We couldn't pull off Fifth Third Bike the Drive without the support of HUNDREDS of volunteers who come out bright and early on event day!

Steps for volunteering:

1. Review the volunteer descriptions and then sign up for the job and shift that suits you best.
2. Review all emails from the volunteer coordinator. We will send confirmation of your exact duties and schedule in April.
3. Attend training if you are working on the day of the event. 
4. Arrive 15 minutes before your shift, sign in and HAVE FUN!

Perks of volunteering:

Volunteer Job Descriptions

PRE-EVENT

Pre-event volunteers who work six hours or more receive a complimentary registration.

Wednesday Volunteer Nights

Work with other volunteers at our office to help prepare materials and supplies for the event. Meet on select Wednesday evenings to help process registrations, stuff envelopes, pack supplies and complete other tasks.

Packet Pick-Up

Help distribute T-shirts and rider materials to participants at several downtown and suburban locations during day and evening hours from Wednesday, May 23 through Saturday, May 25.

Outreach

Be a bike messenger for a day (or two) and help distribute information to large residential buildings along the lakefront.

Daytime Office Help

Help keep our office running smoothly during this busy time by answering phones, registration data entry and other administrative tasks.

Saturday, May 25 Event Set-up

Join our hard-working set-up crew on Saturday, May 25 (the day before the event) as they set up tables, arrange T-shirt boxes, hang signs and load and unload trucks. This position requires lifting and/or manual labor. The morning shift must be willing to be mobile - as we'll load at the storage area and unload at the event site. 

DAY-OF-EVENT

Day-of-event volunteers receive a complimentary breakfast and an Fifth Third Bike the Drive volunteer T-shirt. All day-of volunteers are required to attend one volunteer orientation session. All on-bike volunteers must wear a helmet.

Course Marshal

Be in the center of the action! Join a team that gives riders encouragement and directs them safely along the course. Course marshal teams are stationed along the entire length of Lake Shore Drive and communicate with volunteer managers.

Ride Marshal

Cyclists experienced in bike repair are needed to patrol the route, fix flat tires, make adjustments, help Course Marshals direct the ride and encourage safe bicycling among event participants. Bring your own pump and allen wrench, we'll provide you with patch kits and tire levers. Ride Marshals are asked to bring their own screw drivers, tire pressure gauge, spoke wrench, crank wrench and chain tool - if you've got them. First aid training and medical experience is a plus - indicate this special skill when you register.

Checkpoint Marshal

Stationed at checkpoints at Fullerton and Oakwood, Checkpoint Marshals cheer on and direct riders towards the correct route. They also ensure that all riders on Lake Shore Drive are registered for the event and assist with day-of-event registration.

Green Team Marshals

With 20,000 riders eating 20,000 bananas and apples, you can help divert thousands of pounds from the landfill! Green Team Marshals observe and instruct riders to separate waste into composting, recycling, and trash bins. Volunteers will change trash and recycling bags as necessary. 

Volunteer Accommodations

The volunteer accommodations team rides along with participants to check on the volunteers along the route replenishing water and supplies and communicating event updates. Team members must have their own bike and trailer to transport volunteer supplies. 

Rest Stops 

Be part of a team that sets up a rest stop and energizes participants with fruit, snacks and water. Volunteers may check in and out directly at their rest stop location. This is an ideal group volunteer opportunity.

Photo credit: Brightroom

Festival

Help our participants enjoy the experience. Volunteers are needed to help with final set-up duties, day-of registration, bike valet, T-shirt and rider material distribution and more. Positions for the early shift (4 a.m.- 9 a.m.) and the late shift (8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.) are available.

SAG Support

We need safe drivers to help transport participants and bikes that break down during the ride. Only safe drivers need apply. SAG drivers will drive Car Share vehicles - we'll help you get registered!

Event Breakdown    

Join our hard-working breakdown crew after the event on Sunday, May 26. Bring some fresh energy to our exhausted teams as we collect signs from the festival area and along Lake Shore Drive, break down tables, repack supplies and load boxes onto trucks. This position requires heavy lifting and/or manual labor. 

For questions about volunteering, contact our Volunteer Coordinator, at [email protected].

Group Volunteering

We offer a $200 donation to charitable or community organizations that provide groups of 15 or more volunteers for the day of the event. Groups are urged to register early because space is limited! Qualify for the donation by completing a group contact sheet by the deadline and having at least one group member attend a volunteer training session.

Help put our toys away, post event: We are seeking a group of 10 able-bodied volunteers who can pack and move supplies as part of our event breakdown from 1-7 p.m. on May 26. Heavy lifting involved! This group must be mobile - as we'll transport event supplies from the festival  site to our office location. Your charitable/non-profit organization will receive a $150 stipend.  

For questions about group volunteering, contact our Volunteer Coordinator, at [email protected].  

See the FAQ for groups and individuals for more information.