2025 Week Without Driving

From September 29–October 5, 2025, the Greater Madison MPO partnered with communities, government agencies, universities, and organizations to host local events and raise awareness of Week Without Driving.

Throughout the week, people across Dane County—including community members, local leaders, transportation professionals, and disability rights advocates—came together to learn more about what it can be like to get around without driving and what we can do to build a transportation system that works for everyone.

Community leaders and representatives ride a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) bus together
Community leaders and disability rights advocates gather at a Bus Rapid Transit station to kick off the 2025 Week Without Driving.

Supporting Partners

Communities & Government Agencies

  • Capital Area Regional Planning Commission
  • City of Fitchburg
  • City of Madison
  • City of Middleton
  • City of Monona
  • City of Sun Prairie
  • City of Verona
  • Greater Madison MPO 

Organizations & Universities

Statewide Recognition

Senator Melissa Ratcliff honored the coalition's efforts with a Citation of Commendation recognizing September 29–October 5, 2025, as Week Without Driving and encouraging people across Wisconsin to take part.

Citation of Commendation

Events & Activities

Dane County Farmers' Market

MPO staff with Fitchburg Alder Bill Jetzer and Sun Prairie's David Salmon at the Dane County Farmers’ Market.
Greater Madison MPO staff with Fitchburg Alder Bill Jetzer and Sun Prairie's David Salmon at the Dane County Farmers' Market.

Ahead of Week Without Driving, Greater Madison MPO staff and community partners hosted a table at the Dane County Farmers' Market to chat with people about the challenge and share ways to get involved!

Group Bus Ride & Press Conference

Local leaders and disability rights advocates rode the bus together through Madison, followed by a press conference about Week Without Driving.

Speakers included Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, Monona Mayor Nancy Moore, Middleton Alder Lisa Janairo, and Denise Jess, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired.

Watch the recording to hear what they had to say about getting around without driving in Dane County!

Community Discussions

We held three community discussions in Madison, Sun Prairie, and Fitchburg, each featuring a different group of local speakers.

Inspired by Anna Letitia Zivarts' book, When Driving Is Not an Option: Steering Away from Car Dependency, the conversations focused on the everyday challenges people can face when they don't drive—including people with disabilities, older adults, and young people—and what could make it easier for everyone to get around safely and independently. 

  • Madison Community Discussion

    September 28, 2025 | UW–Madison Union South

    Moderator: Bill Tishler, Capital Area Regional Planning Commission Commissioner

    Panelists: Denise Jess, Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired; Christof Spieler, City of Madison Department of Transportation; Darrin Wasniewski, AARP Wisconsin; and Caryn Walline, UW–Madison Transportation Services

  • Sun Prairie Community Discussion

    September 30, 2025 | Sun Prairie City Hall

    Moderators: Bill Tishler, Capital Area Regional Planning Commission Commissioner; and Cassi Benedict, Sun Prairie Alder and Greater Madison MPO Policy Board member

    Panelists: David Salmon, City of Sun Prairie; Alex Allon, Village of DeForest; Terry Larson, Sun Prairie resident; and Yamileth Lothe, Sun Prairie Neighborhood Navigator

  • Fitchburg Community Discussion

    October 2, 2025 | Terrace Point Apartments

    Moderator: Bill Jetzer, Fitchburg Alder, Bike Fitchburg Vice President, and Greater Madison MPO Policy Board member

    Panelists: Jim Denham, Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired; Joyce Boggess, Early Childhood Learning Center; and Addy Roltgen, Verona Area High School student

Read the Book

Couldn't make it to one of the discussions? You can still read When Driving Is Not an Option!

Watch Anna Zivarts' Introduction

Anna Zivarts recorded a special introduction for the community discussions. If you couldn't join us in person—or would like to hear her message again—you can watch it below!

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