A young Black man stands next to his electric bike while taking in the views at the Allen Centennial Gardens

Sharon Vanorny

Madison By Bike

Four Rides. Four Vibes.

Madison By Bike welcomes you to explore the capital city. Pedal across four Madison bike trails, each with their own vibe, and stop along the way to redeem exclusive discounts and earn prizes.

There's no better way to get around our platinum-level biking city than on two wheels. Let our free pass guide you on your capital city summer adventures

No bike? No problem. Madison By Bike users receive an EXCLUSIVE discount for 1/2 off Madison BCycle single ride passes. Sign up now for FREE.

NEW: Riders can choose to experience the trails in Spanish as well as English! ¡Los ciclistas pueden elegir experimentar los senderos en español y en inglés!


Pedal. Stop. Win. 🏆

Earn points for stopping at Madison By Bike check in locations along the trails. 

20 points

Earn an exclusive Madison By Bike sticker.

A sticker that says Madison BY Bike on top and has illustrations of the Capitol, lakes, a bike, a hot air balloon and butterflies

50 points

Earn a Madison By Bike sport water bottle.

A white sport-squeeze water bottle with the Madison By Bike logo on it

30 points

Make a $5 donation to Bikes for Kids Wisconsin.

A graphic that says Bikes for Kids Wisconsin $5 Donation

70 points

Make a $10 donation to Bikes for Kids Wisconsin.

A graphic that says Bikes for Kids Wisconsin $10 Donation

50 points

Earn a Madison By Bike cross-body belt bag.

A white belt bag with a black strap and the Madison By Bike logo on front

100 points

Enter to win a Schwinn Marshall Step-Thru Electric Bike and helmet.

A blue electric bicycle from Schwinn


Your ride. Your vibe.

Start with the trail that best fits your vibe. Earn more points (and get more prizes) by trying them all.

An illustration of a lake and bike path along the west side of the lake with icons showing a conservancy, park, Monona Terrace, Working Draft Beer, a sandwich, the Yahara River, Weary Traveler, a squirrel, Monty's Blue Plate Diner and Starkweather Brewing

Capital City Trail

Lakeshore views to brews.

Grab a BCycle at the Sheraton Madison Hotel near Turville Bay and make your way to Starkweather Brewing Company. Along the way, you’ll catch great views of Lake Monona, marvel at the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Monona Terrace, grab some brews and bites, and connect with nature at some of Madison’s favorite parks.

An illustrated map showing a lake with a bike path along the side with icons showing a picnic table, a Native American sculpture, a marsh, ice cream in a mug, a beach, an observation hill, a pond and a Terrace ChairLakeshore Path

Peninsula walks to terrace talks.

Dive into Madison’s natural history along the shoreline of Lake Mendota starting at the stunning Picnic Point and ending at the iconic Memorial Union Terrace on the UW-Madison campus. Along the way, stop to take in views at University Bay Marsh (maybe even spot a heron!), grab a coffee at The Bean and Creamery and witness the history of the Ho-Chunk Nation at the Native American effigy mounds near Observatory Hill.

An illustrated graphic showing a bike trail with icons along the way of a goat, park, chips and salsa and a conservancy.

Cannonball Loop

Parks to patios in one loop.

Hop between the cityscape and great outdoors on the Cannonball Loop. Rent a BCycle at the Wyndham Garden Hotel in Fitchburg and loop through Cannonball Path, riding through the Dawley Conservancy and UW-Madison Arboretum before ending your ride with brews and bites from some of Fitchburg’s favorite eateries.

An illustrated map of a bike path connecting two lakes with a duck icon, orange tree, Camp Randall Stadium, a taco and coffee cup and kayak along the waySouthwest Commuter Path

Boat. Bike. Boat.

Take on Madison by bike AND by boat on the Southwest Commuter Path. Grab a BCycle at Wingra Boats and ride along the scenic trail, stopping to take a picture outside Camp Randall Stadium, shop on Monroe Street, enjoy tacos and coffee (in one spot!) and end your ride at Brittingham Boats on Monona Bay. Bookend your ride by renting a kayak, canoe, SUP or other watercraft from either (or both!) boat rental shops.


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