Frequently Asked Questions

Ride the Drive | Sunday • August 10 • 2025 | 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 10 will offer a sneak peek of the future of John Nolen Drive and Madison LakeWay as select city streets close to motor vehicles and three 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? 
Enjoy Ride the Drive any way you like! The 4-mile route accommodates bikers, rollerbladers, skateboarders, unicyclists, and walkers with or without strollers. Begin your adventure at an Info Booth at one of the three Park Hubs: Olin, Law, or McPike, to collect a map, activities program, and your RTD Prize Pass. Each park features activities for all ages, free basic bike checks, entertainment, and food for purchase. Restrooms are available at McPike Park, with portable restrooms at 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 three Park Hubs. Visit three (3) food/vendor booths, one at each of the three 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 10, from 9:00am to 3:00pm:

• 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! Madison Boats at Brittingham Park is open for business. 

Is the parking lot at Machinery Row open?  
Yes! 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 10 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 the control of an MPD officer or RTD volunteer at the following streets, from approximately 9:00am to 3:00pm:

• 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 180 volunteers are needed on the day of the event. Registration is open through Wednesday, August 6. 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?
Olin to Law to McPike is approximately 2.38 miles, for a complete loop of 4.76 total 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 nearly 5-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  Olin and Law parks. A 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.

Are RTD t-shirts available for purchase? 
Yes! RTD 2025 t-shirts may be purchased by cash or check from the Info/Merch Booth at each of the three 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