Formula 1 Weekend Bicycle Commuting Guide

Formula 1 is coming to Austin THIS weekend! With everything going on, undoubtedly the easiest way to get around town is going to be by bike. And that includes getting out to the F1 race site as well. Luckily, we’ve partnered with the Circuit of the Americas and the City of Austin and we’re going to be providing FREE bike valet for folks that want to ride to the race. Here are the details.

Cycling around town & planning your route.

The United States Formula 1 Grand Prix is attracting a multitude of concerts, events, visitors, and other happenings – especially in the Downtown area. While Austin is no stranger to large-scale events of this nature, we’re all aware of the side effect of increased traffic. The good news is that you can get there in a fast, fun and healthy way – on two wheels!

There are more bike lanes, paths, and sharrows than ever in Austin. Photo from the City of Austin.

The City of Austin’s bicycle program has a great resource out there to help get you there safely and comfortably. Our Bicycle map is color-coded by rider comfort-level, and the downtown detail view as well as the full bicycle map makes it easy to plan your route. If you’d like to get your hands on a paper copy, you can find it at most bike shops around town. Click here for a list of places that sell the map. Alternatively, you can also contact our Bicycle Staff and arrange to pick up a copy at our office.

Would you like to plan your route online? Check out Ride the City – Austin.

Bicycle Parking & Rental Locations

Parking your car in the downtown Austin area can be a challenge, particularly when large events are happening. We have a variety of permanent and event-specific bicycle parking locations around town for you to safely and conveniently park your bicycle. The interactive map and race weekend parking information on the City of Austin’s ATXgrandPrix site will contain the most up-to-date information on parking, road closures, and event routes.

One of Austin’s many bike parking facilities. Photo from the City of Austin.

Interested in Biking to the F1 site?

For those attending the Grand Prix not interested in battling the traffic, the City has planned a bicycle route to get you there. Click here to view the route, which takes you from the downtown area to Richard Moya Park, where the bicycle valet, operated by Bicycle Sport Shop, will be located. The bicycle valet will be open all three days (November 16, 17, and 18). The official route will be marked with signage approximately every 1,000 ft. Please note that bicyclists will need to board a shuttle from Richard Moya Park to the track that will depart every 30 minutes, as only cars with pre-purchased parking passes and shuttles will be allowed at the Circuit of The Americas site.

There will also be portable showers available at the bike valet that will be open from 8:00am-1:00pm all three days. Remember that it may be dark on the ride back, so make sure your bike is equipped for riding at night (headlight & rear reflector or tail light).

If you’re interested in biking to the F1 site, but prefer to do so in a group setting, Bike Austin will have organized rides to the Richard Moya Park bike valet on November 17th & 18th. There will be two rides per day, and rides are scheduled for 8:30am and 10:30am, November 17th and 18th. The rides will be leaving from the One Texas Center. They will follow the City Bike Route, and each ride will have one or more League Cycling Instructors from the League of American Bicyclists. They will also have support for any minor mechanical issues that may arise during the rides. One guided return from the bike valet is scheduled each evening, no later than 7:00pm. A $10 suggested donation is encouraged for support of this service.

These rides will provide a more convenient, safe, healthy and fun method of transportation to the track! Click here for more information on the rides from the Bike Austin website.

A bike is going to be the best bet for getting through the downtown area during F1 weekend. Photo from the City of Austin.

FAQs

What do I need to bring?

It’s up to you. There are showers provided but no towels will be provided.  You can put your clothes and towel in a bag or backpack and leave it with your bike.  We suggest putting your name on your bag just in case.

Will I need a lock?

No, you will not need a bike lock, unless you want to bring one.  There will be security for all the bikes during valet hours.

How long will the Corral be staffed?

We will be there from 7am to 7pm each day.  We will ask for a phone number to contact you if you don’t come by 7pm to pick up your bike.

What happens to our bikes if we cannot get to them in time?

We will sell it for beer money. Just kidding. We hope that is not the case but we will have everyone’s contact information, and if we can’t reach someone we will take the bike in our shop van when we leave for the day. The valet site will be policed 24/7 during F1 weekend.

Is there a cost involved?

Circuit of the Americas is picking up the tab.  The bike valet is absolutely free for you.

See you at the races!