Frequently Asked Questions

Ride the Drive | Sunday • August 11 • 2024 | 10am to 2pm

What is Ride the Drive? 
Ride the Drive began in 2009 as a free, community event celebrating Madison’s commitment to a healthy, active lifestyle. In August 2024 parks and open streets return with a longer route and more hubs! Select city streets are closed to motor vehicles so event participants can stroll, roll, pedal or glide anywhere along the designated route. Parks along the route serve as hubs for all-ages activities, entertainment and food. Participants can begin their RTD journey at any of the hubs or anywhere along the designated route.

What roads will be closed and when? 
The following roads will be closed from 9:00am to 3:00pm:

• Regent St. from Randall Ave. to W. Washington Ave. 
• Proudfit Street / N. Shore Drive from W. Washington Ave. to John Nolen Drive 
• John Nolen Drive from Olin Ave. to E. Wilson and Williamson streets
• Williamson St. from John Nolen Drive to S. Ingersoll St. 
• S. Ingersoll from Williamson to E. Main streets

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 Olin Park Boat Launch open? 
Yes! The service road gate between Olin Park and Turville Point Conservation Park will be open while John Nolen Drive is closed. 

Is the Madison Boats at Brittingham Park open? 
Yes! In addition to participating in Ride the Drive, Madison Boats at Brittingham Park is open for business. 

What if I live along the route? 
Roads and street parking along the routes will be closed on Sunday, August 11 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. Contact a volunteer or Police Officer for directions around the route. 

How do I get to downtown Madison? 
Several main road options are leading to State St. and downtown Madison. Open main roads include East Washington Ave., E. Gorham and Johnson streets, Park St. and University Ave. 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 400 volunteers are needed on the day of the event. 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, safety is our primary concern and we may cancel, delay starting, or end the event early. We will update Ride the Drive and Madison Parks' Facebook if the event hours or status changes. 

Is there water available at the event? 
Yes, water is available at the information stations located at each park hub. We encourage everyone to bring a water bottle.

What’s the best way to experience Ride the Drive? 
Ride the Drive has six park hubs at Edward Kleif, Brittingham, Olin, Law, R. Richard Wagner and McPike parks. Each park offers all-ages activities, food, entertainment, restrooms, water, information, and more. You can begin your Ride the Drive journey at any of these parks or anywhere along the 4-mile route. The entire RTD loop is 7.15 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 may 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, please use with caution and at no more than 17 miles per hour.  

Is Ride the Drive an accessible event? 
Yes! The 4-mile route is completely accessible. Disabled parking is available at Law 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 all park hubs.  

Where do I leave my car, and rent a bike?
Parking in downtown Madison is free all day/evening on Sundays. 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 2024 t-shirts may be purchased by cash or check from the Info Station at each of the four parks. Adult sizes S-4XL are available for just $10 each. Checks are made payable to "City Treasurer" and no bills greater than $20 are accepted. 
 
Don't see your question answered? Submit your question to ridethedrive@cityofmadison.com