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Bike to the 500

Program Information

Tired of waiting in traffic to get to the race? Want to have a fun time with family and friends? Want to discover an alternative way to commute to the track on Race Day? Say no more! We’ve got you covered with Body Armor Flash I.V. Bike to the 500 presented by Central Indiana Cycling, a route that gets you straight to the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge without the hassle of traffic.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Central Indiana Cycling have collaborated to offer race fans a safe and healthy commute to the Speedway on Race Day through Bike to the 500. The Race Day commute starts at the AMP at 16 Tech and follows a police escort to the track, where cyclists will then park their bike in gated and monitored corrals just outside the famed Gate 1 and Gate 2. This is as close as it gets to all of Race Day’s most exciting action!

Registration

Registration for the upcoming Bike to the 500 is now open!

Volunteers

We're looking for volunteers to help with setup, check-in, ride marshaling, valet bike parking, and return ride leaders for Bike to the 500.  Join the fun, be a part of the action, and help create a unique experience for race fans.

Volunteer Sign-up for the upcoming Bike to the 500 is now open!

Event Schedule

Pre-Race Guided Rides from the AMP to IMS:

6:00 AM to 9:00 AM: Bike to the 500 registration opens at the AMP
7:15 AM: Early Ride Safety Briefing
7:30 AM: Early Ride Departure from the AMP to Gate 2 Parking
9:15 AM: Late Ride Safety Briefing
9:30 AM: Late Ride Departure from the AMP to Gate 1 Parking

Post Race Guided Rides back to the AMP:

Group A: 45 minutes after Checkered Flag
Group B: 90 minutes after Checkered Flag
Both gate 1 and Gate 2 Bike Parking lots will be monitored until 90 minutes after the Checkered Flag

Map/Route

Tips for safe riding

Although this is a fun event, the safety of all our riders is our priority. Here are a few tips to practice safe riding on Race Day!

Check your bike before arrival: Use the ABC Quick Check to make sure your bike is ready and safe to ride.

Pay attention to volunteers and your surroundings: Volunteers will be stationed throughout the route, including at the starting location and at bike parking. Volunteers will be there to assist riders with any questions or concerns they may have. Pay attention to these people because they will be instructing you throughout the route.

Hazards: Pay attention to the road. You never know when there will be a pothole, debris or anything blocking your path in the road. If you see something, say something!

Wear proper clothing: Depending on the weather for Race Day, come prepared with the appropriate gear that will make your ride comfortable. Some items to consider are: Sunglasses, sunblock, light rain jacket and a water bottle. Don’t forget to wear proper athletic shoes as well, since you will be riding and walking around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Wear a helmet: It is strongly encouraged for all riders participating in Bike to the 500 to wear a helmet. A helmet reduces the chances of a head injury when involved in an accident.

Food/water: Make sure to have snacks and water. Both are available for purchase at event registration at the AMP.

Frequently Asked Questions

Indiana Pacers Bikeshare Logo

Central Indiana Cycling is partnering with Pacers Bikeshare (pacersbikeshare.org) to offer rental bikes for Bike to 500 Ride registrants on a first-come, first-served basis with only 24 bikes available to rent this year. To reserve a bike, select the add-on during Bike to the 500 registration

Bike to the 500 tickets can be purchased for $25 up to the day before and day of ticket price increases to $30.

It is strongly encouraged for all riders participating in Bike to the 500 to wear a helmet. A helmet reduces the chances of a head injury when involved in an accident.

Greater Indiana Trailways Logo

The AMP at 16 Tech is located just off Indiana Avenue on Waterway Boulevard (1220 Waterway Boulevard Indianapolis, IN 46202). Cyclists can use the White River Trail to get to Waterway Drive. If you prefer to drive, there is plenty of parking available at the AMP at 16 Tech including Free surface area parking and paid garage parking.

If you are not participating in the escorted rides from The AMP at 16 Tech, consider checking TheTrailways.com for a safe, cycling route near you

Children 15 years and younger are free with an adult ticket purchase. Please be aware that this event is on open roads and with traffic. Children must be able to ride 8 mph. We highly recommend children under 10 be either on a bike seat, child trailer, or trailer cycle.

Tess Woods
Central Indiana Cycling
Tess@centralincycling.org

Yes. If you would like to utilize our gated-monitored bike parking, you need to purchase a "Park without Ride" ticket, available before the event for $15 ($20 day-of). The Bike parking corrals open at 7:30 am.

If you are coming from the westside, Chapel Rock Christian Church (2020 N. Girls School Road, Indpls, 46214) has opened their parking area to those who would like to park and ride their bike to the race. Their parking area backs up against the B&O trail and it is only a 3.5 mile ride to Speedway. We recommend parking before 8:30 am to avoid traffic. Don't forget to purchase a Park without Ride ticket if you plan to use one of our parking areas at the IMS. Routes from the church to our lots can be found here.

The Bike to the 500 event will happen rain or shine unless IMS postpones the race to another day. If the race is held on a different day, there will be no Bike to the 500. Please know that no refunds will be paid for any reason. The money goes to support the activities of Central Indiana Cycling. Information for ride delay will be sent via email from Tess@centralincycling.org to the email you used to register for Bike to the 500.

Please review IMS website for official gate rules and regulations here.