Ride the Drive

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Madison Parks Division

A past Ride the Drive event.

After a break of two years, Ride the Drive is back. The city shuts down a handful of downtown streets to traffic, giving bicyclists, rollerbladers and who knows, stilt walkers, the opportunity to enjoy traveling from Camp Randall to McPike Park without cars breathing down their necks. The route connects six parks which will feature all-ages activities. The roads that will be closed from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. are Regent Street from Randall Avenue to West Washington Avenue; Proudfit Street from West Wash to John Nolen Drive; John Nolen from Olin Avenue to East Wilson and Williamson streets; Williamson Street from John Nolen Drive to South Ingersoll; and South Ingersoll from Williamson to East Main Street. Park hubs are Brittingham Park, Edward Kleif Park, Law Park, McPike Park, Olin Park and R. Richard Wagner Park. More info below and updates at ridethedrive.com.

media release: It’s the return of parks and open streets! Ride the Drive is back and set to be Madison’s landmark event of the 2024 summer. On Sunday, August 11, from 10 am to 2 pm, select downtown area streets and parks come alive with the spirit of community.

Ride the Drive is a free, one-day rain-or-shine event promoting the use of alternative transportation with miles of open streets. By threading the route through six key Madison parks, we aim to connect the community, encourage outdoor activity and foster a deeper appreciation for these green spaces. Each of the six Park Hubs offers activities for all ages, food and entertainment.

What roads will be closed and when? The following roads will be closed from 9:00am to 3:00pm:

• Regent St. from Randall Ave. to W. Washington Ave. 
• Proudfit Street / N. Shore Drive from W. Washington Ave. to John Nolen Drive 
• John Nolen Drive from Olin Ave. to E. Wilson and Williamson streets
• Williamson St. from John Nolen Drive to S. Ingersoll St. 
• S. Ingersoll from Williamson to E. Main streets

Park hubs with activities are Edward Kleif Park, 1200 Milton St.; Brittingham Park, 701 W. Brittingham Place; Olin Park, 202 E. Lakeside St.; Law Park, 410 S. Blair St.; R. Richard Wagner Park, 728 Jenifer St.; McPike Park, 202 S. Ingersoll St.

“Ride the Drive is a wonderful Madison tradition for folks of all ages, and I am excited that it is returning this year,” said Mayor Rhodes-Conway. “It celebrates our commitment to creating people-centered spaces by opening streets to all users and is a great opportunity to get outside and visit parks, neighborhoods, and local merchants along the route.”

As a collaborative community endeavor, Ride the Drive links people and organizations who share a passion for healthy living and vibrant public spaces. Businesses and groups eager to contribute to the success of this event may participate at a level that works for them through volunteering, sponsoring or becoming a vendor.

To bring Ride the Drive to life, more than 400 volunteers will build the RTD volunteer crew, including nearly 300 Intersection Guides creating the largest team. Volunteers will be the backbone of the day, ensuring a safe and smooth experience for all, while also enjoying perks such as the exclusive Ride the Drive t-shirt. Most volunteer positions are just 2-3 hours, allowing you time to enjoy the event.

BECOME a VOLUNTEER

We are excited to announce a $10,000 donation for Ride the Drive from the Madison Parks Foundation. Stephanie Franklin, the Foundation’s executive director shared, “Thanks to the generous support from our donors, the Madison Parks Foundation is proud to sponsor this great event and the great programming that is happening in Madison’s parks.”

Sponsors play a pivotal role in transforming Madison parks into hubs of activity and joy for the day. By providing a monetary or in-kind donation, sponsors help cover the logistical needs of this community event while highlighting their commitment to vibrant and vital public spaces and healthy living.

BECOME a SPONSOR

Local businesses, organizations and entrepreneurs make the ideal vendor by enriching the event experience for attendees. Registered vendors may set up in one of the six designated parks or along the route to offer food, crafts and other activities that reflect the diversity and talent of our community. As a bonus, most vendor fees are waived for this one-day event. Check out the vendor website for all the details and to register.

BECOME a VENDOR

To see the route and six park hubs, as well as register to be a volunteer, vendor or sponsor, visit ridethedrive.com.