May is Bike Month! Ingersoll is the most bike-friendly corridor in the metro thanks to our streetscape and off-street, protected bike lanes. There are celebrations happening across the City of Des Moines all month long including bike rides, meet-ups and activism opportunities.
Here’s how you can celebrate on The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand in May:
Tour the corridor on two wheels
If you haven’t visited the new Ingersoll Avenue bike lanes, we invite you to come check them out. Bike counts show that there are nearly 200 cyclists using Ingersoll Avenue every day! When you visit your favorite local business on two wheels, there is typically a bike rack available within the block for you to park. See a map of all of the bike parking options here.
A bicyclist races at Rip The Avenues, 2025.
“Rip The Aves” Criterium
The Confluence Cup (May 29–31), presented by Crosschain Productions, will host their finale “Rip The Avenues” criterium on May 31. The route will cover Ingersoll Avenue and High Street between 24th–28th Streets. You can be a spectator or a competitor! Learn more about the race and/or register here. There will be a block party, DJ, street food from local vendors, and opportunities to shop from Ingersoll’s small businesses! If you would rather run or walk, Chain & Spoke is presenting an “Espresso Mile” race on the same day. Click here to learn more and/or register.
Visit Chain & Spoke
Did you know that The Avenues is home to Iowa’s only combined coffee shop and a bike shop? Chain and Spoke is located at 515 28th Street, Suite 102. This popular spot offers bike sales, repairs, custom builds, and maintenance. On May 13 and 27, Chain & Spoke is leading an easygoing ~9-mile ride from the shop to the Singlespeed Brewery Taproom as part of a Pint Night Ride series.
Rent a B-Cycle
Need to borrow a bike or want the option for a boost? Luckily, electric bicycles are available to rent at the B-Cycle station located at 2300 Ingersoll.
Ride DART with your bike
Bring your bike on board the DART bus throughout May to get free rides.
Bike Month giveaway
Keep an eye out for Avenues-branded water bottles filled with Chain & Spoke gift cards throughout our corridor in May. Clues will be posted on our Instagram @theavenuesdsm.
