Volunteers
Sunday • August 09 • 2026 | 10am to 2pm
Each volunteer receives a coveted Ride the Drive tee! We also provide sunscreen, bug spray, water and snacks for your time. We ask all volunteers to be willing to assist as needed and please do not smoke or vape while volunteering or in the hub areas. Event hours are 10:00am to 2:00pm and streets are closed 9:00am to 3:00pm.
Online volunteer registration is closed. For inquiries and questions, please contact parksvolunteer@cityofmadison.com.
Volunteers, please report to your registered location and time on Sunday, August 09 to meet a Madison Parks staff member, receive further instructions and pick up your RTD t-shirt.
Intersection Guide
This is the key Ride the Drive volunteer role! You will monitor an intersection along the route for participant safety and redirect vehicles. Each intersection serves as a starting point for many RTD participants, making you their first contact. You'll receive maps and answers to common questions and may help set up or take down barricades. Typically, you'll be standing, but you can bring your own chair. Additional tasks may be assigned. A safety vest will be provided.
Spots Available: 111
Shift times: 8:45-11am; 10:45am-1:15pm; 1-3:15pm
Setup Crew
Are you an early riser? This position may be perfect for you! You'll assist in unloading the trucks and setting up the booths, displays, tents, and activity areas. You may also assist in setting up and moving barricades, cones and other traffic signs, as well as other assignments as needed. Your goal is to make sure your overall area is ready for RTD to begin at 10:00 am. You must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
Spots Available: 15
Shift time: 7:30 to 10:00am
Information Station Guide
Information Station Guides are the smiling helpful face of Ride the Drive. You'll hand out RTD maps and water, answer questions and serve as the main contact for your assigned area. You may assist with the setup or tear down of the booth. This position typically is standing or bring your own chair, is under a tent and out of direct sunlight. Other assignments as needed. Safety vest provided.
Spots Available: 6
Shift times: 9:45am-12:15pm; 12:00-2:15pm
Merchant
Merchants sell the coveted Ride the Drive t-shirt and other merchandise. You must be comfortable handling money and counting correct change. You may be seated and you're typically under a tent and out of direct sunlight. Other assignments as needed.
Spots Available: 6
Shift times: 9:00am-12:00pm; 11:45am-2:45pm
Bike Ambassador
Bike Ambassadors work with a Madison Parks staff member to ensure smooth operations in a designated zone of Ride the Drive. You’ll need your bike, helmet, and cell phone to provide mobile support. Responsibilities include assisting volunteers with water, supplies, and breaks, as well as ensuring proper placement of cones, signs, and barriers. Bring a backpack or bike trailer for transporting supplies like water, snacks, and a first aid kit, and expect to ride throughout your shift. A safety vest will be provided.
Spots Available: 18
Shift times: 9:45 - 11:45am; 11:30am-1:30pm; 1:15-3:15pm
Photo by Kristie GoForth
Hub Photographer
Do you have a knack for photography? Hub Photographers are needed at each of the hubs to capture the fun in action. Your goal is to take high-resolution photos of smiling faces and happy places at RTD. You must have a digital camera or a high-quality cell phone.
Spots Available: 3
Shift time: 10:30am to 12:30pm
Cleanup Crew
This is the crew who makes sure everything is back in place and we leave no trace. You'll assist in breaking down equipment such as tents, tables, and chairs and load them into trucks and trailers. You may also remove signs, pick up trash, and overall clean up the park and street to ensure they are ready to reopen at 3:00pm. You must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. Other assignments as needed.
Spots Available: 15
Shift time: 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm