Don’t sit in traffic when you can pedal past the crowds on an escorted route and park at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Join us at the AMP at 16 Tech on Sunday, May 29th and Bike to the 500!

We’ll begin the last Porch Party of 2022 on the near northwest side. Food purveyors in the AMP will have delicious food to provide enough sustenance to get you through the six mile ride to the track. You’ll be able to eat at Azucar, Boba, Fresko, Healthy Soul, Limon, Mambos, PBJ, Tinker Coffee, or Yamallama. The Hiatus Bar will be open too.

Check in will begin at 7:30 and the ride will depart for the IMS at 9:30. Ride with several hundred others to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway where your bicycle will be parked and monitored while you enjoy the Greatest Spectacle in Racing. You will not need to lock your bicycle.

You will park your bike just outside of Gate One at the Racing Capital of the World. This is as close as it gets to all of Race Day’s most exciting action.

Tickets are $17.50 in advance and $25 the day of the event. Children 17 and under ride for free with a paid adult. Race Day ticket sales end at 9:00.*

Bike parking becomes unattended at 4:30pm. Please plan to collect your bike by then. This event does not include a ticket to the Indianapolis 500 race. You’ll have to purchase that on your own. Be sure you have a race ticket before registering for the ride.

*The ticket price ensures a safe ride to the event, secure bike parking all day and supports Bike Indianapolis in its mission to make more bike riders in central Indiana. Return trips from the IMS are not supported, but groups will depart during the first 30 minutes after the race ends.

FAQs

Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?

This is an all ages event. Kids 17 and under are free with the purchase of at least one adult ticket. You will need identification to purchase beer at the AMP party.

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?

Getting to: The AMP at 16 Tech is located just off Indiana Avenue on Waterway Boulevard. Bike riders can use the White River Trail to get to Waterway Drive. If you prefer to drive, there is plenty of parking available at 16 Tech.

Coming from Speedway: Because people leave the race at various times, there will not be an officially sanctioned ride home. Seasoned riders will lead small groups back downtown in the first 30 minutes after the checkered flag. Riders are encouraged to arrange with fellow riders to leave as a group. 

What kind of bike do I need?

This is an approximately six mile ride on city streets. As long as your bike is in good working condition with brakes that can stop you, it will get you there. The ride is not a race. We will be riding through standing automobile traffic for most of the route so speed will not be an option. If you have a choice, bring a bike with a kickstand for parking.

What if I don’t have a bike?

We have arrangements to provide a rental bike. Contact [email protected] to get more info.

Can I ride a scooter?

No. The Town of Speedway does not allow scooters.

Do I need a helmet?

While helmets are not required, riders are encouraged to wear helmets during the brief ride to Speedway. You can leave your helmet with your bike in the corral.

What can I bring into the event?

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

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

No. As long as you’ve purchased a ticket through Eventbrite, we will be able to check you in without needing a printed copy. However, the checkin process will be much faster if you have your ticket, or the electronic version on your phone.

Is it ok if the name on my ticket or registration doesn’t match the person who attends?

Yes, but the new attendee will then need to fill out a new waiver in person. The check in process is much faster if each attendee has a ticket in their name.

What are the food and beverage options?

Many of the food vendors at the AMP will be open to serve you. You can see the list of operators on the AMP’s website.

Can I tailgate?

That’s what this is all about! We’ll have music, food, and drinks available for your purchase. The party continues as we roll west (open alcoholic drinks can’t go with you on the ride).

How can I avoid long lines the day of the event?

Great question! Afterall, you’re riding your bike to avoid long lines, right? To expedite the check-in process, please register each rider by name rather than using your name more than once. Arrive early to avoid the last minute rush to checkin.

What if I want to ride to the track on my own?

You can do that, but you will still have to purchase a Bike to the 500 ticket. If you don’t have a ticket, you will have to pay $25 cash per bicycle. Just ride directly to the parking area on Crawfordsville Road, just west of Gate One. Bike parking will begin at 10:00. The sooner you get there the easier it will be to navigate vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

What’s the refund policy?

No refunds will be paid for any reason. The money goes to support the activities of Bike Indianapolis.

When do I have to leave?

You must pick up your bike by 4:30pm. The bicycle valets will leave it unattended if you do not.

What if it rains?

The Bike to the 500 event will happen unless the IMS postpones the race to another day. If the race is held on a different day, there will be no Bike to the 500.