Middleton, WI — The City of Middleton, in collaboration with the Pedestrian, Bicycle and Transit Committee (PBTC), is excited to announce the launch of Week Without Driving from September 30 to October 6, 2024. This event encourages all residents to explore car-free transportation options, such as walking, biking, or using Metro Transit’s recently expanded bus services.

The week will kick off with a regional event on Monday, September 30, during the morning commute, offering resources and tips on navigating Middleton without a car. Later in the week, residents are invited to participate in a community bike ride on Saturday, October 5, to celebrate car-free living and enjoy Middleton’s scenic streets and trails.

Middleton Mayor Emily Kuhn emphasized the city’s commitment to reducing traffic and improving sustainability: “Middleton’s Week Without Driving is an opportunity for us to take meaningful steps towards a more sustainable future. By leaving our cars at home, we can all significantly reduce traffic congestion, lower emissions, and promote healthier lifestyles. I encourage everyone to participate and experience the many ways Middleton makes it easier to get around without driving.”

Throughout the week, the City will highlight Middleton-specific facts on social media, sharing key information from Middleton Resolution 2024-35 (https://shorturl.at/IzST8), adopted city plans, and transit improvements. The City’s new bus routes now interface with the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, making it even more convenient to go car-free.

Tad Dockery, Chair of the Pedestrian, Bicycle and Transit Committee, shared his enthusiasm for the initiative: “Middleton is already easier to get around by walking, biking, and using the bus than many people realize. I hope that during the Week Without Driving, they take the opportunity to discover that.”

Furthermore, regional transportation planning staff at the Greater Madison Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) invite area residents to share their experiences throughout the week via this reflection form at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/week-without-driving. MPO staff will select insights to share on social media to help raise awareness about the Week Without Driving.

Resources to help residents participate include the America Walks Week Without Driving Challenge and RoundTripGreaterMadisonMPO.org, which provide additional support and guidance for going car-free.

Key Event Details:

·         Monday, Sept. 30: Regional kickoff during the morning commute

·         Saturday, Oct. 5, 3:00 pm: Community Bike Ride,  Stone Horse Green

For more information, follow the City of Middleton on social media for daily updates and transportation tips during Week Without Driving. Join us in this exciting week and experience the benefits of going car-free in Middleton!