Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of Ride Inside Stay Alive, a new joint campaign aimed at stopping the dangerous trend of subway surfing among New York City youth.

The initiative is a collaboration between the MTA, NYC Public Schools, Department of Youth and Community Development, and professional BMX athlete Nigel Sylvester.

The campaign features illustrated comics and subway announcements created with input from NYC high school students.

Comics depict the real-life consequences of subway surfing and highlight the ripple effects on families, communities, and first responders.

Eight student-recorded announcements, in both English and Spanish, will play across the transit system starting this week.

“As a mother and a lifelong educator, I am deeply concerned about the dangerous trend of subway surfing,” said NYC Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos. “This partnership helps us connect with students in ways that matter.”

Nigel Sylvester, a Queens native, serves as campaign ambassador, offering kids a safer, inspiring alternative through BMX riding. “BMX gave me purpose. I want kids to know there are better ways to chase thrills than risking their lives on subway trains,” Sylvester said.

The campaign also targets social media platforms, successfully removing over 1,800 subway surfing videos this year.

NYPD and MTA officials continue outreach in schools and conduct home visits with at-risk youth.

The campaign will be visible systemwide, encouraging young people to “Ride Inside and Stay Alive.”