Newsletter of the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin.
Here is Vol. 2, No. 2, of Wisconsin Bicyclist (Summer 1996).
By Jeanne Hoffman
According to a study conducted by the Rails to Trails Conservancy, Wisconsin ranks 48th in Enhancements project awards (which includes bicycle facilities). Wisconsin received this low ranking despite the fact that the Wisconsin Department of Transportation's (WisDOT) Enhancements program has a federal allocation of approximately $10.5 million each year or 10 % of Surface Transportation Project (STP) funds [see ISTEA primer story]. The reason for this shortfall is at best unclear. WisDOT blames the state legislature. State legislators claim to have been misled by WisDOT.
In past years, the state legislature has passed transportation budgets that allowed WisDOT to spend $4.65 million of Enhancements funds in 1994 and 1995 and $3.0 million in 1996 and 1997. This means that WisDOT has spent $15.3 million of the total $52.7 million in eligible federal funds. State legislators claim that WisDOT has never fully supported the Enhancement Program. To be sure, the Enhancements are not the only program for bicycle and pedestrian facilities, but the Enhancements target projects that wouldn't be funded under normal transportation plans. It is the Enhancements that help a community convert an old bridge into a bike/ped facility or help to build a pathway through an area with no adjacent highway.
According to an August 18th article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, WisDOT is at fault for this poor ranking. "It's hard to get the DOT, which is historically a road-building agency, to aggressively pursue something so contrary to their original mission," states State Sen. Brian Rude (R-Coon Valley), who chairs the committee that chooses enhancement recipients. In the same article, State Sen. Brain Burke (D-Milwaukee) asks the Legislative Audit Bureau to look into the administration of the program. "If WisDOT continues to be disinterested in this program, maybe funding should be shifted to the State Historical Society or the Department of Natural Resources," he states in the article.
Each year the federal government apportions more funds to WisDOT than WisDOT spends; there is currently a balance of $40 million in the Enhancements apportionment. However, there are no funds available, since the federal government says that each state must use its funds within three years or risk loosing federal funds. In Wisconsin's case, these federal funds have been reassigned to cover other transportation programs.
"Flexibility" is one excuse WisDOT gives for not supporting STP mandates. Rae Casale, manager of the Enhancements Program, acknowledges that her agency has not backed full funding for Enhancements. "It reduces the flexibility for the state to use STP funds," states Casale. "If there is a large need for WisDOT to use STP funds for STP Rural Program, for example, and we have mandates in other programs, like Enhancements, it does not allow us to respond to the public's best interest." In a nutshell: WisDOT does not want to be told what to do - by anyone. Bicycle advocates fear that if states are allowed to use Enhancements monies for other programs, it will, in essence, kill the Enhancements Program altogether.
The real question is the future of the Enhancements Program. Congress is expected to pass the next transportation bill (ISTEA II, as some call it) in the fall of 1997 and the future of the Enhancements Program is uncertain. "We have to assume something," states Casale. "None of us (at WisDOT) is sure that the Enhancements Program is going to be around." She concludes with this cryptic statement, "We operate on the idea that it is going to look just like it does right now because we can't operate on anything else."
Only pressure from bicyclists will get WisDOT to quit sitting on this pile of money and start acting in the best interest of bicyclists.
By Marcia Miquelon
In late July, twenty-two bicyclists from Bike-Aid pedaled across Wisconsin, en route from Seattle, WA to Washington D.C. Bike-Aid is a fundraising event that supports environmental education and community projects around the world. It is also an in-depth educational experience, providing participants with first-hand exposure to such environmental issues as sustainable agriculture, alternative transportation and responsible consumption.
On the Wisconsin leg of their journey, for example, the Bike-Aid bicyclists learned firsthand about the rails-to-trails movement by traveling from Trempealeau to Reedsburg on state trails. In Madison, the group's experiential education came in the form of work on an organic, Community Supported Agriculture farm, and a service project with Red Bikes, Madison's free community bicycle program. In a south Madison park, they themselves became the environmental educators, talking and singing songs about the environment with thirty neighborhood children.
Now in its eleventh year, Bike-Aid has provided over 800 individuals with a summer of experiential learning and adventure, and has raised over $1 million for global community development efforts. In addition to the Seattle route, groups left from Portland, San Francisco and Montreal for a total of 69 participants this year. For more information about Bike-Aid: 1-800-RIDE-808.
Marcia, Bike-Aid riders and the BFW would like to thank Rocky Roccoco and Pizza Pit for their very generous contributions of fuel in the form of a dozen pizzas.
Marcia, BFW's esteemed first executive director, often reminisces about her Bike-Aid glory days from the perspective of a trigenerian-- happy birthday Marcia!
By John Dore, Wheels for Winners Coordinator
The "Wheels" mission is to collect donated bikes from the community, rebuild the bikes, and present them to children who have earned them through community service.
On Saturday, August 10th, bike enthusiasts took up wrenches and rolled up their sleeves. It was time to show kids at Packers Community Center in Madison how to fix chattering chains and squeaky brakes. About thirty children dropped in at the Bike Maintenance Clinic sponsored by Wheels for Winners and Budget Bicycle Center.
Mike Westphall, a Wheels for Winners board member, said that the clinics are "fun and a real challenge, because you have such a variety of repair problems with much less than a shop-full of tools and parts. The improvisation of it makes it very interesting".
Budget Bicycle Center sent Christian Champagne, an experienced mechanic, to help with the clinic. For most...
By Jeanne Hoffman
Life at the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin has been a whirlwind ever since I came on board as BFW's first full-time executive director on July 1, 1996. I dove right in and tackled the backlog of membership and financial paperwork that had collected during the interim when BFW was without paid staff. Thanks to BFW board member Richard Schwinn and volunteer accountant Phillip Heasley for all your expert help!
Renewal reminders have been sent out and I have been zooming to rides around the state to promote BFW's mission and to recruit new members. I have also initiated a program for BFW members to get 10% discounts at bicycle shops and other businesses around the state. We will be sending out membership cards soon so you can show your card, support these businesses and enjoy a 10% savings at the same time. Participating businesses will be listed in each issue of the Wisconsin Bicyclist. If a local shop you frequent is not on the list, ask them to sign up.
In addition to this flurry of activity, I have participated in a workshop in Wyoming for executive directors of bicycle advocacy organizations run by Bicycle Federation of America advocacy guru Charlie Gandy. I have also adventured to Portland, Maine to the ProBike/ProWalk conference to network with bicycle professionals and advocates from around the country.
The whirlwind will continue in the months to come as BFW tackles several grant proposals, the State Bike Plan, reauthorization of ISTEA and an on-going membership drive.
By Jeanne Hoffman
The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA), the federal transportation legislation that covering the period from 1992 to 1997, authorizes funding for transportation programs, such as the National Highway System, the Scenic Byways Program and the Interstate System just to name a few. What makes ISTEA different from transportation funding in the past is that ISTEA emphasizes the need to plan for travel modes, not just cars. ISTEA has fourteen provisions specifically referring to bicycling and walking. For the first time, federal transportation monies are being made available for bicycle projects.
ISTEA encourages infrastructure planning that builds communities and not simply connects ever-sprawling subdivisions with highways that displace and divide neighborhoods. In the four years of ISTEA, Wisconsin has seen the effects of this landmark legislation. In the first five years of ISTEA annual funds for bicycle and pedestrian projects have increased 80-fold nationally. For nearly two decades prior to ISTEA, states could use their federal highway funds for bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Fewer than 20 states ever excised that option, spending less that $41 million in 18 years.
Within ISTEA there are approximately six programs that can help support bicycling. Two of the main programs are the Surface Transportation Program (STP) and the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ). Within STP, the Transportation Enhancements Provisions are allocated 10 percent of total STP funds. STP funds may be used for either construction of bicycle/pedestrian facilitates or informational projects, such as brochures, public service announcements and route maps. The Enhancement Provisions specifically define ten areas of funding. One provision provides for bicycle and pedestrian facilities and another for the preservation of abandoned railways (including conversion into trails). Enhancement projects must accomplish something "above and beyond" what has normally been done on a transportation project. For example, if the policy has been to provide wider shoulders to accommodate bicyclists, this would not be eligible for enhancement funding because it is an established policy. If a town, however, wants to convert an old railway bridge into a bicycle/pedestrian bridge, this project could be eligible. CMAQ funding focuses on air quality improvements and provides funds for projects that expand or initiate transportation services with air quality benefits.
Unfortunately, funding for bicycle facilities is up for grabs. Currently, Congress is holding hearings regarding the future of ISTEA. In addition, the Congress elected this November will be debating the next federal transportation policy for much of 1997. The question on bicyclists' minds is "Will ISTEA survive?" The answer will ultimately be decided by the same people who asked the question.
By Angela Graf
Who is this dedicated mustached man? Craig Heywood has done it all in the bicycling world - racer, promoter, coordinator, advocate, coach, race official, commuter, commissioner, Governor's advisor and a whole lot more. Why? "Bicycling is my life," he says.
Craig is best known among the bike racers, but you can find him behind the scenes advocating for all types of bicyclists. He believes, "no matter what type of cyclist you are - racer, commuter or recreational rider - to an automobile driver, you are always in the way."
He got started bicycling as a doctor's kid in Marshfield. He recalls, "I used to race cars from stop light to stop light with my Sears one-speed." He insists he never ran a stop light.
Craig made the big move to Madison in 1980 to study at the University. He took the cycling scene by storm. First, he commuted by bike to classes and rode around the Madison area countryside with his 10-speed bike he had since 8th grade. Then, after he read about the local races in the paper, Craig put together his first racing bike-- piecemeal-- with components and frame bought from Yellow Jersey. He went racing crazy, going to every citizen race he could find - and eventually began winning them.
In 1982, he joined the Two Tyred Wheelmen (TTW) as an unattached citizen racer. By 1984, he was racing as a licensed United States Cycling Federation (USCF) rider and became an officer of the TTW board. He raced his way up to a Category 3 racer. Then his racing career ended due to kidney problems. But he didn't leave the bicycling scene. Instead he became more involved with club activities and began officiating USCF races. In 1987, he became a USCF Category 4 Official and TTW president, a position he served for a total of eight years.
Where does this man get all his energy? ("I want what he's having!")
Today, Craig is the top USCF Official in Wisconsin, Badger State Games Commissioner and coordinator for the road and criterium races, and American Bicycle Racing Representative for Wisconsin. He also served as President of the Wisconsin Cycling Association, an organization of cycling clubs from around the state that administrators the Wisconsin Cup Point race series. He also coaches junior racers through Midwest Masters and gives presentations to clubs on various bicycling issues.
All this work ended up getting him appointed by the Governor to serve on the Bicycle Advisory Council and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation State Bike Plan Commission (see WisDOT Report).
In his spare time he conducts Monday night coaching clinics, Tuesday night practice criteriums, and Wednesday night practice time trials. On weekends, he officiates races around the Midwest.
One would think all Craig does is cycling, cycling, cycling, but, incredibly, he does have a full time job working for the City of Madison's Public Health Lab.
People who know or have heard of him recognize he has a "selfless love for the sport," as Marcia Blanco, a local racer/promoter, put it. Heck, I've even seen a person bow at the mere mention of his name. It is people like Craig Heywood that keep bicycling alive.
Angela is a consultant for Greater Lakes Regional Biomass Energy Program. In her real life she is a category 4 racer on the Famous Footwear Capitol City Velo Team.
By Tom Huber
Tom Huber, the state bike/ped coordinator, can be reached at (608) 267-7757 or thuber@mail.state.wi.us.
By John McKenzie
The Glacial River Trail's first 4-mile segment was officially put into commission at a dedication ceremony on September 6, 1996. The trail is the result of hard work by volunteers, such as Steve Grabow, UW County Extension Agent, who applied for the major funding grant under ISTEA. Matching funds came from Tour de Fort Bicycle Club, the Ft. Atkinson Community Foundation, and Space Saver Corp. The trail is the first link in a proposed trail from the Glacial Drumlin Trail, near Jefferson, south to the city of Beloit.
By Peter Flucke, WE BIKE, BFW Board Member
State trail passes are now required on the Mountain Bay trail. Running 83 miles from Green Bay to Wausau, it is the newest state trail. The Anahapee trail which runs from Algoma to Sturgeon Bay has been resurfaced and is in excellent condition. Also, over Labor Day weekend 593 tandems from 29 states gathered in Appleton for the 21st annual Midwest Tandem Rally - the largest gathering of tandems ever.
by Tracy Zafian
The La Crosse Area Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee: The Committee has started a quarterly newsletter to keep the community and local officials informed about the Committee's activities and promote La Crosse's Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. The first issue of the newsletter will be coming out shortly.
Bicycle Lanes between the U and downtown: Larry Kirch, Committee Project Director and La Crosse City Planner, together with the La Crosse City Engineer and Director of Public Works has been researching the idea of adding bicycle lanes to La Crosse Street in La Crosse. The street is one of the major corridors mentioned in the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, connecting the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with downtown La Crosse. Some sections of the street have on-street parking on both sides and residents have said they want it left there. The study will examine that option. Adding bicycle lanes on this street is an important step in plan implementation.
The Upper Midwest Planning Conference on bicycle planning will feature Mr. Kirch speaking on the La Crosse experience.
WisDOT's Enforcement for Bicycle Safety Course for area police officers will be held on September 4 and 5.
Bikes on Buses: Keith Carlson, director of the Municipal Transit Utility, is interested in installing bicycle racks on all 22 of La Crosse's public transit buses. Federal and city funding for the project is being pursued for the 1998 fiscal year. One option for funding the local share of the project ($3,000) is private donations.
Tracy is La Crosse's MPO Associate Planner, a habitual bike commuter, and one of BFW's most dedicated volunteers.
By Kent Wenger
On Aug. 14, the City of Madison Park Commission voted to officially allow mountain biking in Quarry Park. This is a major victory for Madison-area mountain bikers, since this is the first time any City of Madison park has been declared open to mountain bikes.
Unlike some cases where mountain bikers have had to fight vocal opposition, no one actually spoke out against allowing mountain bikes in Quarry Park. In fact, most of the controversy centered around the issue of whether dogs should be allowed in the park, and if so, whether they should be required to be leashed (the mountain bike trails and dog use were considered together as part of the Quarry Park master plan). A number of neighbors spoke out against allowing unleashed dogs, while most of them spoke favorably of mountain bike use.
Now mountain bikers need to work together with the city and neighbors of the park to maintain and improve it. People living close to the park have been very active in doing maintenance in the park, since the city has almost ignored the park until recently. This is a great chance to not only maintain and improve some highly challenging trails, but to build bridges to people outside the mountain biking community.
Kent is an Associate Researcher in the UW-Madison Computer Science Department, and, in his real life, Secretary of Wisconsin Off-Road Bicycling Association.
BFW memberships are now available in a bottle (a high quality water bottle complete with a BFW logo that is). Head to any one of the following bike stores and get a membership for yourself or a friend (Christmas is coming!):
Thank the bike shop owner for carrying the bottles, buy one, send in your membership form and be a part of Team Advocacy!
[Art Doyle's Spokes and Pedals (Hudson (715) 386-8500) was inadvertently omitted from the list of participating shops in the last issue of WB - deepest apologies, Art - Ed.]
| Adventure Cycle & Fitness | Green Bay | 414-494-8447 |
| Appleton Bicycle Shop | Appleton | 414-733-2595 |
| Bahnhof Sport | Mequon | 414-241-9470 |
| Bodin's On the Lake | Ashland | 715-682-6441 |
| Budget Bicycle Center | Madison | 608-251-8413 |
| Competition Cycle Services | Sheboygan Falls | 414-467-0880 |
| Cycle Smith | Hartland | 414-367-9121 |
| Dyckesville Cycle | Luxemburg | 414-866-9138 |
| Emery's Cyclery | Milwaukee | 414-463-0770 |
| Emery's Cyclery II | Menomonee Falls | 414-255-0770 |
| Free Flight Bikes | Platteville | 608-348-6888 |
| Haack's Cycle | Janesville | 608-756-0717 |
| Haack's Cycle (E. Washington) | Madison | 608-241-2138 |
| Haack's Cycle (Gammon Rd.) | Madison | 608-833-0040 |
| In Competition | Green Bay | 414-465-1510 |
| Jammer Sports | Wausau | 715-355-4844 |
| JB Cycle & Sport | Green Bay | 414-434-8338 |
| Marinette Cycle Center | Marinette | 715-735-5442 |
| Maximum Performance | Neenah | 414-722-5991 |
| Maxson's Inc | Eagle River | 715-479-4533 |
| Michael's Cycles | Janesville | 608-752-7676 |
| Mokros Cycle | Waukesha | 414-521-1300 |
| Perkins Sports | Marshfield | 715-384-8313 |
| Quiet Hut Sports | Whitewater | 414-473-2950 |
| Quiet Woods Bed & Breakfast | Mazomanie | 608-795-4954 |
| Rainbow Jersey | Shorewood | 414-961-1110 |
| Scotty's Bike Rental & Sales | Tomahawk | 715-453-1888 |
| Stoton Cycle | Stoughton | 608-877-1134 |
| Sun City Cyclery | Sun Prairie | 608-837-2453 |
| Superior Sports | Superior | 715-394-5600 |
| Team Sports | Waukesha | 414-549-6801 |
| Wandering Wheels Cyclery | Milwaukee | 414-466-0358 |
| Wheel & Sprocket | Milwaukee | 414-247-8100 |
| Williamson Bicycle Works | Madison | 608-255-5292 |
Watch for your Official BFW Membership card in the mail at the end of September. Use the card, get the discount, save money, support bicycle advocacy! If a business you frequent is not on the list, ask them to sign-up!
Some restrictions apply; e.g., does not apply to bicycles.By Pamela S. Barrett
Most cyclists will do everything they can to ensure comfort at the points where body meets bike, especially hand-handlebar contact points. But despite all efforts of padding, many cyclists still experience problems with hand or wrist pain and numbness. These symptoms can be caused by compression of any number of structures (tendons, nerves, arteries, etc.) that run through the wrists. These structures are easily irritated because they are near the surface of the skin and there is little natural padding between tendons, nerves, bones and ligaments.
The anatomy of the wrist is characterized by separate compartments (or tunnels) formed by bones and ligaments. Tendons, nerves, arteries and muscles must pass through their respective compartment friction free in order to provide good movement, sensation and circulation in the hands and fingers.
One commonly known compartment in the wrist is the carpal tunnel. This tunnel is located toward the palm side of the hand and contains the median nerve and nine flexor tendons that allow you to perform the "grasping" motion with your hand. Though carpal tunnel syndrome is a well known culprit in wrist pain, not all wrist and hand discomfort can be attributed to it. In any case, a persistent painful wrist or hand should be evaluated by a physician in order to determine the source of pain.
Most family physicians can pinpoint the origin of a painful wrist by looking at the clinical signs such as location of pain, patterns of abnormal sensations (numbness for example) and what movements or positions increase symptoms.
If you do suffer from intermittent wrist pain while on a ride, there are some things that you should try in order to alleviate the pain. Well padded cycling gloves are a necessity. Gloves will help absorb the relentless shocks that are transmitted from rough roads or trails to your hands during rides. Even for short rides, wearing gloves may be important if you are prone to wrist pain.
Repositioning your hands frequently during a ride is also important. Maintaining one position for any length of time can limit circulation to the hands and irritate nerves. Attempt to keep a loose grip on the handlebars with your wrists relatively straight (avoid keeping your wrists excessively bent). On a road bike, alternate between the drops, in close toward the stem and out on the brake hoods. When riding your mountain bike, alternate between placing your hands over the main part of the hand grips and out toward the handlebar ends with your thumbs pointing up (take note that this position is not recommended when riding in traffic as you do not have easy access to your brakes). Bar ends are great accessories for providing additional hand grip options. It's also helpful to occasionally shift weight from center of your palm to the outside edge of your palm.
Whole body position must also be examined when persistent wrist pain exists. If you have recently switched to a more aerodynamic body position and noticed an increase in wrist pain, note that a more horizontal body position transmits more body weight to the wrists (unless you have added an aerobar, in which case, your body weight will rest on your elbows).
Gentle stretching of the forearm musculature can be helpful since the muscles of your forearm are at least partially responsible for wrist and hand strength and movement. To stretch your wrist, place your arm out in front of you with your palm facing away from you (as if to motion "stop"). With your other hand pull back on the fingers of your outstretched hand until you feel a gentle pulling sensation. Hold this position for 20 seconds and repeat for the other hand. Repeat this stretch before performing any activity which requires a lot of wrist or hand movement (riding, typing, manipulating tools, etc...).
If pain persists despite every attempt to resolve it, don't just ignore it. Pain is your body's way of telling you there is something wrong. Pain will often progress in intensity or go from intermittent to constant. Get it checked out before this happens. When caught early, wrist pain can be just a temporary irritant but, if left untreated irreparable damage can take place.
Pamela, a Sports Medicine Physical Therapist at the UW-Madison Sports Medicine Clinic, is an avid bike commuter, tourist and citizen class racer in her real life.
By Arthur Ross and Peter Flucke, BFW Board Members
The types of crashes in which children are involved are predictable and preventable. Basics of Bicycling, a state of the art bicyclist education curriculum, is designed to give 8 -12 year old children the proper bicycling skills they need to develop a lifelong enjoyment of bicycling. Wisconsin Department of Transportation-Bureau of Transportation Safety (WisDOT-BOTS) is offering grants to bring Basics of Bicycling to school districts in communities with higher than average bicycle crash rates (check below to see if your community is eligible).
When teachers are asked why they teach their children Basics of Bicycling, they point out that one of the biggest chances a child has of not coming back in the fall is because s/he was involved in a serious bicycle crash. These teachers proclaim that teaching Basics of Bicycling is the best thing they can do to prevent this situation.
Basics of Bicycling, a seven lesson curriculum developed by the Bicycle Federation of America, aims to reduce the number of bicycle related crashes, injuries and deaths; to build a lifelong understanding of operating a bicycle in traffic; to present bicycling as a lifelong skill important for health benefits; and to help keep bicycling fun.
Basics of Bicycling is designed to provide a foundation of knowledge and skills in traffic-wise bicycling, including: proper bicycle equipment and fit; basic bicycle handling skills; riding cooperatively; following the rules of the road; and communicating with other road users. The children learn important bicycling skills such as riding in a straight line, stopping, looking over their shoulder, and signaling.
Basics of Bicycling is available to school districts in Wisconsin through WisDOT-BOTS, 4802 Sheboygan Avenue, P.O. Box 7936, Rm. 809, Madison, WI 53707-7936 or call (608) 267-3154.
School Districts Eligible for Basics of Bicycling Grants:
Arthur is the Pedestrian/Bicycle Coordinator for the City of Madison. Peter is the President of WE BIKE.
By Jim Guthrie
An interesting situation brewed for several months in Fox Point, a community on the North side of Milwaukee. Lake Drive (State Highway 32) is due for repair and resurfacing. The road is currently three lanes, with the center lane being used for passing and left turns. The problems that evolved of how best to proceed with the project were bothersome for me as a bicyclist.
The problem was as follows - some local residents wanted to have the road markings repainted on the new surface as they are currently. This is non-conforming to both Federal and State standards and is not recommended by Southeast Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (the Metropolitan Planning Organization). There were many arguments made to justify the status quo. Simply put, what I heard was: "we don't want anything to change", "if it ain't broke don't fix it", and "the State can't come in here and tell us what we can and can't do with our road." In reality, the State is paying the bill (about $1.2 Million). They are therefore going to design the roadway per the "best" known and accepted design criteria.
The end result is that the board met and approved the State Plan for two lanes with paved shoulders of 4+ feet. These would not be identified as bike lanes (the show of hands in the public meeting was about two to one in favor of the State proposed two lane paved shoulder plan). Personally I feel this was the best choice as it affords the bicyclists a good space on the roadway. Lake Drive is probably the highest bicycle volume street on the east side of Milwaukee.
After attending the rather heated public meeting, I came away with some concerns. I heard the comment several times that "we don't need to provide space for bicyclists because they are only recreational, and fair weather at that." In fact, there are a fair number of bicyclists that use Lake Drive as a commuting route. A woman stated she is a bicyclist, and went on to say that the safest place for her to ride was on the side path (approximately 6 feet wide) with the roller bladers, walkers, and joggers. Someone replied, "we tax payers are providing bike paths all over the county, so why do we allow the bicyclist on the roadway in the first place?" I feel nervous about comments expressing negative attitudes, and proposing policies that would limit my access to riding the streets. The roadways already do a nice job of enabling me to get from point A to B in the most efficient manor. Bicyclists need to be wary of actions that limit our mobility.
By Myles O'Kelly
There is a new entrance being built into the south parking lot of Madison's Olin Park from John Nolen Drive (a major thoroughfare). It will be the site of many accidents for users of the paved bike trail there. Fast moving traffic from Olin Avenue and John Nolen will turn into that entrance across the path and strike hapless cyclists, skaters, and pedestrians. The scenario being created at this new intersection is a classic one for blood-letting. Vision is obstructed by railroad gates and somehow, vehicular traffic moving at 45 mph is expected to slow suddenly to 15 mph.
Olin-Turville Court, the roadway along the park, will no longer be used only by unhurried park visitors. While it now dead ends at the south parking lot and sees much non-motorized traffic, it will shortly become a motor speedway and shortcut when John Nolen gets congested or there is a big event at the park or the coliseum.
Is there any need at all for a new park entrance? Hasn't the Lakeside Street entrance sufficed for many years without problem? Did someone draw an entrance on a new construction plan without ever imagining what might happen? The paved path that so many enjoy for its views and safety from auto traffic will soon be decorated at that spot with bouquets for the dead. The new entrance should be stopped! Two minutes of 10,000 drivers' time is not worth the death or injury of one path user.
By Scot McCollum, Technical Editor
As bicycling advocates, we know that commuting is a great way to let our presence be known and to stay in shape. In order to accomplish this as efficiently as possible, our bicycles must be up to the task. Wheels and tires are ground zero for bike performance.
Flat tires from external sources (glass and road debris) may not always by under our control, but the condition of our wheel components is under our control. When properly inflated to the recommended pressures, tires will not only be more resistant to flats, but will make the bicycle easier to pedal because of the lower rolling resistance.
Tires should be free of cuts in the sidewalls and the tread. The tire needs to be replaced if the chords are frayed on the sidewall or if they are showing through the tread. Also inspect the sidewalls for sign of abrasions by poorly adjusted brakepads contacting the tire. Readjust brakepads if abrasions are minor; readjust brakepads and replace the tire if the chords are cut.
Inspect the inner tube next. Make sure that there are no cuts or abrasions at the base of the valve stem. This is caused by underinflation or not installing the tube with the valve stem perpendicular to the rim. If the tube is flat, only repair it if the hole is a pinhole which is not on the seam or if it is a cut less than a quarter of an inch.
The rim strip is the piece of rubber, cloth, or reinforced nylon that separates the inner tube from the heads of the spoke nipple or from the spoke holes in box style rims. It must be in good condition with no cracks or tears and should be directly centered above the heads of the nipples. On U-shaped rims, which include all steel rims and some aluminum rims, the end of the spoke should not protrude above the top of the nipple. If this does occur, file until flush using the serrated edge of a file.
Wheels should be kept in a reasonable state of tension and true. Wheels with broken or loose spokes are more likely to leave you stranded.
Basic maintenance pays off with a safer, more comfortable, and more satisfying commute.
Next Issue: Component lubrication.
Scot is known in Madison racing circles as the "maintenance guru." Ask BFW about Scot's BFW sponsored Bike Maintenance Seminars to be held from late September through October in Madison.
Planning for Bicycles Special Edition: |
By Terri L. Musser, AICP, Bicycles &
The content of a good local bicycle plan is difficult to define since each community has unique physical and political opportunities and constraints which should dictate the scope and focus of the planning effort. In summary, to be successful a plan must balance vision with reality, and contain enough detail to be implementable, yet easy to comprehend and sell to the community at large.
A bicycle plan is not a trails plan. Trails are often important components of a bicycle plan, but their application is usually only feasible within railroad rights-of-way, utility corridors, linear parks, and along waterways.
A good plan recognizes that bicycles are vehicles. Thus, examining the ability of the street and roadway system to accommodate bicycle traffic as well as car and truck traffic is often a first step in the planning process. Several methodologies exist to evaluate how pavement width, traffic volumes, speeds and other factors impact bicycle use. However, a good plan doesn't stop there, but links this evaluation with an action plan for improving identified deficiencies in the transportation system.
Since bicycling is inherently a local mode of transportation, a good local plan is not a document that simply copies text from national bicycle facility standards and draws a few lines on a map. While state and regional bicycle planning often must focus on policy development, at the local scale, plans should contain details about how and where the standards for on- and off-road improvements can be realistically applied to retrofit specific corridors in the community. Planning to improve corridors that will provide access to destinations is a better approach than simply identifying routes where it is currently perceived as safe to ride.
A good bicycle plan does not assume that infrastructure improvements will solve all bicycle transportation problems. The dominance of the automobile is deeply a ingrained part of our society. Thus an action plan for changing attitudes, marketing the transportation potential of the bicycle for close-to-home trips, and educating motorists and bicyclists on safely sharing the road should be a critical plan component.
A good bicycle plan is not developed in a vacuum by staff or a consultant, but rather involves a broad segment of the community at large. Ideally, the plan authors will serve as facilitators in guiding a process whereby local decision makers are provided solid background information to make informed decisions. When this process brings together local planners, engineers, parks and recreation professionals, elected officials and bicyclists, each discipline develops a broader understanding of cyclists' needs and the realities of plan implementation. Such a process will not result in a static document, but rather the foundation of an ongoing process of routinely thinking about bicyclists whenever transportation and land use decisions are made in the local community.
Terri's consulting firm, Bicycles &, is dedicated to creating livable communities where people have the choice to walk and bike as part of their daily routine.
By Larry Kirch, Director of Planning, City of La Crosse, MPO Project Director
My presentation at the Wisconsin Bicycle Conference in June was part of a panel entitled "Forming an Effective Bicycle Advisory Committee." Other speakers were Charlie Gandy (Bicycle Federation of America), Jim Dustrude (MN Bike Coordinator), Tom Huber (WI Bike/Ped Coordinator), and Kit Keller (conference chair).
My presentation described how the La Crosse Area Planning Committee (designated Metropolitan Planning Organization, or MPO) prepared their plan to ensure citizen participation. My single most important message for the conference: La Crosse is the smallest MPO in the state, we have basically only a part-time MPO staff, yet we are the only MPO in the State of Wisconsin that has an active Bicycle-Pedestrian Advisory Committee, and we're the only MPO that didn't disband the committee after the plan was adopted!
The questions are simple. How can you get your MPO to re-establish their Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee now that their ISTEA plan is adopted? How are they going to implement the plan if they don't get citizens involved? What good is a plan if it's not implemented? I challenge you, the bicycle advocates, to ask these questions and get a committee formed in your metropolitan area. I also challenge the other MPOs in the state to do as ISTEA mandates: have "a continuous citizen participation process," rather than one that ends after the plan is adopted and is then reinstated every five years as the plan is updated.
By Ben Gomberg
Bicycling issues are often ignored. Change can happen however by asserting our positions. These pointers, learned through many years of successful advocacy, may help.
(Based on an article by Bill Coffman.) Ben is the Ped/Bike Coordinator of the City of Chicago; he is currently trying to get hordes of broad-shouldered, windy citizens on bikes.
By Connie Loden
The Pines and Mines Mountain Bike Trail System, located in Iron County, Wisconsin and the Western Upper Peninsula of Michigan, held its Grand Opening on June 3, 1995, National Trails Day. The system consists of approximately 200 miles of trails and has begun to be discovered by many mountain bike enthusiasts. The vision and creation of the trail system - through identifying, marking and mapping - was a cooperative effort by several individuals as well as community, business and government organizations.
Trails incorporate many of the area's historic mining and lumbering sites, as well as plenty of forests, lakes and waterfalls. The historic sites were identified by a citizen group and interpretation was written to tell the story of each site and help bring it alive. Iron County felt it important to enhance the trail system, offering something unique to compliment the experience of riding through the beautiful, northwoods scenery. Interpretive signs were created and then were erected by volunteers and project directors.
The Pines & Mines system consists of three trail complexes: the Iron County Complex with its variety of terrain traverses the county; the gently serene Henry/Pomeroy Lake Complex and the more advanced Elcho Complex, both located on the Ottawa National Forest nearby. Most of the developed Heritage Sites are located in the Iron County Complex, coinciding with their designation as a Wisconsin Heritage Area.
Partners in the development of the Pines & Mines Mountain Bike Trail System are the Iron County Task Force on Tourism Development, the Ottawa National Forest, T.R.A.L.E. UP, the Western Upper Peninsula Convention and Visitors Bureau and additional Gogebic and Ontonagon County interests. To facilitate this development and study the economic impact of the trails, an economic diversification study grant was awarded by the Department of Agriculture-U.S. Forest Service-Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry Region to the Iron County Development Zone Council to administer the project. Additional funding was provided by a Historic Preservation Sub Grant from the National Park Service-U.S. Department of the Interior, administered by the State Historical Society of Wisconsin.
Weekly guided rides for all level riders are held throughout the summer and fall months on Tuesday evenings. Contact Trek & Trail (906-932-5858) or Hobby Wheel (906-932-3332) for weekly departure locations or more information on the rides.
For your free mountain bike trail map or more information on the trail system please contact: Iron County Development Zone Council, P.O. Box 97PR, Hurley, WI 54534; Phone (715) 561-2922.
By Paul Lata, BFW Board Member
Ever wondered if other bicyclists might enjoy riding your cycling routes as much as you do? Maybe you should consider starting your own bicycle ride. Are you thinking that sometime next winter would be a good time to start? Think again. Right now is the time to plan. Many ride organizers are sure that Murphy was one too. Everything can be more time consuming and complicated than you had originally reckoned. The roads are very usable now, and not snow covered. Many sponsors budget ahead and can probably work you in if you contact them before the money runs out. So start planning now!
No ride can be successful without a good organizing committee. Assemble your group, keeping in mind the talents that will be necessary. Consider the following positions: Route Chair, Fundraising (if you will raise funds), Financial, a person to compile registrations, Artist (a position I have come to appreciate more as the years go on), Rest Stop Chair, Repair Vehicle Coordinator, and Law Enforcement Liaison. Depending on the size of your event, you may not need all of these people on the committee, but someone must take care of these areas.
The ideal route is scenic, has low traffic volume, no safety hazards, and a smooth road surface with no gravel. Most of us end up with something less than this, but keep the undesirable features to a minimum. Hills can be a blessing or a curse. Some riders seek them out and others will avoid them like the plague. The most prudent way to plan the route is to have the shorter routes composed of flatter roads. Save the hills for those riding the longer routes.
After the route has been planned, have someone ride it periodically, especially close to the date of the ride. I never cease to be amazed at how much this tip pays off. Road hazards may develop due to weather or construction.
Tailor rest stops to the route. Most people like some shade and pleasant surroundings. Shelter is great if it rains. The number one rule, though, is do not run out of food. I have seen more rides get a bad reputation from this than from all other causes combined. The riders at the back of the ride who probably need food the most are not amused when they are served crumbs. Make sure you have a quality water source. Water is even more important than food.
Do not forget local law enforcement agencies and road commissioners. Law enforcement agencies should be contacted ahead of time for two reasons. First, they can help you plan a route that will avoid traffic hazards. Second, they need to know that your event is happening so that they can plan for any special needs created by your event.
Many ride event organizers make the mistake of not contacting road commissioners ahead of time, only to find that an important road is ripped up a week before the ride. Avoid this kind of disaster by asking for construction schedules in advance. Occasionally they can even work around you if you ask far enough ahead.
Obviously, some kind of budget must be prepared in advance. You must decide whether to involve commercial sponsors. Sponsors can make your life a lot easier financially, but usually you lose some degree of freedom in making decisions. Be prepared to lose money for the first year or two. It takes time for your ride to establish a reputation and in most cases you will have startup costs that must be incurred the first year. If you are attempting to raise funds for a charity, do not make wild promises about how much money you can raise the first year. Do not set the fee until you have an idea of the funds you will have available.
To insure, or not to insure. There are two theories on this. One is that insurance makes you a target for a lawsuit. The other viewpoint is that insurance lessens the risk of loss. Whichever view you think is correct, do not neglect planning safety into your ride. Alert law enforcement, place signs along the route alerting motorists and bicyclists of potential hazards, or do whatever is necessary to have a safe ride.
There is nothing too scientific about picking a date. Pick a date that is convenient for your committee and not on the same day as other rides in your immediate area. Check bicycling publications like Wisconsin Bicylist or Silent Sports for a listing of these rides.
Potential participants need to find out about your ride. You will need some kind of brochure or entry form. Make the form simple and understandable. The more blanks people must fill, the more chance for an error. Trust me on this one. Place the brochures in places frequented by bicyclists. Bicycle shops come to mind, but do not forget other rides, shows and bicycle clubs. Advertising is also helpful, if you can afford it.
How many repair vehicles do you need? As many as you can get. Usually 5-10 is sufficient for a ride of 50-100 miles. Cellular phones have been a boon to ride organizers. You can make much better use of your repair vehicles if they are communicating with each other.
After the ride, ask your riders what they thought. Our post ride surveys have been a very valuable tool. Who knows best what needs improvement than your riders?
Talk to other ride leaders. Most of them are willing to give advice. Why learn the hard way when you can benefit from their years of experience? Putting on a successful bicycle ride can be a very satisfying experience. Have fun!
Paul directs the very successful Menominee River Century.
When roads do not have enough space for bicyclists and do not have good surfaces, bicyclists are unhappy. When bicyclists do not participate in rides because there are not enough good bicycling roads to develop an enjoyable, scenic route, ride organizers are also unhappy. The key to a good balance between supply of good rides and demand for these rides is effective bicycle advocacy.
The Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin's Buck for Bicycling program allows ride organizers, ride participants and bicycle advocacy to win. To participate, ride organizers contribute $1 per rider to BFW. BFW wins because it gets money to fund its efforts to advocate for good bicycling roads throughout Wisconsin. Ride organizers win because they get a 10% discount on ads in Wisconsin Bicyclist and a bolded listing in the 'Chain of Events.' And bicyclists win because they can have fun while supporting bicycle advocacy.
Several successful bicycle events already participate in this program, including: GrABAAWR, Tour de Fort, Menominee River Century and the Blue Mounds Classic. These are rides that have become some of the most successful in the midwest, in part because the organizers support statewide bicycle advocacy.
Contact the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin to join the Buck for Bicycling program. Mail: 104 King St., PO Box 1224, Madison, WI 53701; email: bfw@mailbag.com; or call (608) 251-4456.
By Jim Guthrie, Bike Fed of SE Wisconsin President
On June 22nd Gary Sanderson (BFW board member) and I left Milwaukee for Defiance, Ohio, site of this year's international meet of The Wheelmen, an organization "dedicated to the restoration and preservation of our cycling heritage." We rode our ordinary (high wheel) bicycles 350 miles on a variety of surfaces.
We took five days to complete the journey. The weather was great: no rain, very little wind, and moderate temperatures. While in Kenosha we tested our racing talents on the oldest continuously operated velodrome in the U.S. We also had the first of what was to become many photo sessions when a photographer with a long-standing love of the high wheel bicycle asked us to pose for some shots.
Day Two presented some problems. In Lake Park, Gary noticed that my bike's rear tire was coming off, making it necessary to find a blacksmith - not an easy feat on the north side of Chicago at 9 a.m. on a Sunday. A hardware store was found, repairs were made, and we continued on our way.
The next calamity occurred on the Chicago bike path, where we joined several thousand other people out to enjoy the first no-rain day in two weeks. Riding in this mass of people was awkward, and we got bombarded with questions: How do you get up and down? Is it hard to ride? How much does one cost? How old is it? Where do you get them? How fast can you go? We finally made it to a hotel in Hyde Park where we were met by Gary's wife, Irene, and my friend Joanne, who among other things brought a spare rear wheel, which Gary did eventually need.
Day Three-- the south side of Chicago. All went so well that we arrived at our next motel in Merrellville at 11:30 a.m. so we pushed on to Valparaiso, Indiana in order to make the second- to-last day easier. Throughout the day we rode on the bike path (much easier on a Monday morning), city streets (also easier with less traffic), and U.S. 30, a four lane divided highway with a very wide shoulder, probably the easiest riding of the whole trip once we got used to the noise level.
Day Four-- We're ahead of schedule, so we took our time and rode on some of Indiana's mostly fine back roads. By about 3 p.m. we decided to leave for Warsaw, IN, the staging town for our "century to the meet" attempt. We were told we had 60 miles to go, which a quick map-check confirmed. Irene was waiting, concerned then relieved, when we arrived at about 7:45 p.m. almost three hours later than planned.
Day Five-- We headed out for the hundred mile ride. The weather was good, we were pumped, and the end was in sight. Everything went fine until the 92 mile mark, when we hit a three mile stretch of Indiana gravel road, which we considered counting as six. We made it to Defiance, OH and the meet in just under 11 hours. Great ride!!
Next year the meet is in Doylestown PA, about a thousand miles. Anyone care to join us? Period clothing - knee socks, knickers, and dress shirt - recommended.
For additional information about getting involved in riding ordinary bicycles, contact Jim Guthrie at (414) 967-9699 or Gary Sanderson at (414) 347-3964.
October 7. Putting Wisconsin Communities Back on their Feet: Planning for Walkable, Transit-friendly Neighborhoods, featuring neo-traditionalist planners/designers and thinkers Peter Calthorpe and Andres Duany. Sponsored by Citizens for a Better Environment, (414) 271-7280. 8 AM Registration. Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago, Milwaukee.
Bicycle Federation of Southeastern Wisconsin. Second Thursday of month 7p.m. at Jim Guthrie's house, 909 W. Glendale Av., Glendale. (414) 967-9699.
Bicycle Transportation Alliance of Dane County. First Thursday month at UW Memorial Union, Madison, 7:30 p.m. Steering Committee meetings third Thursday at various locations, 8 p.m. (608) 245-1059.
La Crosse Area Bike/Ped Advisory Committee. Second Wednesday of month La Crosse City Hall, 5th floor conference rm., 4 p.m. (608) 789-7512.
Madison Ped/Bike Subcommittee. Fourth Wednesday of month at Madison Municipal Building, Rm 100, 5 p.m.
Madison Transportation Commission. Second and fourth Tuesdays of month at Madison Municipal Building, Room 260, 5 p.m.
New Transportation Alliance of Dane County. First Wednesday of month at Sierra Club office, 222 S. Hamilton St., Madison, 7:30 p.m. (608) 256-0565.
October 5. Routes of 24 to 100km all on bike trails such as the 400 State Bike Trail. Starts in Reedsburg. (608) 524-2850 or (800) 844-3507.
Oct. 28-Nov. 1. Velo Australis. To be held near Perth. The theme: "Bicycles: A Global Solution to Local Problems." Info: promaco@cleo.murdoch.ed.au.
Bombay Bicycle Club, Madison touring club. 350 members. Big touring schedule. Rides Tuesday p.m., Thursday p.m., Sat and Sun. More info: Dave Peterson (608) 271-6931, Bob Kay (608) 257-6566 or browse http://danenet.wicip.org/bcp/bombay.html.
Couples on Wheels, family-oriented tandem riding club. Regular rides. Info: Caryl Sewell: lyrac@aol.com or Tom Thalmann: sealord3@athenet.net.
Cream City Cycle Club, Milwaukee touring club. Big touring schedule, regular meetings, and a hotline: (414) 645-8583. Info: Lee (414) 475-1875.
Fox Valley Wheelmen, family-oriented riding club in Appleton. Meetings Third Monday of each month, Mar through Sept, 7p.m., Gordon Bubolz Nature Center. Wednesday evening and Saturday rides. Info: Kevin Hillegas (414) 759-5812 or Tom Thalmann, e-mail: sealord3@athenet.net.
Spokes and Folks, touring club serving Marinette, Menominee MI, and Northeast Wisconsin. Sunday morning breakfast rides, plus one or two other scheduled rides per month during the season. Info: Paul Lata, e-mail: paull@mrnet.com.
September 7-8. Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival. Main race Saturday with 2,500 racers (registration closed). Many events on Sunday remain open, including the bicycle orienteering competition. Includes kids' schedule. Fun for racers and spectators alike. Gary Crandall (715) 798-3811.
November. 17. 2nd Annual New Salem Fall Cyclo-cross. Petersburg, IL. Sanctioned by American Bicycle Racing. Gary Doering (217) 787-5460.
September 22. Buzzard Buster. Neillsville, WI.
September 28. Third Annual Kettle Moraine Fall Color Festival. An annual fund-raising off-road ride for future trail development. James Wamser (414) 782-9200.
October 6. WORS Hostel Shoppe Cantilever Classic.
October 20. WORS Bud Light Challenge, Sheboygan, WI. Wisconsin Off-Road Bicycling Association. Hotline: (608) 251-4911. Info: (608) 222-5608.
The Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin is compiling a complete annual calendar of all bicycle related events around the state. This will be a calendar in handbook form for bicyclists to keep with them for the entire year. Calendar listings will be free; advertising will be available. Send us your submission! Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin, 104 King St., PO Box 1224, Madison, WI 53701; bfw@mailbag.com; or call (608) 251-4456.
Do you know a location where we could distribute Wisconsin Bicyclist? Is there an organization or business that would like to be on the mailing list? Would you be willing to take copies to drop-off sites in your town or city? Drop us a line! We rely on you to get the word out!
| US mail: | Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin P.O. Box 1224 Madison, WI 53701-1224 |
| Email: | bfw@mailbag.com |
| Phone: | 608-251-4456 |
Recently, the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin has worked to make Wisconsin a better place to bicycle by:
All Wisconsin bicyclists should be proud of these accomplishments. However, our task is far from complete. Many roads are still inadequately designed to accommodate bicyclists. Many motorists still whiz by us with little room to spare.
The Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin pledges to work hard to:
As Wisconsin bicyclists, we will gain respect and build strength through organization, a clear agenda and a united voice. Our success depends upon you.
Invest in yourself, fellow bicyclists and Wisconsin. Show your commitment to making Wisconsin a great place to bicycle by becoming a Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin member today!
Wisconsin Bicyclist is published four times per year by the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin.
Executive Editor: Michael D. Barrett Senior Editor: Tracy Zafian Copy Editors: Mary Brown, Heather Putnam Layout Editors: Deedric Bauer, Heather Putnam Calendar Editor: Tracy Zafian Production Manager: Deedric Bauer Circulation Manager: Robbie Webber Ad Sales Manager: Michael D. Barrett Graphics: Dieter Bingemann, Marcia Miquelon Contributors: Michael Barrett, Pam Barrett, John Dore, Peter Flucke, Ben Gomberg, Angela Graf, Jim Guthrie, Jeanne Hoffman, Tom Huber, Larry Kirch, Paul Lata, Connie Loden, Scot McCollum, John McKenzie, Marcia Miquelon, Bill Moorman, Terri Musser, Myles O'Kelly, Arthur Ross, Kent Wenger, Tracy Zafian
Wisconsin Bicyclist welcomes your opinions, news, features, artwork and photograph submissions. Editorials should be no more than 300 words. News and feature stories should not exceed 600 words.
Please submit text both on disk (we have no paid typists on staff) and as hard copy. Artwork and photographs should be black and white prints. Please include name, phone number and address. We reserve the right to edit or reject all submissions. Mail to:
Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin
P.O. Box 1224
Madison, WI 53703
Email: bfw@mailbag.com
Deadlines:
| Spring Issue | Feb. 10 |
| Summer Issue | Apr 15 |
| MidSummer Issue | May 30 |
| Fall Issue | Aug. 10 |
Here is Vol. 2, No. 2, of Wisconsin Bicyclist.