What is “bike polo”?
Bike Polo, also know as Hardcourt Bike Polo is different than Cycle Polo. Cycle Polo is played with a bigger ball, on grass with lots and lots of rules, more players on a team, and is much like the equestrian game. This is less refined and more like hockey on bikes, sort of.

How long has this been around?
Polo on bicycles has been around since 1891. In 1895 The New York Times wrote an article about it. Bicycle polo was a part of the London Olympics in 1908 as a demonstration sport. Ireland beat Germany to win the gold.
The popularity of the hardcourt version has roots in the Cycle Messenger World Championships of 2003 in Seattle, Washington.

What are the rules?
Briefly, three players on a team.
Games played to 5 points.
For a goal to count it has to be made from a hit off the end of the mallet.
If you touch the ground or “footdown” you have to “tap out” to return to play.
“Like” contact is allowed, body/body, mallet/mallet.
Also a more defined answer can be found on the RULES page.

Where do you play?
We play in The Pit. Located at Chrystie and Broome Streets in the Sara D. Roosevelt Park.

When do you play?
Every Sunday, 2:00pm till 7:00pm. Also, Thursdays in the evening from 5:00pm

Can anyone play?
Yes! Maybe not young children, but anybody able to ride a bike one handed and swing a mallet at the same time is welcome to try. oh yeah…
THIS IS DANGEROUS!
You could hurt yourself or someone else!
Play at your own risk!

Should I wear a helmet/protective gear?
Yes.

Why do these bikes look different?
Some of the bikes look different because they are set up for polo. The disc wheels are to protect against mallets getting stuck in the spokes. Many of the bikes have very low gear ratios for quick accelerations. The handle bars are cut short so players have room to swing the mallet more freely. Some are freewheel, some are fixed-gear, some have brakes, some don’t. And none are too nice to get a scratch or two from a crash or two.

What kind of bike should I use?
A beater bike. Any bike with two wheels will work but all bikes do take abuse on the polo court.

Where do you get your mallets?
We make our mallets and have extras if someone doesn’t have one.
Check out the HOW TO: page to see how one is made.

What kind of ball is that?
A street hockey ball made by Franklin.

How much does it cost?
There is no cost. The weekly pick up games are free to watch, free to play.
Tournaments usually have an entry fee per team.

Do I need a team?
You don’t need a team to play. Teams are made randomly on the spot.
Although, for tournaments you do need a team.

But wait, you all look good. I’m afraid to play because I’ll suck, and you’ll probably hurt me.
Stop being a sissy, and just play. We won’t knock you over until you’ve played at least a few matches.

How do I contact someone on this website?
We are working on creating a contact page. In the meantime, if you would like to reach NYC Bike Polo please leave a message as a comment on the most recent post. And one of us will get back to you promptly.
Thank you.