Get ready to stroll, roll, pedal or glide at Ride the Drive 2025! This year’s event is set for Sunday, August 10 and features three park hubs linked by 2.38 miles of closed streets including portions of John Nolen Drive and Williamson Street. Park hubs, with all-ages activities, food and entertainment include Olin Park, Law Park and McPike Park.
Since the inaugural Ride the Drive in 2009, this event continues to celebrate Madison’s commitment to a healthy, active lifestyle focusing on the environmental and economic impacts and the importance of social integration.
Ride the Drive encourages healthy living for adults and children by promoting alternative methods of transportation without the fear or noise of motor vehicles. As a single, one-day, free community event for all ages; last year’s event attracted an estimated 12,000 participants. The event closes select city streets to motor vehicles and offers Parks Hubs along the route overflowing with free activities.
Madison Parks is thrilled to announce a generous $10,000 donation to Ride the Drive from the Madison Parks Foundation. Stephanie Franklin, the Foundation’s Executive Director, expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thanks to the incredible support from our donors, the Madison Parks Foundation is honored to sponsor this fantastic event and contribute to the amazing programming taking place in Madison’s parks.”
Ride the Drive 2025 will close John Nolen Drive from Olin Avenue to Williamson St. and Williamson Street to Ingersoll Street from 9:00am to 3:00pm on Sunday, August 10. Nearly 200 volunteers are essential to the success of Ride the Drive, including around 100 intersection guides playing a crucial role as the first point of contact for many RTD participants. Most shifts are 2 hours, allowing volunteers time to enjoy the event.
Ride the Drive is organized by the City of Madison Parks Division, in partnership with numerous City agencies and local organizations.
How to Participate
Be a Volunteer
Join us as a volunteer with roles like setup, intersection guide, cleanup, and info booth staff. Each volunteer will receive a 2025 Ride the Drive t-shirt.
Be a Sponsor
Become a sponsor to associate your business to this environmentally positive event promoting healthy living.
Be a Vendor or Exhibitor
If you’re a local business, artist or organization, showcase your offerings by becoming a RTD vendor.
See RideTheDrive.com for event details.
