The streets are making us car-azy 🚗

Answered: Where Madisonians want pedestrian-friendly areas

What would State Street or Willy Street look like with walkable districts? | Graphic provided by © GDCI, Global Street Design Guide

Last week, we talked about walkable infrastructure in Madison — specifically, shared + pedestrian-only streets.

While we broke down a few pedestrian-friendly spots that already exist in the 608 (like State Street + Willy Street), we turned to you all — the lovely Madisonians always seeking betterment in our city — to ask where you think pedstrian-only or shared streets should go. Here’s what you said.

You want more walkable zones, just about everywhere:

“Everywhere! Around the Capitol blocks other than State, Willy St, Atwood, even Johnson or E Wash. There are so many opportunities to make areas more walkable, livable, pedestrian-friendly, and attractive as we encourage people to expand beyond the isthmus.” — Elisabeth T.

“Williamson St, Atwood Ave, E Wilson St.” — Lexi O.

And some of you have the ideas to make it happen:

“More pedestrian-friendly crossing on East Washington.(Need I say more?) And in Fitchburg, better crossing experiences on McKee Rd. It seems that the wider the street, the less friendly it is to foot traffic.” — Nancy G.

“Atwood-Schenk. There is already the bike path running through it, and some restaurants use their parking lots for outdoor dining. But a whole street that has a permanent festival / outdoor eating vibe in the summer would be amazing.” — Mandy G.

With lots of input about State Street:

“State Street, could be similar to Boulder Colorado’s Pearl St.” — Ann P.

“State St needs to be a pedestrian mall. Deliveries by 10AM and then street closed.” — Leanne P.

“Lower State Street... make it pedestrian only. Let BRT stay on upper State...” — Tom R.

Share this story with someone you'd love to roam a more pedestrian-friendly Madison with.

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Today

Arts Forward Together 2022 | Fri., Sept. 16 | 4-7 p.m. | Chazen Museum of Art, 750 University Ave. | Free | Join the Division of the Arts in welcoming arts faculty and staff back to campus + check out the mobile screen printing station. 🎨
Live On King St | Fri., Sept. 16 | 7 p.m. | 100 Block MLK Jr. Blvd. | Free | Jam out during the 608’s last installment of the free, outdoor concert this year — this time with Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe. 🎶

Saturday

Madison Odd Market 2022 | Sat., Sept. 17 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Crucible, 3116 Commercial Ave. | Shop for some of the city’s most eclectic + unique treasures during the second annual market hosted by Madam Cora’s Emporium.
Forward Madison: Pajamboree | Sat., Sept. 17 | 5 p.m. | Breese Stevens Field | $20+ | It’s a pajama party — wear your pajamas to the match and enjoy some breakfast for dinner. ⚽ *

Sunday

The Big Big Comedy Show | Sun., Sept. 18 | 1-4 p.m. | The Bur Oak, 2262 Winnebago St. | $15 | Winners of Madison’s Funniest Comic Contest will take the stage along with guest comedians hailing from all over the Midwest.
Live Jazz Series at The Cider Farm| Sun., Sept. 18 | 2-4 p.m. | The Cider Farm, 8216 Watts Rd. | Sip on local ciders in the tasting room during a serenade by Helen & Anthony from the Feest Quintet. 🍷

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

For tickets to local and regional events, check out our 6AM Tickets resale marketplace.*

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

80º | Partly cloudy | 10% chance of rain

State

Wisconsin is one of six states to win a federal grant to support suicide prevention via the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The state will receive $868,730 this year + similar amounts in the next four years. (NBC 15)

Opening

Prost! This isn’t just us going in for a cheers, though. Say hello to the 608’s new German beer hall — Prost! — opening tomorrow, Sat., Sept. 17. Drop by anytime after noon to celebrate Oktoberfest + enjoy brews, giant pretzels, and wurst. 🥨

Outdoors

During this week’s “Bike Dane” meeting, County Executive Joe Parisi announced changes coming to local trails. Cyclists can expect to see a four-mile addition to North Mendota Trail + restorations to the Capital City Trail. 🚲 (NBC 15)

Eat

The food and beverage scene changes as quickly as the weather in Madison. Check out these 30+ restaurants and bars that are opening, closing, and shaking things up around the Isthmus. (Madison Magazine)

Try This

Level up your kitchen skills, 608. From Dim Sum and small plates to brunch classics and Oktoberfest feasts, DelecTable’s new cooking classes are sure to bolster your culinary expertise.

Plan Ahead

Yahara Bay Distillers — a Madison-based microbrewery — is hosting live events all month long, kicking off on Sat., Oct. 1. Sip on local beers alongside live music + comedy nights. 🍻

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Food

Cheers to Negroni Week, 608 🥃

Whether it’s a rocks, martini, or collins glass, we’ll drink just about any Negroni this week. | Photo by @cor.kor

The 10th annual Negroni Week is in full swing, nationally + here on the Isthmus.

Need a refresher on the cocktail? Expect to taste:

1 oz. gin
1 oz. campari
1 oz. sweet vermouth
Optional garnish of orange peel

For anyone looking to sip on the stirred, Italian cocktail, check out these spots around town:

Sardine | 617 Williamson St.
The Robin Room | 821 E Johnson St.
Genna’s Cocktail Lounge | 105 W. Main St.
Leopold’s Books Bar Caffè | 1301 Regent St.

Pro tip: Leopold’s is donating $2 from every sale to the Wisconsin Alliance for Women’s Health.

If you fancy yourself an at-home mixologist, stock your bar with local products + follow one of these recipes to get in the spirit.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Ryan.

Editor’s pick: Today’s lunch was provided by Alimentari — a European-style market owned and operated by the team behind A Pig In A Fur Coat. My recommendation? The porchetta sandwich topped with goat cheese, apple, fennel, arugula, and honey.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We covered Madison Public Library’s takeover program.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Ally Geiger, Ryan Waldman, Dayten Rose, Josh Kranzberg, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Julie Brown | Advertise with us.

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