Frequently Asked Questions
General Event Information
What is Bike 5?
BIKE 5 is an annual urban bike tour of the “Bike 5 Cities” route, a network of trails, paths, and slow streets connecting cities and neighborhoods in the heart of Central Florida. Since its inaugural ride in 2017, Bike 5’s goal has been to fundraise for Bike/Walk Central Florida’s advocacy work, encouraging our local leaders and decision-makers to build more bike-friendly roads with slower speeds, safer intersections, protected bike lanes and more trail connections.
Who can participate at BIKE 5?
Bike 5 is a supportive community ride, not a race. Riders of all ages and abilities are welcome!
- All participants must register to ride.
- Youth riders (under age 18) must be registered by a parent or guardian, who must also be a registered rider.
Children under the age of 3 are not allowed to ride.
When is the next Bike 5 event?
The 9th Annual Bike 5 will take place on Saturday, October 25, 2025 starting at 7:30am.
Do I need to register in advance, and what does registration include?
Yes, all participants must register to ride. No transfers are permitted. Registration includes:
- BIKE 5 T-shirt & wristband
- Bike maintenance support and gear (SAG) with vehicle support
- Printed route maps and digital maps with route navigation
- Refreshment stops along the route with food, drinks, and restrooms
Goodies, giveaways, and good vibes!
How do I get my rider packet & T-shirt?
Packets will be distributed during check-in on event day. Bring your confirmation for verification.
Can’t attend? Request to pick up your t-shirt at our Orlando office.
When is registration, and what is the price?
Registration Dates & Pricing:
- May 16: National Bike to Work Day Special $35 (30-mile) / $25 (10-mile)
- May 17-July 31: Early Bird $40 (30-mile) / $35 (10-mile)
- August 1-October 23: General $50 (30-mile) / $40 (10-mile)
- October 24: Registration closed for event prep
- Oct 25: Day of $55 (30-mile) / $45 (10-mile)
Children ages 3-7 ride FREE with a paying adult. You still must register your child.
Discounts are available for groups, government employees, first responders, and healthcare professionals. Email us about discount rates or apply for financial assistance.
Your registration goes to Bike/Walk Central Florida’s year-round education and advocacy programs. You can learn more from our annual impact report.
Where do we start, and how long is the ride?
Ride Lengths & Durations:
- 30-Mile “Bike 5 Cities” Ride
⏱ Takes about 3–5 hours depending on your pace and breaks
🔁 Loop ride — starts and ends at the same location
- 10-Mile “Bike 5 Main Streets” Ride
⏱ Takes about 1.5–2 hours
🔁 Loop ride — starts and ends at the same location
📍 Start Location Options (Choose One During Registration):
- Orlando – Colonialtown Neighborhood Center
- Winter Park – Mead Botanical Garden
- Eatonville – Denton Johnson Community Center
- Maitland – Maitland Community Park
- Casselberry – Wirz Park
🚴♂️ Ride Types by Location:
- 30-Mile Ride Options:
- Self-Guided — Available at all start locations
- Guided – Fast Pace — Orlando, Winter Park, Eatonville
- Guided – Moderate Pace — Orlando, Winter Park, Maitland
- Guided – Leisurely Pace — Orlando, Winter Park, Casselberry
- 10-Mile Ride Option:
- Guided – Leisurely Pace Only — Orlando, Winter Park
Are bike rentals available?
Yes! Unlimited Biking, our official rental partner, offers a variety of bikes and sizes. Their service includes convenient pickup/drop-off near the event site—perfect for travelers! Learn More
Pick up is available only at the ORLANDO location, so make sure you register to start in ORLANDO if you plan on renting.
Are electric bikes/e-bikes allowed?
Bike 5 welcomes class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes.
- Class 1 and 3 e-bikes have a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling.
- Class 2 e-bikes have a throttle.
- If you participate with a class 2 e-bike, you cannot exclusively use the motor to propel the e-bike for an extended period of time without pedaling.
Regardless of the pedal assist of the e-bike, the maximum speed for e-bikes during our event is 18 mph and the motor cannot be more than 750 watts.
Do I have to ride in a group or is it self-guided?
We have both guided and self-guided options! If you’d like to ride on your own, Follow the arrow-marked route using printed or digital navigation through Ride with GPS.
Guided rides are in limited quantities and the following levels:
- Fast Pace Guided: For highly experienced urban cyclists, going faster speeds, riding mostly on-streets, minimal breaks
- Moderate Pace Guided: For experienced urban cyclists who can maintain a moderate pace, riding a combination of on-street and paths, some rest breaks guaranteed
- Leisurely Pace Guided: For casual cyclists who enjoy a lighter pace, riding more on paths if provided, multiple rest breaks guaranteed
Where and how do I access the route map and navigation?
In addition to arrows to follow on the route, we use Ride with GPS. Routes will be made public once finalized, closer to the event here.
What safety measures are in place?
Rider safety is our #1 priority.
- The route is amply marked with clear signage
- There are multiple, fully staffed stops
- SAG is available for light maintenance. Check your route map for locations.
- Vehicle support is available for transport, if you need assistance. Call the number on your wristband.
- For medical needs, first aid kids are available at all stops.
- In the event of an emergency, call 911.
Roads are NOT closed to traffic. This is a shared-road ride and all participants are expected to follow all traffic laws.
- Refer to our favorite refreshers on bike safety:
- Bike 5 Rider Rules
- We recommend having a pre-event tune-up at your local bike shop. This proactive step can help ensure your bike is in prime condition for the event, allowing you to focus on the experience and enjoyment of the ride!
- 2-minute Safe Cycling Tips Video: https://youtu.be/A_iJIq5yTcA
Do I need to wear a helmet?
Helmets are mandatory! If you do not have a helmet, we will provide one (while supplies last).
What if I need mechanical assistance or can’t finish the ride?
SAG is available at select stops noted in your route maps.
- Vehicle support is available for transport if you are unable to complete the ride.
If you get stuck, the phone number for support is on your event wristband
Where can I find event updates, including weather-related changes?
Email updates will be sent from [email protected]
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
If you have any questions, feel free to direct message us or email!
- Weather Policy:
- BIKE 5 is a rain-or-shine event dedicated to providing an exhilarating experience regardless of a drizzle or downpour! We understand that the weather is an elemental part of outdoor activities, and we’re prepared to embrace it.
- In the case of severe weather conditions, we may need to delay or cancel the event to ensure everyone’s safety.
- Decisions regarding modifications to the event schedule will be made with the utmost consideration for the safety and enjoyment of all involved.
- Please note that since event preparations incur costs that are paid in advance, we are unable to offer refunds or transfers of entries due to inclement weather or other circumstances beyond our control, commonly referred to as “Acts of Mother Nature.”
- We thank you for your dedication to making BIKE 5 not just an event, but an adventure!
How can I volunteer??
Volunteer support is essential to creating a seamless and enjoyable experience. Join us in making this a memorable occasion for all involved!
- If you’d like to volunteer, sign up here or send an email to [email protected], and we will guide you through the next steps.
- We need enthusiastic ride leaders, sweeps, and rest stop support. We have a wide range of locations, shift times, and tasks for all abilities.
- We’ll provide coffee, snacks, and a wheelie great time!
Have Questions?
Reach out to our team, we’re happy to help!