Bikers on John Nolen for Ride the Drive.
City of Madison

Dane County Transportation Challenge Shows Big Impact

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More than 300 Dane County residents joined a free transportation challenge this September, choosing to bike, walk and roll, ride the bus, and carpool instead of driving alone. Together, participants avoided more than 17 tons of carbon dioxide emissions—the equivalent of taking over four gas-powered cars off the road for an entire year—and saved more than $12,000 in gas and car maintenance expenses.

The month-long Smart Trips Challenge was organized by RoundTrip Greater Madison, a public program of the Greater Madison Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). RoundTrip helps residents find carpool and bike partners to reduce congestion, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and save money on commuting.

Participants logged their trips to be entered into prize drawings, featuring gift cards and swag donated by Metro Transit, Madison Bikes, and local businesses, including Metcalfe’s Market, TREK Madison East, Machinery Row Bicycles, Monk’s Bar & Grill, and Buck & Honey’s. This fall’s challenge was the largest one yet, with participants logging over 9,300 sustainable trips in just one month.

Every trip someone logs is more than a number—it’s an experience. Whether it’s neighbors chatting at the bus stop in the morning, co-workers carpooling to work, or families and friends bicycling somewhere instead of driving. 

It’s really about community, and we’re fortunate to have such strong support from local businesses and partners who help make these challenges fun and rewarding.

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Zia Brucaya, RoundTrip Program Manager

Transportation is one of the most expensive household costs—second only to housing—and is also the leading source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. (28%). With the average annual cost of owning and operating a car now topping $12,000, even small shifts toward biking, busing, walking, rolling, or carpooling can ease family budgets while helping cut emissions.

"People don’t always realize how much commuting costs them—both in dollars and in emissions," added Brucaya. "Driving is sometimes unavoidable, but even small shifts—like biking to the store or carpooling once a week—can save money and reduce pollution. The challenge really showed how quickly those choices add up."

RoundTrip will host its next transportation challenge in spring 2026. To learn more, sign up, and explore transportation options in Dane County, visit www.RoundTripGreaterMadison.org.

About RoundTrip: RoundTrip is a program of the Greater Madison MPO that helps individuals and employers in Dane County access affordable, sustainable alternatives to driving alone. In 2024, RoundTrip members logged more than 16,000 green trips—saving $27,000, burning three million calories, and cutting 35.5 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

About the Greater Madison Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO): The Greater Madison MPO is the region’s federally designated transportation planning agency. It leads long-range, cooperative planning across Dane County and directs millions of federal dollars each year to local road, transit, bicycle, and pedestrian projects.

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