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.
Explore & Comment on the Draft Pedestrian Plan
The Draft Pedestrian Plan is a policy plan that creates a vision for walking in Madison. It provides objectives and actions to guide decision making for issues that impact the safety, comfort, and accessibility of people walking in the City.
Follow the link below to review and provide comments on the Draft Pedestrian Plan. Comments will be accepted until noon on Monday, April 27.
Explore the Draft Pedestrian Plan
The Draft Pedestrian Plan contains a number of maps. High resolution versions of select maps can be downloaded here:
Figure 13 – High Stress Pedestrian Crossings (PDF, 10MB)
Figure 20 – Crossing Gaps (PDF, 12MB)
Figure 21 – Sidewalk Gaps (PDF, 11 MB)
Comments on the Draft Pedestrian Plan are preferred through the link above so that they can be viewed in the document where intended but can also be emailed to walkingbiking@cityofmadison.com.
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. Dates, times and locations are indicated below:
Public Information Meeting
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Tuesday, April 7, 2026
6:00pm - 7:00pm
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Virtual meeting, Zoom
A public information meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 7 at 6:00pm to discuss the Draft Pedestrian Plan. The meeting will include 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.
Registration is required to attend the meeting.
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
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Data Gathering & Assessment of Existing Conditions Completed
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Public Engagement Completed
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Draft Recommendations Completed
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Public Information Meeting Active
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Project Priorities Upcoming
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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 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