Madison is one of the top Bicycling Cities in the Nation! In 1972 Madison began the move to make our city a bicyclist’s community. Now we have a network of off-street paths and bike lanes, road signals and more. With off-road and on-road bike paths, there’s plenty to choose from for the seasoned cyclist to the young or inexperienced.
Here, bicyclists are expected to obey the rules of the road just like any motorist. In return, we pay them the same respect : bike paths get plowed after snow storms (yes, we even have winter cyclists!) and debris is actively cleared. As a very bike-friendly city, motorists and pedestrians are actively aware and considerate of the bicyclist’s whereabouts.
City of Madison has been a great resource in collaborating this information. Visit their website to do your own research!
Bicycling in Madison Awards
Platinum-level recognition by the League of American Bicyclists (November 2015)
10 Best Cycling Towns in America by USA Today Reader’s Choice (April 2014)
A Top 10 Cycling Town by 10best.com Reader’s Choice
Most Bike-Friendly Cities in the US by Travel CNN (March 2013)
A Top 50 Bike-Friendly Cities by Bicycling Magazine (May 2012)
America’s Top 50 Bike-Friendly Cities by Bicycling Magazine (June 2010)
Bicycle Registration
Why register your bike? It’s just like any other vehicle.
- Coverage deters theft
- Recovery of stolen items is more possible
- Rider identification is easier in case of accidents and emergencies
Registration costs $10 for 4 years of coverage. To register, visit the City of Madison Register Your Bike website!
State Trails : Bicycling Pass
With over 40 State Trails to choose from, there’s a never-ending selection of routes and scenery you can see! Did you know some of these trails require a bicycle pass?
Annual Pass : $25 | Daily Pass : $5
Don’t get caught without one! $5 fee for trail users without a bike pass! Trail fees go towards trail maintenance, debris pick up, path clearing, safety monitoring and more! For more information on trails, parks and recreation areas that require a pass, visit the Wisconsin DNR parks website.
Madison Metro Bus Racks
Traveling long distances across the isthmus-city can be difficult. Catch the bus and plop your bike on the front! Free to use, buses accomodate up to two bikes. The City of Madison Bike Racks website has even more great resources such as how to load your bike the proper way, bus and bike etiquette
Madison B-Cycle
Renting bicycles at an affordable and convenient means. At any number of locations, available bicycles are lined up and ready to use all over town. Look out for the racks full of red bikes! Buy a membership for 1 day, 1 month, or 1 year! After 30 minutes of free use, small fees will apply. Don’t want to pay the hourly fee? Just return your bike and pick up a new one!
Bike Features:
- Skirt and chain guards
- Handle-bar baskets
- Automatic lights
- 3-speed
Bicycle Programs
Ride The Drive
Twice a year, this car-free event makes streets open to cyclists, walkers, rollerbladers and more. Bringing over 20,000 people out, there’s live music, food, activities and of course, Riding the Drive!
Bike Week
Bringing out Madison Residents from their cars and onto two wheels! Save gas and get fit during Bike Week! Many of our neighbors already commute by bike on a regular basis!
Safe Routes to School
Our schools teach students the rules of the road, bicycle safety tips and bike gear! For more bike safety tips, read up on 10 Smart Rules to Bike Safety.
