2026 Week Without Driving

Week Without Driving returns October 1–8, 2026!

Communities and organizations across the Greater Madison area are hosting local events and inviting you to experience what it can be like to get around without driving—a daily reality for an estimated 30–40% of Dane County residents.

By taking part, you can better understand the challenges non-drivers face and help us think about how we can build a transportation system that works for everyone.

Community leaders and representatives ride a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) bus together

Non-drivers are all around us.

They may be a colleague, a grandparent, the kids down the street, or a friend who simply prefers not to drive. And at some point, any one of us could become a non-driver—temporarily or permanently.

What if you broke your leg, could no longer drive safely, or couldn't afford the cost of owning and maintaining a vehicle? Could you still get to work, buy groceries, or make it to an appointment?

That's what Week Without Driving is all about: drawing attention to the experiences of non-drivers and helping us consider what it takes to build a transportation system that works for everyone.

Events & Activities 

Walk & Roll Audits

Join AARP Wisconsin, local decision-makers, and community advocates for two walk and roll audits during Week Without Driving. Participants will evaluate sidewalks, street crossings, bus stops, traffic conditions, and what each area is like to navigate without driving.

Registration is required for both events, and space is limited. Registration links will be posted as soon as they're available.

  • Sun Prairie Walk & Roll Audit

    Monday, October 5, 1–3 p.m. | Sun Prairie Public Library

    Hosted by AARP Wisconsin, with support from the Greater Madison MPO and the City of Sun Prairie.

  • Madison Walk & Roll Audit

    Wednesday, October 7, 4:30–6 p.m. | La Follette High School

    Hosted by AARP Wisconsin, with support from the Greater Madison MPO and the City of Madison. 

  • District 11 Book Club with Author Christof Spieler

    Wednesday, September 23, 7–8:30 p.m. | Sequoya Library

    Join Madison Alder Bill Tishler and author Christof Spieler for a discussion of Transportation and the Shape of Cities. Spieler will discuss how transportation shapes cities, with a focus on Madison's evolving transportation network. 

    This free community event will lead into Week Without Driving. All are welcome and prior reading of the book is not required.

    Event Details 

    Co-sponsored by 1000 Friends of Wisconsin.

  • Metro Transit Learn & Ride for Middleton Seniors

    Monday, October 5, 10-11:30 a.m. | Middleton Senior Center

    Middleton seniors are invited to join Metro Transit staff and Alder Mark Opitz for a group ride on Metro Transit while learning the basics of riding the bus.

    Registration is required through the Middleton Senior Center.

    Hosted by the City of Middleton, Metro Transit, Middleton Senior Center, and RoundTrip.

  • Krause Family Band Concert for Week Without Driving

    Thursday, October 8, 6–7:30 p.m. | Stone Horse Green 

    Wrap up Week Without Driving with live music from the Krause Family Band! Walk, roll, bike, or take the bus to Stone Horse Green and enjoy an evening of music in downtown Middleton.

    Event Details

    Organized by the City of Middleton.

Participating Communities & Partners

The following communities and organizations are helping bring Week Without Driving to the Greater Madison area:

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
  • Village of DeForest
  • Village of Waunakee

Additional participating communities and partners will be added as details are finalized.

Organizations & Universities
Was this page helpful to you? * required