Ride the Drive Information

What is Ride the Drive? 
The free event is happening on Sunday, August 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. as select city streets close to motor vehicles and six Park Hubs overflow with free activities, bike checks, food, and entertainment. Ride the Drive began in 2009 as an event celebrating Madison’s commitment to healthy, active living. This tradition continues as thousands of people come together to experience parks and open streets in a single, one-day, free, community event. 

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

What’s the best way to experience Ride the Drive? 
There is no wrong way to enjoy Ride the Drive. The approximately 4-mile route travels in both directions. Most folks bike but we've seen rollerblades, skateboards, unicycles, walking with strollers and more. Start your RTD journey at any of the six Park Hubs offering free activities, free bike checks, restrooms, a water refill station, free balloons, RTD merchandise, food, and entertainment.

Six Park Hubs - click the park name for the latest activities, entertainment, and food:

• Edward Klief Park, 1200 Milton Street, partnering with Public Health Madison & Dane County
• Brittingham Park, 701 W. Brittingham Place, partnering with Madison Boats
• Olin Park, 202 E. Lakeside Street, partnering with Madison School & Community Recreation (MSCR)
• Law Park, 410 S. Blair Street, partnering with City of Madison Community Development Division & Warner Park Community Recreation Center
• R. Richard Wagner Park, 728 Jenifer Street, partnering with Olbrich Botanical Gardens & Madison Elks Lodge 410
• McPike Park, 202 S. Ingersoll Street, partnering with Sessions at McPike Park

Street Closures & Cross-Traffic Access Points
The following roads are closed on Sunday, August 11, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with controlled cross-traffic at designated streets:

• Regent Street from Randall Avenue to W. Washington Avenue
  • Controlled Cross-Traffic Allowed: Mills Street, Park Street, W. Washington Avenue
• Proudfit Street / North Shore Drive from W. Washington Avenue to John Nolen Drive
  • Controlled Cross-Traffic Allowed: W. Main Street
• John Nolen Drive from Olin Avenue to E. Wilson and Williamson Streets
  • Controlled access allowed to the Machinery Row parking lot
• Williamson Street from John Nolen Drive to S. Ingersoll Street
  • Controlled Cross-Traffic Allowed: Patterson Street
• S. Ingersoll Street from Williamson to E. Main Streets

Metro Transit detours are available here.

See RideTheDrive.com for event details, including Park Hub activities, route map and more!