If you’re a Madisonian, you’re no stranger to seeing cyclists all over the city! Cycling is popular within the city, as well as around it, with a wide range of bike paths ready to explore.
The Cycling City
With 61 miles of bike paths, 117 miles of bike routes, and 146 miles of streets with marked bike lanes, it’s no wonder so many Madisonians choose biking over driving to get to their destinations! Did you know that some bikers opt to register their bikes just as they would a car? Our residents take cycling very seriously! This guide by the City of Madison is a great place to start if you’d like to dip a toe into Madison’s bike scene.
Rent a Ride
If you’re not ready to commit to your own bike, Madison has some great rental options. The city’s official bike program, BCycle, offers our community a network of electric bikes to pick up and return whenever you need them. With various locations around the city, all you have to do is sign up for membership on their website to get on the road. It’s such a great way to experiment with biking before you decide to invest in your own.
So now you have your bike at the ready, where should you begin?
The Lake Monoano Loop is a popular bike path with locals in Madison. A 13-mile loop in total, the path includes some great views from the Madison Skyline to the lakeside beauty. This is a great path to follow as it is mostly paved with low-traffic streets and is safe to be enjoyed for families as well as solo.
The UW-Madison Arboretum has a number of access points. For the best bike path, enter from the East Entrance on N Wingra Dr to enjoy the paved route throughout the Arboretum. While there are a number of routes popular with visitors, they all offer a scenic view throughout for all to enjoy.
If you are looking for a mountain bike route, the Quarry Ridge Trail System is over three miles long, providing a great terrain for exploring on wheels. It is suitable for all skill levels and can provide a fun and exciting variation for cycling in Madison.
The Lakeshore Path is another popular route in Madison. The Lakeshore Path is the ribbon that ties the entire Lakeshore Nature Preserve together - the path either runs through or near all the major areas in the Preserve.
If you are looking to get out and about this summer on your bike, check out the City of Madison’s bicycle plan here to help you plan your route around the city.