lighthouse Guild is actively recruiting riders, volunteers, donors, and corporate sponsors for the May 3rd tour, and is hosting an information-finding event for all interested people on March 19th. Sighted riders can join as solo cyclists or tandem captains. Visually impaired and blind riders are warmly welcomed. Those who cannot ride can donate to the team, volunteer on event day at water stops and cheer stations, or explore team sponsorship opportunities.

To register, donate, or learn more about sponsorship, visit the website or contact Kiana V. Glanton at GlantonK@lighthouseguild.org / 212-769-7893.

About Lighthouse Guild

Lighthouse Guild is committed to providing exceptional services that inspire people who are blind or visually impaired to reach their goals. Through vision rehabilitation, assistive technology, mental health services, and innovative programming, Lighthouse Guild is dedicated to breaking barriers and enhancing lives. For more information visit lighthouseguild.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.

About STIG

STIG, a New York based national leader in Cybersecurity and Managed IT Solutions based in the New York area, is engineered to protect even the largest operations. Built on a comprehensive, unified ecosystem, STIG integrates superior Managed Cyber Solutions, proactive Managed IT, and essential Regulatory Compliance services under one secure umbrella. With over two decades of success, STIG combines cutting-edge technology with relentless 24/7 Concierge Support, guaranteeing the security and integrity of your most critical assets.