2026 Week Without Driving
The 2026 Week Without Driving Challenge took place October 1–8. The Greater Madison MPO, communities and local organizations hosted events across the area to help people try getting around without driving—something an estimated 30–40% of Dane County residents do every day.
The challenge encouraged everyone, especially decision-makers, to learn about the challenges non-drivers face and think about how we can make it easier for everyone to get where they need to go.
Highlights from the Week
Walk & Roll Audits
AARP Wisconsin, local decision-makers and community advocates came together for two walk and roll audits during Week Without Driving.
Participants looked at sidewalks, street crossings, bus stops and traffic conditions to better understand what each area is like to navigate without driving.
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Sun Prairie Walk & Roll Audit
Hosted by AARP Wisconsin, with support from the Greater Madison MPO and the City of Sun Prairie.
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Madison Walk & Roll Audit
Hosted by AARP Wisconsin, with support from the Greater Madison MPO and the City of Madison.
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District 11 Book Club with Author Christof Spieler
Leading up to Week Without Driving, Madison Alder Bill Tishler and author Christof Spieler hosted a community discussion of Transportation and the Shape of Cities.
The conversation explored how transportation shapes cities, including Madison's changing transportation network.
Co-sponsored by 1000 Friends of Wisconsin.
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Metro Transit Learn & Ride for Middleton Seniors
Middleton seniors joined Metro Transit staff and Alder Mark Opitz for a group bus ride to learn the basics of riding Metro Transit.
Hosted by the City of Middleton, Metro Transit, Middleton Senior Center and RoundTrip.
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Krause Family Band Concert for Week Without Driving
A concert by the Krause Family Band wrapped up Week Without Driving in downtown Middleton. Community members were encouraged to walk, roll, bike or take the bus to enjoy the music.
Organized by the City of Middleton.
In the News
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The Cap Times · October 14, 2026
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Spectrum News · October 9, 2026
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WMTV 15 News · October 5, 2026
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WKOW 27 · October 5, 2026
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City Cast · October 1, 2026
Local Newspaper Stories
The Star: Sun Prairians take a stroll in others' shoes with walk audit
Oregon Observer: Take a load off the road: ‘Week Without Driving' set for Oct. 1–8
Fitchburg Star: Take a load off the road: ‘Week Without Driving' set for Oct. 1–8
Middleton Times-Tribune: Council approves Week Without Driving, other proclamations
Verona Press: Take a load off the road: ‘Week Without Driving' set for Oct. 1–8
The Tribune: Waunakee Joins Dane County Communities in Week Without Driving
The Star: Sun Prairie to Imagine a Week Without Driving With Community Audit
The Star: DeForest Joins Dane County Communities in Week Without Driving
Thank You to Our Communities & Partners
Thank you to the communities and organizations that helped 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 Oregon
- Village of Waunakee