Frequently Asked Questions
Sunday • August 09 • 2026 | 10am to 2pm
What is Ride the Drive?
Ride the Drive began in 2009 as an event celebrating Madison’s commitment to healthy, active living. The event brings thousands of happy people together to experience parks and open streets in a single, one-day, free, community event. This year with John Nolen Drive under reconstruction, we have an all-new route! Experience three hubs with free activities for all ages! Participants can begin their RTD journey anywhere along the route and stroll, roll, pedal or glide from one hub to the next!
Ride the Drive is organized by the City of Madison Parks Division in partnership with numerous City agencies and local organizations.
What is the best way to experience Ride the Drive?
Enjoy Ride the Drive any way you like! The roughly 3-mile round-trip route accommodates bikers, rollerbladers, skateboarders, unicyclists, and walkers with or without strollers. Begin your adventure at an Info Booth at one of the three Activity Hubs: McPike Park, Lakefront Porch and Capitol Square, to collect a map, activities program, and your RTD Prize Pass. Each hub features activities for all ages, free basic bike checks, entertainment, and food and other items available for purchase. Restrooms are available at McPike Park, with portable restrooms at Lakefront Porch and Capitol Square.
What is a Parks Prize Pass?
Pick up a Parks Prize Pass from the Madison Parks Info Booth at each of the three hubs. Play along by visiting one food/vendor/exhibitor at each of the hubs and ask them to sign or initial your Prize Pass. Fill in your name, phone, and email address, and drop off a completed Prize Pass at any Madison Parks Info Booth. Winners will be drawn the week after Ride the Drive. You do not need to be present to win.
What roads are closed and when?
The following roads are closed on Sunday, August 09, from 9:00am to 3:00pm:
- Williamson to E. Wilson streets
- Controlled Cross-Traffic: Paterson Street
- Controlled Cross-Traffic: S. Blair to John Nolen Drive
- Controlled Access to Machinery Row parking lot
- Williamson St. from John Nolen Drive to S. Ingersoll St.
- Controlled Cross-Traffic Allowed: Paterson St.
- S. Ingersoll from Williamson to E. Main streets
A street closure news release and map will be posted closer to the event day with more information, including controlled cross-traffic access points.
What if my business is located along or near the route?
Be part of the action! You have the potential to attract and engage with thousands of happy people attending Ride the Drive. We encourage all brick-and-mortar businesses located along or near the route to be part of the action. See Vendors for participating suggestions and how to register.
Is the parking lot at Machinery Row open?
Yes! Machinery Row Bicycles and Sardine are open for business. Controlled access is allowed into the parking lot serving these businesses.
What if I live along the route?
During Ride the Drive, certain streets will be closed to ensure the safety and enjoyment of participants. However, we assure residents along or near the route that no one will be stranded at their residence or place of business. If you need to exit the area, please be patient and approach the nearest street. A volunteer will assist you during a break in the crowd or when it is safe to temporarily stop pedestrian traffic, allowing you to exit the area. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Roads and street parking along the routes will be closed on Sunday, August 9 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm to motor vehicle traffic. Please do not park on the route streets from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. Limited cross-traffic is allowed on designated streets. See next question for locations.
Which roads may I cross the route by vehicle?
Cross-traffic is limited and allowed under the control of an MPD officer or RTD volunteer at the following streets, from approximately 9:00am to 3:00pm:
- Controlled access across Williamson Street: Paterson Street
- Controlled access across at S. Blair to John Nolen Drive across Williamson/ E. Wilson
- Controlled access to Machinery Row parking lot
How do I get to downtown Madison?
Several main roads are open and lead to State St. and downtown Madison. Open main roads include East Washington Ave., Blair Street to John Nolen Drive, E. Gorham and Johnson streets, Park St. and University Ave. Jump on the Metro Transit! All downtown businesses will keep their regular Sunday hours. Visit Downtown Madison for more information.
How can I volunteer as an individual or a group?
More than 190 volunteers are needed on the day of the event, with the greatest need for Intersection Guides. Registration is open through 11:59pm on Friday, July 31. See Volunteers for position descriptions and to register.
May I donate to this event or become a sponsor?
Yes! Sponsors are welcome! See Sponsors for more information and pick the amount or donation that works for you.
Is the event rain or shine?
Yes! There is no rain date for Ride the Drive. We will make our best attempt to host the event rain or shine; however, if there is a threat of severe weather or conditions, safety is our primary concern and we may cancel, delay starting, or end the event early. We will update RidetheDrive.com and Madison Parks' Facebook if the event hours or if there is a status change.
Is there water available at the event?
Yes, water is available at the information stations located at McPike, Lakefront Porch and Capitol Square. We encourage all participants to bring a water-filled non-breakable bottle to the event. You may also purchase a Madison Parks water bottle from any of the Info/Merch Booth at the activity hubs.
How long is the RTD route?
From McPike Park and a complete loop around the square and back to McPike is approximately 2.86 miles.
Is there a cost to attend?
No, Ride the Drive is free to attend. No matter how you experience Ride the Drive – by foot, by pedal or by wheel - there is no cost to attend Ride the Drive. Some of the vendors offer food or other items that may be purchased with cash and in some locations with a credit card. Businesses and organizations may participate in Ride the Drive as a vendor. See Vendors for more information.
May I use an e-bike or e-scooter at the event?
Yes, however, we encourage all participants to choose a non-motorized method to enjoy the Ride the Drive. If you choose to use an electric bike or scooter, do so cautiously and at no more than 17 miles per hour. Mopeds are not allowed. Ride the Drive 2026 is about experiencing John Nolen Drive and Willy Street with less motor noise.
Is Ride the Drive an accessible event?
Yes! The nearly 3-mile route is completely accessible. Each hub provides accessible portable restrooms or accessible restroom building (McPike Park).
Do I need to bring cash or will vendors take a credit card?
Cash is accepted at all vendors, however, there may be a few that accept credit cards.
May I bring my dog or other pet?
No, pets are not allowed. Per MGO 23.315 animals, including dogs, are not allowed anywhere within the perimeter of the event, with exceptions for service animals.
Where are the restrooms?
Accessible restrooms and washing stations are available at Lakefront Porch and Capitol Square. An accessible restroom building is available at McPike Park.
Where do I leave my car, and rent a bike?
Parking on Sundays in downtown Madison is free all day. Additionally, we encourage participants to ride a bike to the event. Park your car near a Madison Bcycle station, located throughout the city and ride to the event.
Are RTD t-shirts available for purchase?
Yes! RTD 2026 t-shirts may be purchased by cash or check from the Info/Merch Booth at three Park Hubs. Adult sizes S-4XL are available for just $15 each. Checks are made payable to "City Treasurer" and no bills greater than $20 are accepted. RTD volunteers receive a free t-shirt!
Don't see your question answered? Submit your question to ridethedrive@cityofmadison.com
