Indianapolis, Indiana – As the excitement for the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 25 builds, fans have a unique opportunity to take part in a thrilling and eco-friendly tradition. For the 10th year, Bike to the 500, presented by CIBA-Bike Indianapolis, is offering an exciting way for race fans to get to the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) while avoiding the usual race day traffic congestion.
The event, which takes place on Race Day, invites participants to join a 5-mile escorted bike ride to IMS. The ride departs from the AMP at 16 Tech, where uniformed officers and ride leaders will help guide cyclists of all ages to the speedway. Riders can choose between two departure times—7:30 a.m. or 9:30 a.m.—allowing the earliest arrivals to enjoy the pre-race festivities before the action kicks off.
The ride is designed to be accessible to everyone, from casual riders to avid cycling enthusiasts. Once participants arrive at the speedway, they’ll enjoy hassle-free valet bike parking near the legendary Gate 1 entry. This service is just one of the ways the event provides a seamless experience for riders, ensuring they can enjoy the ride without the stress of finding parking.
“Bike to the 500 is a fun and unique way for our fans to travel to IMS on Race Day,” said J. Douglas Boles, President of INDYCAR and IMS. “When you have more than 350,000 fans heading in the same direction for ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,’ biking is one of the fastest ways to get to the track, and it is a great way to enjoy the commute with fellow fans.”
Tickets for Bike to the 500 will be available starting on Saturday, April 5, marking just 50 days until the Indianapolis 500. The ride costs $25 in advance or $30 on the day of the event. Tickets can be purchased online, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting CIBA-Bike Indianapolis, an organization dedicated to promoting cycling through advocacy, education, and opportunities to ride.
“The Indianapolis 500 is steeped in tradition, and for many, this includes biking to IMS,” said Tess Woods of CIBA-Bike Indianapolis. “Bike to the 500 provides a safe and fun way for race fans to get to the Indianapolis 500. We encourage race fans to avoid the traffic and congestion on Race Day by participating in this event, the best way to get to ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.’”
Beyond just the bike ride, the event is part of a larger celebration as the Indianapolis 500 approaches. To build excitement around the 50-day countdown to Race Day, three local bicycle organizations—Nine13Sports, Bicycle Garage Indy, and Indy Cycle Specialist—have teamed up for a milk bottle scavenger hunt. These organizations are giving away 50 specially-designed milk bottles featuring co-branding from the 2025 Indy 500 and Bike to the 500. Fans are encouraged to follow these organizations’ social media accounts for more information, trivia, and clues to find one of the hidden milk bottles.
This scavenger hunt adds an element of fun and friendly competition to the lead-up to Bike to the 500, engaging local cyclists and fans of all ages in the excitement of the upcoming race. Fans who find one of the bottles will not only take home a fun memento but will also get a taste of the thrill that accompanies the Indianapolis 500.
Since its debut in 2016, Bike to the 500 has become a beloved part of the Race Day festivities. The event was initially introduced as part of the celebration for the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 and has since grown into a fan-favorite tradition. Each year, hundreds of fans have enjoyed this alternative way to get to the speedway, making it a unique experience for those looking to be part of the action in a different, more sustainable way.
The ride itself is more than just a way to reach IMS; it’s an opportunity for fans to connect with fellow race enthusiasts and share in the excitement of one of the world’s most prestigious motorsport events. Whether it’s the early morning camaraderie or the thrill of riding toward the buzzing atmosphere of the Indianapolis 500, Bike to the 500 offers a memorable experience that goes beyond simply attending a race.
As the clock counts down to May 25, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is preparing to host one of the most anticipated events in the world of motorsport. The 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge promises to deliver heart-pounding action, high-speed drama, and unforgettable moments. And for those looking to make the journey to the track even more special, participating in Bike to the 500 is the perfect way to kick off Race Day.
For more information about the event, including ticket purchasing, FAQs, and details about volunteering, fans can visit ims.com/biketothe500. Tickets for the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, which are sold separately, can also be purchased through the IMS website.
As Bike to the 500 celebrates its 10th anniversary, it’s clear that this event will continue to be a cherished part of Race Day traditions. So, dust off your bike, rally your friends, and get ready to join the ride to one of the greatest spectacles in motorsport. After all, there’s no better way to get to the Indianapolis 500 than on two wheels, surrounded by fans who share your passion for racing.
Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity—mark your calendars for April 5 to purchase tickets for Bike to the 500, and get ready for an unforgettable Race Day experience on May 25.
https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/news-multimedia/news/2025/04/03/04-03-bike500
