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Parks

Ride The Drive

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Sunday • August 09 • 2026 | 10am to 2pm

New route for 2026! With RTD's signature route along John Nolen Drive under reconstruction, we have an exciting redesigned new route for this year's event.

Three Miles & Three Activity Hubs 

  • McPike Park, 202 S. Ingersoll 
  • Lakefront Porch, 201 S. Hancock
  • Capitol Square, Mifflin at Carroll

Stroll, roll, pedal or glide your way through Ride the Drive 2026 -- a free community event connecting activity hubs with miles of select city streets closed to motor vehicles. Start your RTD journey at an activity hub or any point along the designated route. 

What is Ride The Drive?

Ride the Drive is a single, one-day, free community event for all ages. The event closes select city streets to motor vehicles and offers hubs along the route overflowing with free activities.  

Ride the Drive encourages healthy living for adults and children by promoting alternative methods of transportation without the fear or noise of motor vehicles, for just a small part of one day a year.

Since the inaugural Ride the Drive in 2009, this event continues to celebrate Madison’s commitment to a healthy, active living, focusing on the environmental and economic impacts and the importance of social integration.

Weather Updates

Ride the Drive is a rain or shine event; however, safety is our top priority. If lightning or other threatening weather is expected or in the area, we may delay the start, end early or cancel the event. Any updates will be posted at the top of RidetheDrive.com and Madison Parks' Facebook.

Thank you Ride the Drive 2025 Sponsors!

Madison Parks logo
TruStage Insurance logo
madison credit union
total water culligan
metro madison logo

Ride the Drive is organized by the City of Madison Parks Division, in partnership with numerous City agencies and local organizations. 

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