Sydney and I took a drive from Milwaukee to Madison to check out the Ride the Drive event. The basic idea is that about a 6-mile route of streets were closed off the motor vehicles to allow cyclists, pedestrians, skateboarders, roller blades, strollers and runners to enjoy the streets to see and experience Madison from a different perspective in a car-free environment.
Sydney rode her Trek 820, a nice old steel version, and I rode a Smitty.
The event was co-chaired by Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz and John Burke of Trek Bicycles. who had the following goals for running the event:
• To allow bikers, runners, skaters, walkers and even families with strollers to enjoy six miles of Madison streets normally reserved for motor vehicle use
• To establish Madison as one of America’s most bicycle-friendly cities
• To bring the community of Madison together for a fun, community-affirming event
• To invite Madisonians to consider adding non-motorized means of travel to their daily lives
• To bring Madison residents downtown to patronize stores, boutiques and restaurants
• To invite people to discover neighborhoods in a safe, family-oriented way
• To point out the vital role roadways play in recreation, transportation and the overall health and welfare of our community
• To enable citizens to see the city from a whole new perspective and pace
Syd enjoyed the bike obstacle course, the Art Cart where she made a bubble wand , tracing our feet on the street and riding through the tunnel where there were musicians playing. She also was thrilled that there is a Jimmy John’s on State St. because that is her favorite sub shop and we had lunch there.
I enjoyed the time with my daughter!
It would be great to see an event like this in Milwaukee. If you have ideas on how this could happen shoot me a note to greg@schlickcycles.com