Fall Ride the Drive - September 25, 2011

Ride the Drive - A Car Free, Care Free Event Sunday, September 25, 2011, 10a.m. - 3p.m. Madison, WI | The City of Madison and Madison Parks are pleased to host a Fall Ride the Drive, presented by Trek on September 25, 2011 from 10am-3pm. Ride the Drive is a community event that turns a 5-mile loop of Madison's signature streets into a public promenade that is open to bikers, walkers, rollerbladers, and those out to share in the experience and fun atmosphere. This popular event has drawn over 20,000 families, friends, and recreation enthusiasts to each event. Mayor Paul Soglin stated: "I am pleased with the collaboration that has gone into planning this great event. I know City Parks, Trek officials and leaders from downtown businesses and churches have been working hard to make sure we have another successful event. I think the small changes that have been made to assist motorists get to their downtown destinations will work well. I encourage everyone to join us downtown the on September 25th." "We are excited to present the Fall Ride the Drive. This family-friendly event allows us to get out of our cars and see and hear Madison in a whole new way," says Kevin Briski, Madison Parks Superintendent. "I want to thank Trek for their continued support of Ride the Drive." Krista Rettig, Trek Advocacy and Government Relations Manager says, "We are proud to support such a great event that promotes a healthy and active lifestyle in the city of Madison. It's initiatives like Ride the Drive that put Madison on the map with other progressive and bike friendly communities across the nation. While the roads on the route are opened to bicycles, by no means is downtown Madison closed to cars wanting to get in or out of the area. The downtown shops and restaurants are open for business and there is ample parking available in the ramps and side streets. Slight changes to the route will make it even easier for shoppers and cars to get around the isthmus. For vehicular traffic, the inbound lane of East Washington Avenue will remain open all the way to the Capitol Square. There are nine intersections where you can cross the route. Included is Butler Street which is useful for vehicles wishing to access the south/east side of the isthmus. The Ride the Drive route includes John Nolan Drive, to Blair Street, and up to the Capitol using the outbound lane of East Washington Avenue. Like the earlier June event, the Ride the Drive route will then proceed around the Capitol Square with bikers riding ‘against' the traditional flow of traffic and proceeding to State Street, Gilman Street, Frances Street, Bedford Street, to Brittingham Park at North Shore Drive, and back on John Nolan Drive. The popular entertainment villages will be located at the Peace Park, Capitol Square, Olin Park and Brittingham Park. This year's events have many ways for the community to participate. Corporations can help sponsor the event. Local businesses and organizations can rent a booth or host an activity along the route. Volunteers are needed to help set up and throughout the day. And of course, we invite all to come out and Ride the Drive. The event is free and open to the public. For more route information, maps, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities for this event, please visit the Ride the Drive website at www.cityofmadison.com/ridethedrive

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