Pedestrian Plan

The City of Madison is developing an update to its 1997 Pedestrian Plan. The plan will provide direction for policy, programs and safety improvements that will increase safety, accessibility and walking connections throughout the City. Funding for this project is through the US DOT’s Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program.

Draft Pedestrian Plan

Public comments on the Draft Pedestrian Plan are now closed. During the comment period over 500 comments were received. The project team will now work to update the plan based on those comments. The final draft plan is expected to be submitted to the Common Council for adoption this summer.

Public Involvement

There are a number of points of contact during this project where the public is encouraged to give feedback as part of public information meetings and public hearings. 

Public Information Meeting

A public information meeting was held on Tuesday, April 7 to discuss the Draft Pedestrian Plan. The meeting provided an overview of the planning process, key recommendations in the plan, a description of how the public can comment on the plan, and time for questions and answers.

Project Overview

Walking is sustainable, healthy, and affordable way to get around and is something everyone does most days whether they are going to or from a destination while taking transit, biking or driving. This plan looks at how we can make those trips safer, more comfortable, more accessible and even more enjoyable. The Plan will consider:

  • Improvements to the City’s infrastructure to improve safety and connectivity.
  • Changes needed to make Madison more accessible for users of all ages and abilities.
  • Program and policy recommendations to encourage and promote walking as a safe and healthy means of transportation and recreation.

Who is a Pedestrian?

Most people are a pedestrian at some point in their day whether walking was their main form of transportation or if they walked to/from a destination while taking transit, biking or driving.

For this Plan, a "pedestrian" is anyone walking, running, or using a wheelchair or other mobility device.

Anticipated Plan Timeline

  1. Data Gathering & Assessment of Existing Conditions Completed

  2. Public Engagement Completed

  3. Draft Recommendations Completed

  4. Public Information Meeting Completed

  5. Project Priorities Completed

  6. Plan Adoption Upcoming

Project Materials

Pedestrian Plan and All Ages & Abilities Bikeways Existing Conditions Summary

This document provides an overview of existing walking and bicycling conditions in Madison, including analysis of how stressful it is to walk and bike in specific locations and how easy it is to access destinations when walking and bicycling.

Read the 2025 Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan Existing Conditions Summary

Pedestrian Plan Level of Crossing Stress Methodology

The Pedestrian Plan includes an analysis of stress experienced by pedestrians when crossing streets. This document details the methodology that was used to complete the analysis.

Read the PxLTS Methodology Memo

Pedestrian Plan and All Ages & Abilities Bikeways Engagement Summary

This document provides a summary of engagement conducted and input received to date. The engagement input will guide development of recommendations for the Pedestrian Plan and AAA Bikeways Network. Additional engagement opportunities will be available when the draft plans are released.

Read the 2025 Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan Engagement Summary

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