Fifth Third Bike the Drive is a fundraiser for Active Transportation Alliance, a membership-based non-profit advocacy organization working to improve conditions for walking, biking and public transit throughout Chicagoland.

We couldn't pull off an event like this without the support of hundreds of volunteers who donate their time to support our work.

To show our appreciation, pre-event volunteers working six or more hours will earn a complimentary registration ticket to Fifth Third Bike the Drive. Day-of-event volunteers will receive a volunteer t-shirt and complimentary breakfast

Volunteer Job Descriptions

Pre-Event

Packet Pick-Up: Distribute rider materials to participants the week before the event

Office Help: Process registrations, stuff envelopes, pack supplies and complete other tasks.

Outreach: Distribute important information to large residential buildings along the lakefront.

Event Set-up: Move event supplies, set up tables, arrange T-shirt boxes, hang signs and unload trucks. This position requires lifting and/or manual labor. The morning shift must be willing to travel to multiple locations.

Day-Of-Event

Course Marshal: Enthusiastically encourage riders and direct them safely along the course.

Ride Marshal: Patrol the route, fix flat tires and make adjustments, and encourage safe bicycling among event participants. This role requires cyclist experienced in bike repair. Bring your own tools if you have them. First aid training and medical experience is a plus.

Checkpoint Marshal: Ensure that all riders are registered for the event, direct riders towards the correct route, and assist with day-of-event registration.

Green Team Marshals: Help divert thousands of pounds waste from the landfill by instructing riders to separate waste into recycling and trash bins.

Volunteer Accommodations: Rides along with participants to check on the volunteers and replenish water and supplies. Volunteers in this role must have their own bike and trailer to transport volunteer supplies.

Rest Stops Volunteers: Refuel participants with fruit, snacks and water. This is an ideal group volunteer opportunity.

Festival: Help with final set-up, day-of registration, packet pickup, bike valet and more.

SAG Drivers: Help transport participants and bikes that break down during the ride. SAG drivers will use Car Share vehicles - we'll help you get registered!

Event Breakdown: Collect signs from the festival area, break down tables, repack supplies and load boxes onto trucks. This position requires heavy lifting and/or manual labor.

Group Volunteers

In order to better support charitable and non-profit organizations, we've increased our volunteer group stipends. We offer a $250 donation to charitable or community organizations that provide 8-14 volunteers for the day of the event, and a $350 donation to groups of 15 or more. Below are the requirements for volunteer groups. If you do not meet these requirements, please register to volunteer as an individual.

Must be charitable or nonprofit organization to receive the donation. Corporate groups are also welcome, but must select a registered nonprofit to receive the donation.

Must provide a minimum of 8 volunteers to qualify for a donation. One volunteer cannot count towards multiple groups.

Must have a designated leader who will be the point of contact. Group leaders must attend our volunteer training or schedule a 30-minute training phone call with our Volunteer Coordinator.

Ready to Volunteer?

Have a question about volunteering? Please contact [email protected].