Carmel announces 2026 Bike Carmel event schedule

Submitted by City of Carmel

Warm weather and sunshine are right around the corner, and Bike Carmel is gearing up for a summer full of fun events for all ages. From kid-friendly, family-oriented, bike-focused activities to rides through Carmel’s roundabouts, there’s something for everyone on this season’s agenda.

Coffee on the Monon Kick-Off
Friday, May 1 & 8 to 10 a.m.

Kicking off National Bike Month, Bike Carmel will host the first Coffee on the Monon of the season on the first Friday of May. A coffee station, courtesy of Prufrock Coffee Company, will be set up right on the Monon Greenway in Midtown to thank and encourage cyclers for biking to work. (Walkers are welcome to grab a cup, too!)

Subsequent Coffee on the Monon events will be held from 6:30 to 9 a.m. on the fourth Friday of every month from May through September and will have coffee courtesy of Just Love Coffee Cafe.

National Bike to School Day
Wednesday, May 6

Bike to School Day is a national event that encourages students, families, and school communities to bike to school together to promote healthy habits, safety, and environmentally friendly transportation. Held each May, it’s a fun and active way to build school spirit, reduce traffic congestion and raise awareness about the importance of safe routes for biking and walking.

National Bike to Work Day & Coffee on the Monon
Friday, May 15

There will be a special Coffee on the Monon event held this day to celebrate with riders who are biking to work for this national bike holiday. Free coffee courtesy of Just Love Coffee Cafe will be available.

Family Fun Ride
May 9, June 6, June 20 & July 11

Take part in a family-friendly two-mile ride along Carmel’s paths and trails. Enjoy an interactive bike rodeo, free caricatures, and a neighborhood ride with Coach Matt Tanner. Participation is free but registration is required.

Starting locations:

• May 9 & June 20 – Carmel Elementary School
• June 6 & July 11 – Carmel Middle School and a tour of the Carmel Fire Department S.A.F.E. House

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. with the ride beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Sign up for one of the Family Fun Ride events by clicking this link.

Roundabout Ride
Sunday, Sept. 13

The city and Bike Carmel will host the annual Roundabout Ride at 8 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13. This fun event will have three distance options: 10 miles, 25 miles, and 50 miles; the costs will be $10, $25, and $50, respectively. $5 of each registration will be donated to the Rollfast Foundation for mental health.

The routes will be capped at 100 riders for the 25-mile ride and 50 for the 50-mile ride, so register as soon as possible as these events will fill up quickly.

The Roundabout Ride will begin and end in Midtown Plaza and the roads will be open to vehicle traffic for the duration of the ride with the Carmel Police Department stationed at strategic points along the route to manage traffic and safety.

Register for this year’s Roundabout Ride by clicking this link.

Micromobility ordinance reminder

As you prepare for another cycling season in Carmel, please note the updated micromobility and e-bike regulations passed by the City Council last fall. These guidelines are designed to ensure the safety of all residents on the city’s busy multi-use paths, sidewalks, and streets.

Key reminders:

• 20-mph speed limit on multi-use paths
• 15-mph speed limit on sidewalks
•  All riders under the age of 16 years of age must wear a properly-fitted helmet
• “E-moto” devices, such as electric motorcycles, and electric dirt bikes – are prohibited on all city trails, paths, and sidewalks.

To help residents navigate these changes, the Carmel Police Department will host an information night at 6 p.m. Friday, May 8 at the Carmel Police Department Headquarters, 1000 S. Range Line Road, to discuss the ordinance and answer questions regarding e-bike use within the city. This is a great opportunity to learn more about safe riding practices and ensure Carmel remains a leader in bicycle safety.