Volunteers

Sunday • August 11 • 2024 | 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 10am to 2pm and streets are closed 8am to 3pm.

Become a Volunteer

Review the job descriptions below and choose a role that works best for you.
Click the Register button.
Check the shift(s) and select "Register" at the bottom of the page.
Enter the requested contact information and adult t-shirt size. You will receive an email confirmation.
On Sunday, August 11 report to your registered location. Meet the Madison Parks staff member and receive further instructions and pickup your RTD t-shirt.

Training

All registered volunteers are strongly encouraged to attend the interactive 90-minute virtual training class offered via Zoom on Wednesday, July 17, from 6-7:30pm. A Zoom registration link will be emailed to all registered volunteers by July 10.

Volunteer Roles

Intersection Guides

Shift times: 8:45-11am; 10:45am-1:15pm; 1-3:15pm

This is the most important volunteer position at the event! Volunteers are stationed at an intersection along the route to ensure participants are safe while redirecting any vehicles to alternative traffic routes. Each intersection is a starting point for most RTD participants. You may be the first person to interact with someone heading to the event. You'll be supplied with maps and answers to our most frequently asked questions. You may also be asked to assist with the setup or tear down of barricades at your intersection. Intersection guides are typically standing or you may bring your own chair. Other assignments as needed. Safety vest provided.

Setup Crew

Shift time: 7:30 to 10:00am

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.

Bike Ambassadors

Shift times: 9:45 - 11:45am; 11:30am-1:30pm; 1:15-3:15pm

Bike Ambassadors are paired with a Madison Parks staff member to ensure a specific zone along the Ride the Drive is running smoothly. You'll use your own bike, helmet, and cell phone during your shift to provide mobile support within your assigned area and along the route. You'll support other volunteers with water, supplies and bathroom breaks and ensure all traffic cones, signs, and barriers are properly placed. Plan to be riding for the duration of your shift and bring a backpack or another means of holding/transporting supplies (water, snacks, first aid kit) such as a bike trailer or basket. Other assignments as needed. Safety vest provided.

Information Station Guides

Shift times: 9:45am-12:15pm; 12:00-2:15pm

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.

Balloon Inflator

Shift times: 9:45am-12:15pm; 12:00-2:15pm

Balloon Inflators use a helium tank to blow up and then hand-tie balloons. You'll interact with kids and families while standing outdoors and handing out balloons. Other assignments as needed.

Merchant

Shift times: 9:00am-12:00pm; 11:45am-2:45pm

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.

Cleanup Crew

Shift time: 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm

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.

Hub Photographer

Shift time: 10:30am to 12:30pm

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.