About Madison
BikeScore 65
WalkScore 48
TransitScore 39
Maps
Bike Map
Madison, Dane County, Fitchburg, Middleton, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin State, Badger State Trail, Capital City State Trail, Military Ridge State Trail
A college town at heart, Madison also the state capital of Wisconsin. Wedged on an isthmus between two large beautiful lakes, Madison is teeming with great views and segregated cycle tracks connecting most major areas. It’s a laid-back, mellow town with fantastic food and some incredible breweries, and the infrastructure is good enough to make it easy for even beginners to experience the town by bike without being intimidated.
City Guide
Culture
Similar to Portland, Madison has evolved to the point that doing everyday things by bike is just normal. Unlike Portland, however, Madison has not really used the idea of the bicycle as a means to define itself, so you don’t have the bike-themed extremes, quirks, and oddities that Portland does. It’s just incredibly easy and normal to go do regular things on a bike here. If you’re coming from a place where arriving at work on a bike would cause people to question your sanity, you’ll find it incredibly refreshing.
Etiquette
Hand signals and “On your left” are common but not strictly enforced by peer pressure. As ever, both remain a good idea, and common courtesy. The huge student population on the near-west side means you can expect to find a lot of less-experienced city bikers from State Street out past the University. You can spot them by the bags of groceries dangling precariously from their handlebars, and hear their unloved chains singing out a squeaky song of woe and neglect.
Safety
For the most part, your major destinations are well-served by dedicated cycletracks, which means your ineractions with vehicle traffic are minimal. Cars here tend to be more patient and understanding than in some east coast cities, and many of those Madison drivers are also cyclists, which always helps.
Security
Bike racks are pretty easy to find, and bike theft is no better or worse than you’d expect for a city of severl hundred thousand. Use a good U-lock around town, and bring your bike in at night if you can.
Best Bike Rides in Madison
These routes were curated by local Madisonians who wanted to share their #BestBikeRide with you. Print off the map for free!
Bikes
Spinlister
Spinlister is like the Airbnb of bikes! Use promo code, BIKABOUT, for $10 off
Bike Share
Madison BCycle - $5 for 30 minutes or $15 for a day pass (includes unlimited 60 minute rides)
Rentals
Budget Bikes - $10+ daily for hybrid, mountain, road, vintage, trailer, trail-a-bike with helmet, lock and map
Red Bike Project - FREE bike rental from Budget Bicycle when available
Tours
Hop Head Beer Tours - $40 with bike, $62.50 without bike. Tour includes tasting at three downtown breweries.
Shops
Places
We're constantly updating this list of our favorite bike shops, coffee shops, restaurants, museums, scenic vistas, playgrounds, ice cream, microbreweries and more in Madison!
Mansion Hill Inn is owned by Trek Bikes
+ Lodging (click to expand)
HOTEL RED
Reservations, (608) 819-8228, 1501 Monroe Street, Madison
Amenities: Bikabout map (self-guided cultural route), complimentary B-cycle passes for guests which include lights, basket, fenders and lock
MANSION HILL INN
Reservations, 424 N Pinckney Street, Madison
Amenities: Bikabout map (self-guided cultural route), complimentary B-cycle passes for guests including lights, basket, fenders and lock; bike tools; city bike map; concierge recommendations; indoor secure storage; guests can bring bikes into room
GRADUATE MADISON
Reservations, (608) 257-4391, 601 Langdon St, Madison
Amenities: rental bikes available for $5/hour for up to 4 hours
HOTEL RUBY MARIE
Reservations, 608-327-7829, 524 East Wilson Street, Madison
Amenities: near bike share station and bike trail
Hotel RED is located right near a bike share station and is a great launchpad for many 10+ mile rail trails
Transportation
City Transit
Metro Transit - 100% of bike racks on buses
Train
Amtrak Empire Service (Chicago, Minneapolis) - boxed bikes allowed as checked bags
Bus
Badger Bus (Milwaukee) - “for a $10.00 fee each way, payable in EXACT change CASH only. Bicycles are allowed on the bus either in a box or fully assembled. However, the customer is responsible for placing them under the bus and removing the bike themselves and we are not liable for any damage that may occur in transport. The $10.00 EXACT CASH payment must be made before boarding the bus. Please note that Bikes under the bus are subject to space and not guaranteed to be allowed on high travel days like Fridays, Sundays and holiday travel days.”
Megabus - folding bikes only
Cars
Airline
Lake Mendota sunsets are beautiful
Support Local Advocates
Bikabout donates 25% of annual revenue to local advocates. You, too, can power better biking in Madison and Wisconsin by becoming a member of any of Wisconsin Bike Fed!
Want to experience first-hand the impact UW-Madison’s largest volunteer program is making in Madison communities? Take this 10 mile self-guided bike ride of iconic landmarks in Madison.