2011 – 2012 Legislative Priorities
Goal 1: Maintain and Increase Infrastructure funding
Work to protect and enhance funding for bicycle infratrusture and planning.
UPDATE: Restored $2,000,000 to the Bicycle & Pedestrian Facilities Fund in the 2011-2012 biennial budget after the fund at been zeroed out in the Governor’s draft dudget.
Goal 2: Adopt Vulnerable User Legislation
Provides for greater penalties for motorists injuring or killing vulnerable users of the road
States with law: Illinois (allows for Class 3 felony), Oregon (commentary here), New York (A07917-C S5292-B), Delaware
Goal 3: Adopt technical revisions to bicycling laws
Adopt various technical revisions to bicycling laws, including right hand signaling, bicycle lighting, definition of bicycling, use of studded tires on the roadway, and passing slow moving vehicles when a solid yellow line is present.
UPDATE: Passed AB265 on November 16th, 2011. Details here.
Goal 4: Change state law to allow local municipalities to regulate moped parking
Currently under state law local municipalities cannot regulate the location of moped parking. Proposed changes to state law would allow local municipalities the option to regulate by passing a local ordinance.
UPDATE: Passed AB265 on November 16th, 2011. Details here.
2011-12 Policy Priorities
Goal 1: Ensure proper and positive implementation of Wisconsin’s Complete Streets law
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has released guidance on the implementation of the state’s Complete Streets law (TRANS 75) and is nearing completion of FDM 11-46 formalize the law in the Facilities Development Manual that is referenced by engineers and municipalities throughout the state when constructing new or reconstructing old transportation facilities. The Bike Fed should ensure that this document properly reflects the intent of the law and that it is complied with following implementation.
Goal 2: Develop a consistent process to review state and local transportation projects
The Bike Fed needs to define a consistent process for when to review state and local transportation projects. This process should define when a project should be reviewed, who is responsible for reviewing it, and the steps needed to offer constructive comments to the sponsoring agency.
Goal 3: Advocate for bicycling facilities on specific projects of critical importance
Specific transportation projects in Wisconsin are of critical importance for expanding bicycle access and connectivity. These projects often involve bridge reconstructions but this is not always the case. The Bike Fed should identify critical infrastructure projects that may not include bicycle facilities, and should advocate for the inclusion of such facilities in each project. Two specific projects are noted below.
Goal 3a: Allow Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodations on the redesigned and reconstructed Hoan Bridge
There is currently no plan to provide for bicycle and pedestrian accommodations on the reconstructed Milwaukee Hoan Bridge over the Milwaukee River. Work with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, the City of Milwaukee and the Governor’s Office to insure accommodations are provided.
Goal #3b: Allow Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodations on the redesigned and reconstructed Dresbach Bridge
There is currently no plan to provide for bicycle and pedestrian accommodations on the reconstructed Dresbach Bridge where Interstate 90 crosses the Mississippi barge channel at La Crosse. Work with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and the Governor’s Office to insure accommodations are provided and assist the Minnesota advocates in working with the Minnesota Department of Transportation. MNDOT is the lead on the Wisconsin/Minnesota connection.
Legislative History
- 1995 Updated of the state’s bicycle laws defining a bicyclist’s rights.
- 2007 Protected funding for our state trails, reinstate funding for bicycle facilities.
- 2009-10 1) Established $5,000,000 Bicycle & Pedestrian Facilities Fund in the state budget. 2) Created one of the nation’s first complete-streets statutes. 3) Created a law to protect bicyclists and other road users from the careless opening of car doors into traffic.
- 2011 1) Restored $2,000,000 to the Bicycle & Pedestrian Facilities Fund after it had been zeroed out in the draft budget. 2) Passed Bicycle Tune-Up Bill which updated technical bicycle provisions. Details here.
