Cars driving on a road next to a bike path with cyclists riding along it
Greater Madison Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)

2025 Week Without Driving

The MPO partnered with communities and organizations across Dane County to coordinate events and activities for the 2025 Week Without Driving, held September 29–October 5, 2025.

Supporting Partners

Communities & Government Agencies

  • Capital Area RPC
  • City of Fitchburg
  • City of Madison
  • City of Middleton
  • City of Monona
  • City of Sun Prairie
  • City of Verona
  • Greater Madison MPO 

Organizations & Universities

Organizations and universities in Dane County and across Wisconsin supporting the Week Without Driving:

Statewide Recognition

Senator Melissa Ratcliff honored the coalition’s efforts by issuing a Citation of Commendation, recognizing September 29 through October 5, 2025, as the Week Without Driving and commending the observance to all of Wisconsin’s residents.

Citation of Commendation

Events & Activities

2025 Week Without Driving Events Flyer

Dane County Farmers’ Market Tabling

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

The Greater Madison MPO and our partners hosted a table at the Dane County Farmers’ Market on Saturday, September 27, 2025. We enjoyed connecting with community members about Week Without Driving events here in Dane County and sharing ways to get involved.

Press Conference 

Local leaders from across the region came together for a group bus ride in Madison, followed by a press conference. 

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 and Visually Impaired.

Community Discussions

Three Community Discussion events were held across the region, bringing people together to talk about transportation equity and accessibility. Each event featured a unique panel of speakers and perspectives.

Inspired by Anna Leticia Zivarts’ book When Driving Is Not An Option: Steering Away from Car Dependency, these discussions explored how car dependency affects people with disabilities, older adults, young people, and others who can’t drive—and what it takes to build communities where everyone can get around safely and independently.

  • Madison Panel Discussion

    September 28, 2025 – UW–Madison Union South

    Moderator: Bill Tishler, Commissioner (Capital Area Regional Planning Commission)

    Featuring: Denise Jess (WI 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 Panel Discussion

    September 30, 2025 – Sun Prairie City Hall

    Moderators: Bill Tishler, Commissioner (Capital Area Regional Planning Commission) & Cassi Benedict (Sun Prairie Alder & MPO Policy Board Member)

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

  • Fitchburg Panel Discussion

    October 2, 2025 – Terrace Point Apartments

    Moderator: Bill Jetzer (Fitchburg Alder, Bike Fitchburg Vice President, & MPO Policy Board Member)

    Featuring: Jim Denham (WI Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired), Joyce Boggess (Early Childhood Learning Center), and Addy Roltgen (Verona Area High School student)

How to Get a Copy of the Book

If you weren’t able to join these conversations, you can still read the book!

Anna Zivarts' Author Intro

Anna Zivarts recorded a special introductory video for our Community Discussion events held across Dane County. If you couldn’t join us in person, you can still watch and hear her message!

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