Team Lighthouse Guild Joins the TD Five Boro Bike Tour to Inspire and Engage

On May 3, 2026, the TD Five Boro Bike Tour took place, showcasing the incredible spirit of Team Lighthouse Guild. This team, consisting of both blind and low-vision riders paired with sighted captains on tandem bikes, made a significant impact as they completed a challenging 40-mile route through New York City. The event gathered countless supporters along the route, with many congregating near the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, bursting into cheers as they welcomed the team. For Team Lighthouse Guild, this recognition was much more than just applause. It represented the broader acceptance and understanding of the abilities of those with vision impairment.

The presence of former 'Catfish' host Nev Schulman as a captain for low-vision rider Jeremy Morak highlights the power of trust and teamwork. As they trained together leading up to the event, they demonstrated that challenges could be transformed into triumphs with collaboration. Schulman reflected on their journey, stating "Nothing prepared me for what it actually feels like to be trusted with someone's safety across 40 miles of New York City." His experience underscored the profound impact of mutual respect and responsibility felt within the team.

This was the fourth consecutive year that Team Lighthouse Guild participated in this charitable ride, and the 2026 lineup included the highest number of blind and low-vision participants in the organization’s history. Team Coordinator Kiana V. Glanton expressed the excitement and pride felt during the event, saying, "When we came through Brooklyn and heard our supporters cheering us on from the sidelines, something shifted in me. Not just pride, but recognition. This city sees us. For blind and visually impaired people, that visibility matters more than most people realize."

The event serves not only as a fundraising effort for Lighthouse Guild's adaptive sports programs but also as a platform to bring awareness to the disparities in physical activity levels among individuals with vision impairment. Research indicates that adults with visual impairments often face barriers that result in them being 50% less likely to participate in organized sports compared to their sighted counterparts. As Team Lighthouse Guild pedals through the streets, they dismantle stereotypes and redefine the narrative surrounding blindness and athleticism.

Lighthouse Guild aims to inspire individuals who are blind or visually impaired to pursue their goals through vision rehabilitation, technology assistance, and community programs. The organization is committed to empowering these individuals by offering avenues for independence and engagement. The support from partners like STIG, a cybersecurity firm, underscores the belief that initiatives like these can transform lives. Nick Auletta, a Partner at STIG, stated, "Sponsoring Team Lighthouse Guild's Adaptive Athletics program and watching this team conquer 40 miles across New York City is the kind of commitment we want to stand behind."

As Team Lighthouse Guild continues to ride forward, they exemplify a collective effort to ensure that vision loss does not equate to exclusion from either sports or community engagements. Their journey is a testament to the idea that with the right support, individuals can transcend limitations and inspire friends, families, and communities. Together, they are collectively refusing to let blindness define their lives or diminish their opportunities.

For more information on their programs and ongoing efforts, visit Lighthouse Guild's website. Join the conversation and show your support on social media using #LighthouseGuild #TDFiveBoroBikeTour.