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 an event celebrating Madison’s commitment to healthy, active living. The event brings thousands of happy people together to experience parks and open streets in a single, one-day, free, community event. This year, on Sunday, August 11 select city streets close to motor vehicles and six Parks Hubs overflow with free activities for all ages! Participants can begin their RTD journey anywhere along the route and stroll, roll, pedal or glide from Park Hub to Park Hub. 

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 by stopping by an Info Booth at one of the six Park Hubs: Edward Klief, Brittingham, Olin, Law, R. Richard Wagner or McPike. Pick up a map & activities program or scan the QR code then be sure to pick up your RTD Prize Pass (see next question). Each park offers all-ages activities and most also offer free basic bike checks, entertainment and food for purchase. See Parks Hubs for the lineup. Restrooms are available at McPike Park and portable restrooms are available at Klief, Brittingham, Olin and Law parks. 

What is a Parks Prize Pass? 
Pick up a Parks Prize Pass from the Madison Parks Info Booth at each of the six Park Hubs. Visit six (6) food/vendor booths, one at each of the six Park Hubs.
Fill in your name, phone and email address & drop off a completed Prize Pass at any Madison Parks Info booth. Winners will be drawn the week after Ride the Drive. You do not need to be present to win. 

What roads are closed and when? 
The following roads are closed on Sunday, August 11, from 9:00am to 3:00pm:

• Regent St. from Randall Ave. to W. Washington Ave. 
  • Controlled Cross-Traffic Allowed: Mills Street, Park Street, W. Washington Ave. 
• Proudfit Street / N. Shore Drive from W. Washington Ave. to John Nolen Drive 
  • Controlled Cross-Traffic Allowed: W. Main St.
• John Nolen Drive from Olin Ave. to E. Wilson and Williamson streets
  • Controlled access allowed to the Machinery Row parking lot
• Williamson St. from John Nolen Drive to S. Ingersoll St. 
  • Controlled Cross-Traffic Allowed: Patterson St. 
• S. Ingersoll from Williamson to E. Main streets
• See MAP for more information, including controlled cross-traffic access points. 

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. 

Is the parking lot at Machinery Row open?  
Yes! In addition to participating in Ride the Drive, Machinery Row Bicycles and Sardine are open for business. Controlled access is allowed into the parking lot serving these businesses.  

Accessible parking is available at the Blair St. lot at Law Park. Access from E. Washington Ave. to Blair St. to Machinery Row parking lot. 

What if I live along the route? 
During Ride the Drive, certain streets will be closed to ensure the safety and enjoyment of participants. However, we assure residents along or near the route that no one will be stranded at their residence or place of business. If you need to exit the area, please be patient and approach the nearest street. A volunteer will assist you during a break in the crowd or when it is safe to temporarily stop pedestrian traffic, allowing you to exit the area. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

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. Limited cross-traffic is allowed on designated streets. See next question for locations.  

Which roads may I cross the route by vehicle?   
Cross-traffic is limited and allowed under control of an MPD officer or RTD volunteer at the following streets, from approximately 9:00am to 3:00pm:

• Across Regent Street: Mills Street, Park Street, W. Washington Ave.
• Across Proudfit St: W. Main Street
• Across Williamson Street: Patterson

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., Blair Street to E. Wilson (right turn only allowed), 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 300 volunteers are needed on the day of the event. Registration is open through Wednesday, August 7. 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. Bring your own water bottle or purchase a Madison Parks water bottle from any of the Info/Merch Booth at any Park Hub. 

How long is the RTD route?
Edward Klief Park to McPike Park with stops at Brittingham, Olin, Law, R. Richard Wagner is approximately 4.8 miles. The return direct route McPike to Klief brings the total miles to approx. 7.1 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 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.  Mopeds are not allowed.  Ride the Drive is about experiencing John Nolen Drive, and other city streets without the noise of motor vehicles. 

Is Ride the Drive an accessible event? 
Yes! The 4-mile route is completely accessible. Disabled parking is available at the Blair St. parking lot at Law Park. Access from E. Washington Ave. to Blair St. to Machinery Row parking lot. Each Park Hub provides accessible portable restrooms or accessible restroom building (McPike 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 Edward Klief, Brittingham, Olin, Law and R. Richard Wagner parks. The restroom building is available at McPike Park.   

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.

BCycle BONUS: Check out a Madison BCycle using promo code: RIDETHEDRIVE2024 to receive half-off a monthly pass - unlimited rides for 30 days for just $16.88.

Are RTD t-shirts available for purchase? 
Yes! RTD 2024 t-shirts may be purchased by cash or check from the Info/Merch Booth at each of the six Park Hubs. Adult sizes S-4XL are available for just $15 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