CITY OF SUN PRAIRIE CHALLENGES RESIDENTS AND LOCAL LEADERS TO EXPERIENCE LIFE WITHOUT DRIVING

300 East Main Street
Sun Prairie, WI 53590-2227
Website: https://cityofsunprairie.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 28, 2026
Zia Brucaya
Program Manager, Greater Madison MPO
zbrucaya@cityofmadison.com
(608) 266-9114
 

SUN PRAIRIE, Wis. – Could you still get to work, buy groceries or make it to an appointment if driving suddenly wasn’t an option?

That is the question behind Week Without Driving, taking place October 1-8, 2026. Sun Prairie is joining communities across Dane County in encouraging people who regularly drive, especially local leaders and
transportation professionals, to experience what it can be like to get around without a personal vehicle. Participants can join the challenge for the full week, one day, or one trip by walking, rolling, biking,
 taking public transit, carpooling or getting a ride from someone else for a trip they would normally drive alone.

An estimated 30-40% of Dane County residents are non-drivers, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. This includes older adults, young people, people with disabilities, people who cannot afford to drive, and people who choose not to drive. An injury, change in health or other life circumstance can also make anyone a non-driver, temporarily or permanently. Sun Prairie resident Laura Pollick spoke about the importance of transportation options while accepting the city’s Week Without Driving proclamation at a Common Council meeting. Pollick, who does not drive, relies on paratransit to visit her 90-year-old mother in memory care in Middleton each week. Before she had access to paratransit, she could make the trip only once every three months.

“I’m glad Sun Prairie is participating,” Pollick said. “I think it helps city officials see, appreciate and become more aware of the alternatives and the ways there are to get around. They are so, so
important.”

Sun Prairie is participating alongside DeForest, Fitchburg, Madison, Middleton, Monona, Oregon, Verona and Waunakee. The Greater Madison Metropolitan Planning Organization and Capital Area Regional
Planning Commission have also formally recognized the week. As part of local Week Without Driving activities, AARP Wisconsin will lead a Walk & Roll Audit on Monday, October 5, from 1–3 p.m., with support from the City of Sun Prairie and the Greater Madison MPO. The audit will begin at the Sun Prairie Public Library, 1350 Linnerud Drive.

During the audit, participants will travel through the surrounding area to examine sidewalks, street crossings and connections and discuss what could make the area safer and easier to navigate for people
of all ages and abilities. Registration is required.

For event details, registration information and ways to participate in Week Without Driving, visit
greatermadisonmpo.org/weekwithoutdriving.
 
About City of Sun Prairie
Sun Prairie is a vibrant and thriving community located in northeastern Dane county, just east of the City of Madison. The City of Sun Prairie has experienced strong population growth since its incorporation
from a village to a city in 1958, undergoing a transformation from a relatively small community of less than 4,000 to an estimated 36,394 today.

About the Greater Madison Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)
The Greater Madison MPO leads a cooperative, comprehensive regional transportation planning process and allocates millions of dollars in federal funding to local transportation projects.