Cycle for Sight

media release: One hour of exercise in the next month can help vision researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. 

The 2026 Cycle for Sight fundraiser begins on Saturday, March 14, and runs through Thursday, April 30. Cycle for Sight participants can take part in two ways, either at the Princeton Club or by choosing when and how they exercise within the event period. The event kicks off with indoor biking at Princeton Club West in Madison from 9 a.m. to noon.

The annual event raises money for eye researchers working to find cures for blinding diseases at the McPherson Eye Research Institute at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Blinding diseases affect millions of Americans, including nearly 100,000 people in Wisconsin.

Participants sign up with a team or as individuals and then choose their preferred exercise; walking, running or biking. The registration fee is $15 per rider. Teams can be any size.

The event has raised more than $650,000 since it began in 2012.

All donations directly support research into conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, according to Dr. David Gamm, director of the McPherson Eye Research Institute.

“Over the past 15 years, Cycle for Sight has helped fuel transformative research into blinding disorders,” said Gamm, who is also a UW Health Kids ophthalmologist. “This sustained community support is crucial to move our work forward and give hope to the thousands of people impacted by low vision.”

To register for Cycle for Sight or to donate to the ride, visit the event webpage. Cycle for Sight is also on Facebook.