Below are five guides to popular bicycling routes in Madison. Each guide is broken up into distinct sections with maps providing detailed instructions. These are not group rides but are to be taken whenever you want to go.
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Bicycling Around Lake Monona with the Detour
The route (14.2 miles) around Lake Monona is one of the most popular bicycle trips in Madison. It goes through a mixture of bicycle paths and lightly traveled streets and takes about 90 minutes for the average cyclist. Because of construction on John Nolen drive, there is a detour around Monona Bay that has added 1 1/2 miles to the usual route. The detour will last until the summer of 2027.
Click on A Guide to Bicycling around Lake Mendota with the Detour
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Bicycling the Cannonball Path/Arboretum Loop
The route (8.2 miles) traverses a mixture of bicycle paths, city streets with bike lanes, and a quiet road through the U.W. Arboretum. It takes about 50 minutes for the average cyclist.
Click on A Guide to Bicycling the Cannonball Path/Arboretum Loop
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Bicycling the Southwest Commuter Path/Capital City State Trail Loop with the detour
The route (19.1 miles) is almost entirely on dedicated bicycle paths. It takes about two hours for the average cyclist. Because of construction on John Nolen drive, there is a detour around Monona Bay that has added one mile to the usual route. The detour will last until the summer of 2027.
Click on A Guide to Bicycling the Southwest Commuter Path/Capital City State Trail Loop with the Detour
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Bicycling the McFarland Loop with the Detour
The highlight of this route (19.5 miles) is a mile-long bridge spanning Lake Waubesa. It is the longest inland boardwalk bridge constructed solely for non-motorized transportation in North America. It takes about two hours for the average cyclist. Because of construction on John Nolen drive, there is a detour around Monona Bay that has added 1 1/2 miles to the usual route. The detour will last until the summer of 2027.
Click on A Guide to Bicycling the McFarland Loop with the Detour
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Bicycling the Blackhawk Path/Lake Mendota Drive/Lakeshore Nature Preserve Loop
This 7.8 mile loop begins at Allen Centennial Garden and parallels University Avenue on bike paths before heading over to Lake Mendota Drive, a quiet, tree-lined residential neighborhood. It then follows the Lakeshore Nature Preserve back to the starting point. It takes less than one hour for the average cyclist.
Click on A Guide to Bicycling the Blackhawk Path, Lake Mendota Drive, Lakeshore Nature Preserve Loop
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BCycle Stations along the Route
Madison BCycle has a number of stations along the routes where you can rent an electric bicycle.
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Other Resources
Dane County Bicycle Map
Madison BCycle
Madison Bikes Community (Facebook)
Madison Bikes
Bicycle Benefits
Top 10 Trails to Try in Madison
Biking in Fitchburg
The Ultimate Guide to Biking in Madison Wisconsin
Your Guide to the Lake Monona Bike Loop
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Compiled by Bob Shaw - robert.e.shaw@gmail.com
August 2020; Updated June 2026
