Wisconsin Bicyclist
Volume 3, No. 1
Icebound, 1997
Newsletter of the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin.![[BFW Logo]](/images/bfw1.gif)
Wisconsin BicyclistVolume 3, No. 1Icebound, 1997Newsletter of the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin. |
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Here is Vol. 2, No. 3, of Wisconsin Bicyclist (Fall, 1996).
by Jeanne Hoffman, Executive Director Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin
Does it seem like that quiet escape route out of town for a Saturday spin isn't half as quiet as it used to be? And is the neighborhood you live in becoming more oriented towards cars than people?
Thankfully, in 1991 Congress created something called "ISTEA", or the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act , to better integrate cars with other ways of getting around. Since its creation, ISTEA has funded many bike projects around the country. The chances are that if you know of a great new bike path that allows you to avoid a congested, fume-filled road through town, or a wide curb lane marked for bikes, it came about because of ISTEA.
But, ISTEA will be reauthorized by Congress this year. Powerful auto industry lobbyists on Capitol Hill are already arguing that funds spent on improving conditions for bicycling, walking and transit are "unnecessary luxuries". What Congress decides to do will determine whether the future means more four lane highways, and car-oriented suburban sprawl, or the possibility to develop livable communities where bikes and pedestrians have equal and safe access to our roads. Your help is needed NOW to make sure that bicyclists have safe places to ride in the future.
The new Bikes Belong! campaign brings together a strong coalition of bike interests including the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, the League of American Bicyclists, the Bicycle Federation of America and bike industry leaders. The goal of the Bikes Belong! campaign is to protect ISTEA's federal dollars for bikes.
The Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin wants you to become a part of the Bikes Belong! campaign. Make a difference by letting your representatives in Congress know what you think about this issue. Here is how to do it:
The Honorable ______
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
The Honorable ______
U.S. Senate
Washington, DC 20510
by Jeanne Hoffman, Executive Director Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin
Since I became executive director of the Wisconsin Bicycle Federation, I've sat on the state bicycle plan advisory committee helping prepare the State Bicycle Plan. At that "table" a number of us from bicycle organizations have been actively involved in creating the state bicycle plan. We have helped fashion an important document that will be used by government officials - at different levels of government - to help them make funding decisions for bicycle facilities and programs. We think we have represented you well at these meetings, but we still need to hear from you directly. The committee represented a lot of different viewpoints, and understandably, we didn't get everything we wanted nor were things said in the plan just the way we wanted them said.
The State Bicycle Plan calls for the promotion of bicycling. In fact, our goal is to increase the number of bicycle trips by two-fold by the year 2010. Think about that. This is really quite extraordinary - such a proactive statement about bicycling and its virtues in an official state transportation plan. Furthermore, the plan includes objectives and action statements intended to get us to that point.
From the start of the plan's preparation, we made sure that bicyclists and others had opportunities to express their own opinions as the plan was developed. The four regional meetings are excellent forums to express your views. If you cannot attend, we are still interested in what you have to say. We will make sure you receive a short summary of the plan and a question sheet. Even if you are satisfied with the content and direction the plan is taking, let us know, because we need that show of support. If you feel the plan is not addressing the main issues or is pursuing the wrong goals and actions, all the more reason to let us know. Now is the time! Below are the specifics on the regional meetings. See you there.
Regional meeting dates, locations and times:
Madison: March 17, UW-Madison Union South, 7pm.
Appleton: March 20, Outagamie County Courthouse, 7pm
Eau Claire: March 25, Chippewa Valley Technical College, Rm 30A, 7pm
Waukesha: March 27, UW Waukesha, 7pm
Summaries of the plan are available from Tom Huber at 608-267-7757; thuber@mail.state.wi.us, or the Bicycle Community Page: http://danenet.wicip.org/bcp.
by Laura P. De Golier, Fond du Lac
Sunday, May 25, will be your chance to take Congressman Tom Petri for a hike on the Winnabago County Recreation Trail at Rush Lake.
This is the second annual event in which Congressman Petri has joined hikers and bikers in the celebration of a trail in his Congressional District.
The purpose of this event is to invite Congressman Petri to enjoy the recreational opportunities in his District and to show him our appreciation for his efforts in helping to secure funding to build and maintain trails. This year's event will highlight the Winnabago County Recreational Trail for bikers, hikers and snowmobilers, and the Owen and Anne Gromme Rush Lake Preserve owned and maintained by volunteers from the Nature Conservancy. The trail crosses the easement into the Preserve and that will be the site for our gathering.
Congressman Petri has a key role to play in Congress during 1997 because the legislation providing funding for trails (ISTEA), will expire in September without reauthorization, and it is the Subcommittee which the Congressman chairs which must pass this legislation.
We hope you will share your enthusiasm for trails and the great Wisconsin outdoors by joining Congressman Tom Petri and his family on May 25. This is a family event. The bike trail runs for 3 to 5 miles in either direction from our meeting point. The trail is an abandoned rail bed with old prairie vegetation intact along much of its way. Hikers can choose the trail, or follow the hiking tour of the Owen and Anne Gromme Preserve (4 miles round trip) to the shores of one of the last and most undisturbed prairie potholes remaining in Wisconsin. Bird watchers may wish to start the excursion early in the day and catch the mating calls of the many sandhill cranes who choose this area to nest.
Rush Lake is the site of biological studies of the water quality and plant life in the Lake by Ripon College's Dr. Bill Brooks. The lake is home to many species of ducks and recently white pelicans have summered there along with great blue herons and egrets.
Festivities will start at 1 pm Take County Hwy E north (about 3.5 miles) of Ripon across the Winnabago County line to the driveway across from Fire #689. If you've come to County V, you've gone about .5 miles too far north. After a few remarks from some of our guests we'll be on our way hiking or biking.
by Stuart Kipnis
I recently started a volunteer effort to create Madison's first hostel. The hostel will fill a major void - low-cost, overnight accommodation within walking distance of the University, State Street, and the Capitol. We hope that plans will be finalized in the next few weeks to use a fraternity house for the hostel during the summer. Our long-range goal is to open a year-round hostel.
We intend to make the hostel very bicycle-friendly. Hostellers who arrive under their own power (cycling or hiking) will be given discounts. We also plan to arrange two or three day bicycle trips in Southern Wisconsin this summer. These trips will be affordable and lots of fun!
While we currently have plenty of what I consider to be the most important asset - volunteers, we are a little (OK, maybe a lot) short on financial assets. An auction in combination with an international dance and music festival will be held in early April to raise funds.
For more about the hostel effort and the fund-raiser, contact Stuart Kipnis at (608)242-0464.
by Don Ferber
Ice Age Trail Foundation
The Dane County Chapter of the Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation will again sponsor a National Trails Day Festival in 1997. This event will showcase the wonderful landscape of Dane County that is recognized and cherished by so many in our community, the work that has and is being done to preserve and enhance it, and the opportunities to enjoy it and become involved in caring for our environment here. Building upon National Trails Day and Dane County's designation last year as a "Trail Town USA" by the American Hiking Society, this Festival will promote the Ice Age and other trails, environmental and recreational opportunities in the Dane County area, and provide support for the Ice Age Junction and green space. In recognition and support of the exemplary public-private partnership to acquire land in the Ice Age Junction, all profits from the Festival will be used to match state and county funds already designated for the purchase of land in the Ice Age Junction.
The Festival is supported by the Dane County Parks Commission and is being co-sponsored by the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin, LifeStyle Sports magazine, and the Madison Audubon Society. Many area recreation and environmental groups have agreed to participate, but we are looking for more organizations to participate, plan events, and publicize and get support for the Festival. Events planned include: nature and bird hikes; bike rides; an environmental fair and displays; environmental and outdoor workshops; sports demos and games; childrenŐs events, crafts and games; a beer tent; and great music and food.Info: Don Ferber (608)222-9376.
by Tom Huber, State Ped/Bike Coordinator
State Bicycle Transportation Plan- The preparation of the State Bicycle Plan has reached its halfway point and is ready to be reviewed by the public. Four regional meetings have been set up to solicit input. This is an excellent opportunity for the public to consider the content of the plan as it is being developed rather than wait until its final preparation. Additional public meetings will be conducted upon completion of a final draft plan. The four meeting locations and dates are Madison - March 17; Appleton - March 20; Eau Claire - March 25; Waukesha - March 27. Please see related article for specifics about the meetings and who to contact.
State Bicycle Map- The new State Bicycle Map is currently being computer-drafted. A consulting firm has completed its work on the analysis of bicycling conditions on state and county roads. Comments on the old map, many of which came as a result of solicitations in this newsletter, have been considered and folded into the update of the map. WisDOT is currently working with the Wisconsin Bicycle Federation to pursue a cooperative arrangement to print and distribute the map. Look for an improvement in both the scale and readability of the map. If all goes well, the map will be ready in the early summer.
Teaching Safe Bicycling Workshops- WisDOT is again co-hosting, with communities and other organizations, three Teaching Safe Bicycling workshops this Spring. The workshops are designed to provide adults with the instructional and organizational skills needed to teach safe bicycling practices and skills to children. The workshops are in Neenah on April 11; Superior on April 17; and Sun Prairie on April 19. There is no charge for the workshops and lunch will be provided. Registration information can be obtained by calling WisDOT at 608-266-0402.
Enforcement for Safe Bicycling Workshops- Two workshops are planned - at the Lakeshore Technical College (Cleveland, WI.) - March 18 and 19; and May 8 and 9 at the Green Bay Northwest Technical College. These two-day workshops are intended for law enforcement officers involved in traffic duties. The purpose is to improve bicycle safety through enforcement of seven select laws (the most common infractions made by both motorists and bicyclists) causing the vast majority of crashes between bicyclists and motorists. Officers should check the Law Enforcement Bulletin for details; this course meets the requirements for in-service training time. Peter Flucke - Certified Effective Cycling Instructor - is the course instructor.
by Marcia Miquelon, Madison Bike to Work Day Coordinator
Every year, thousands of Madisonians commute to and from their workplace by bicycle. These individuals are able to reduce their gas, parking and motor vehicle upkeep costs, benefit the environment, and are healthier, more energetic and more alert because they begin and end their workday cycling.
For the past sixteen years, the City of Madison has recognized these individuals' dedication to healthy, environmentally sound commuting and encouraged others to begin bicycle commuting through an annual Bike to Work Day celebration. This year's Bike to Work Day is scheduled for May 30.
This year, the goal of the Bike to Work Day organizing committee is to increase ridership by involving the local business community. Currently, the committee is actively seeking businesses who will participate in Bike to Work Day through pre-ride publicity and promotion, and by providing assistance and recognition for employees who ride their bikes to work on May 30.
The BTWD organizers need your help in identifying and approaching these businesses. Do you work at a business or an agency which might participate in Bike to Work Day? Wouldn't you like to become a worksite coordinator, and help your co-workers discover the joys of bicycling? Together, we can make this year's event the biggest ever!
Info: Marcia Miquelon (608)274-3819; bbc@tdsnet.com, http://danenet.wicip.org/bcp/btw/.
by Peter Flucke, BFW Board Member and President, WE Bike
One of the Bike Fed.'s goals is to become a leader in bicycle education in the state. A major component of the bicycle education plan we are developing will be the League of American Bicyclists' Effective Cycling (EC) program. The EC program was developed in 1976, and is based on John Forrester's pioneering bicycling class. Today, it is still the only nationally-recognized bicycle safety education program. The program works to make bicycling more fun by making bicyclists smarter.
The BFW is currently seeking grants to make the EC program available in Wisconsin and to train EC instructors. To get the bicycle education plan off the ground, the only three certified EC program instructors in Wisconsin have agreed to teach several classes.
The EC class is intended for adult riders who want to become more comfortable riding in traffic. It includes the principles of vehicular cycling, bike handling skills, traffic rules and responsibilities, and basic maintenance skills. The class is nine hours long and includes five on-road hours. Following is information about the classes:
Green Bay Fri., Mar. 14, 6-9p.m. and Sat., Mar. 15, 9a.m.-4p.m. Green Bay Sat., May 31, 9a.m.-3p.m., and Sun., Jun. 1, 9a.m.-3p.m. Green Bay Mon., Jun. 16, 6-9p.m., Wed., Jun 18, 6-9p.m., and Friday, Jun. 20, 6-9p.m. Madison Fri., Mar. 14, 6-9 p.m., and Sat., Mar. 15, 9a.m.-4 p.m. Madison Sat., May 31, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and Sun., Jun. 1, 9 a.m.-2p.m. Madison Tue., Jun. 10, 6-9 p.m., Thu., Jun. 12, 6-9 p.m., and Sat., June 14, 9 a.m.-noon Milwaukee Fri., April 18, 6-9 p.m., and Sat., April 19, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Milwaukee Fri., May 23, 6-9 p.m., and Sat., May 24, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
The classes are available at a reduced cost of $35 per student. The fee includes all course materials and Effective Cycling certification. To register, or to have it taught in your area (min. class size: 8-12 students), contact BFW (608)251-4456. An instructor training course is tentatively scheduled for late June and early July (contact BFW).
by Arthur Ross, BFW Board Member
I spent 3 weeks living in Oslo, Norway last summer, staying with my wife's mother, sister and family. I say living rather than visiting, because going to Oslo is going home for my wife Jeannette. After five visits, Oslo is as familiar as other places I have lived or visited frequently. Also, our routine is much the sameas at home: shopping, cooking, keeping the kids entertained and visiting friends, as well as taking in the sights.
One of the things I love about Oslo is how easy it is to get around the city. The transportation network is diverse, and we make full use of most modes, including car, subway, trolley, bus ferry, and foot. When I can get out by myself, I borrow my nephew's bicycle. We have use of my sister-in-law's 15 year old Volvo, but with gas costing about $1.25 per liter, and filling the tank coming in at over $50, I prefer other modes whenever possible.
Public transportation gets you just about everywhere in this city the size of Milwaukee. One of our favorite beaches is on an island in the Oslo Fjord called Langoyen. This is a small island which is entirely a city park with beaches and campsites. We take the subway downtown, then a bus to the ferry terminal and the ferry to the island, all for one fare.
Walking and bicycling are easy throughout the city. There are many pathways that create shortcuts and minimize street crossings. Pedestrian overpasses and underpasses are common where there are busier roads. Many of these paths are not paved, and almost all of the bicycles are mountain bikes. There is also an extensive green space surrounding Oslo, with easily accessible walking, bicycling and skiing trails.
Walking and bicycling for transportation is further facilitated by well mixed land uses. We could easily walk to at least five supermarkets from my mother-in-law's apartment. Supermarket is not really the right term. All five could fit into one Woodman's or Cub's. But nothing like Woodman's or Cub's exists in Oslo, and these smaller food stores are everywhere. Not only were these markets nearby, but I felt comfortable letting my nine year old son, Jacob, walk there alone. There were few streets to cross, and these were narrow, low volume streets. The furthest we would walk to was at a shopping center located two subway stops away. Walking there required crossing only three or four streets using the path network. Only the street right at the shopping center had much traffic, and the street was narrowed to slow down traffic and make it easier for pedestrians to cross.
It is this easy access to destinations by walking bicycling and public transportation that I miss the most upon returning to Madison.
by Michael D. Barrett, BFW Board Member
One of the urban bicycling havens of North America, Madison has three bikes for every two cars. The large number of bike riders is said to be a sign of Madison's progressive attitude.
The Cultural Map of Wisconsin
This Cartographic Portrait of the State of Wisconsin recognized the unique role of the bicycle in defining the culture of Madison. Of course, that is just one of over 1200 culturally defining characteristics of regions around the state. This map is a wonderful way to discover the history, culture, land and people of Wisconsin. So before you head out on your next bike tour put a Cultural Map of Wisconsin (UW Press) into your handlebar bag. As the map's author, David Woodward, Professor of Geography, UW-Madison, put it: "Highway maps show you how to get there; this map gives you the there."
If you're a Bike Fed member with an e-mail account, or someone interested in Wisconsin biking issues, subscribe to BikeWisconsin. Leave the subject field empty; send message to majordomo@fuji.physics.indiana.edu. Message should read subscribe bikewisconsin only.
By Peter George Tampa
Red Bikes are getting ready to hit the streets again. Donated bicycles being collected at Budget Bicycle Center and are in need repairs, tuning, and painting. Jillian Corbett, Red Bikes project coordinator is planning Wednesday evening work sessions.
The Red Bike Project Coordinator position will be open this spring (Jillian will be heading to Deutschland for graduate studies). The position requires lots of enthusiasm and an ability to coordinate/motivate volunteers. This is a part-time, paid position. Info: (608)251-8413.
by Tracy Zafian
How many times have you biked to run an errand only to find there is no bike parking at your destination? Where then to park your bike? In such cases, I usually leave my bike up near the building and lock it to itself. Other times, if possible, I lock it to a bench or a tree (bad for the tree) or some other immovable object. None of these options is ideal. Parked away from bike racks, my bike could be obstructing pedestrians or other cyclists, or appear inviting to thieves. Bike racks and bike lockers offer a much better solution.
The availability of good bike parking is essential for encouraging bicycles for transportation. A recent survey sponsored by Bicycling Magazine showed that over 25 percent of U.S. commuters would be encouraged to leave their cars at home and bike to work if provided with amenities such as bike storage at work and designated bicycle lanes.
Some communities leave the option of providing bicycle parking up to individual businesses, and some businesses and institutions have a done a great job accommodating bicycles. Among them are UW-Madison, which has added hundreds of bike racks over the past few years, UW-Platteville, which recently added bike lockers for over 140 bikes, and Gundersen/Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, which installed a bike parking lot and offers bicycle commuting incentives to employees.
Other communities establish bicycle parking requirements and actively demonstrate their commitment to creating a bicycle-friendly environment. Moreover, communities with bicycle parking requirements (such as Madison, Denver, Palo Alto, Eugene, OR) have higher rates of bike commuters as well as greater numbers of good bicycle parking facilities. Most cities with bike parking requirements mandate a minimum amount of bicycle parking spaces for new developments. A typical level for commercial developments is 5 to 10 percent of the number of automobile parking spaces; for residential developments, cities typically require between 1 to 2 bike spaces per residential parking space. Some communities also require bicycle parking at existing and rehabilitated buildings. The City of San Francisco, for instance, requires covered bike parking to be retrofitted at existing city buildings.
Many bicycle parking regulations contain guidelines on the type of facility to be provided, where it will be located, and other amenities that cyclists will be provided with, etc. These guidelines result in better quality facilities that cyclists are more willing to use. Even when cities decide to support voluntary installation of bike parking instead of mandating it, similar guidelines should be encouraged. It is important that bicycle racks are the type that accommodate U-locks and enable secure locking of one wheel and the frame. Too many bike racks do not support the bicycle and only hold the bike by one wheel.
Bike parking facilities should be out of the way of pedestrian and motor vehicle traffic. Ideally, they should be near the building in a well-lit area. For employees and long-term visitors, covered secure parking should be provided.
Good bike parking encourages bicycle use for everyday transportation, which is good for the environment. Encourage the businesses you visit to provide quality space for your (motor-less) vehicle. Encourage your employer to do the same. Support the idea of bike parking regulations. In the long run, such actions will encourage quality bike parking to become the norm instead of the exception.
Tracy is a planner for the City of La Crosse and a bicycle and pedestrian commuter.
In January this year, we got a call from one of our members, saying that he had just been to a meeting regarding the rebuilding of N. Port Washington Road. It seemed that the reconstruction was not to include any consideration of bicycle traffic. It wasn't clear whether this action was just an oversight or an intentional omission on the part of the engineering firm and the City of Mequon, but what ever the case, several letters were written to try to correct the situation.
After being reminded that this route was on the "map" of Mequon Bicycle Transportation Plan, on the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commision map/plan, and that the Wisconsin DOT recommendation is for a bike way on any roadway that has a possibility of having bicycle traffic, there was a revision in the plan.
The City of Mequon and Ozaukee County have agreed that a 14-foot outside lane shall be incorporated into the design. Appropriate drainage grates will also be used.
I'm not sure if there was a battle here or not. The fact that we (bicyclists) have laid the ground work by working with the Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO's) to help formulate plans that are bicycle friendly, probably made this situation a non-battle. I think the point to all this, is that even though we have plans that helps us, we need to remind those in control of road building projects that we really are out there and ready to remind them of that fact.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has used ISTEA money from the "Transportation Enhancements" program to build many bike-related projects across the state. Projects the Department has planned or underway in each of its eight districts are listed below. These projects represent only a third of the total number that were requested.
| Name of Project | Public Sponsor | Total Cost |
Federal Share |
| DOT District 1 - Madison | |||
| 1995 Facilities for Pedestrians and Bicycles | |||
| E. Badger Rd. Bicycle & Pedestrian Way | Town of Madison | $28,000 | $22,400 |
| Windsor St. Enhancement & Path | City of Sun Prairie | $35,000 | $28,000 |
| Sheehan Pedestrian/Bicycle Path | City of Sun Prairie | $62,200 | $49,760 |
| Directional Signage for the 400 Trail | City of Reedsburg | $12,500 | $10,000 |
| 1996 Facilities for Pedestrians and Bicycles | |||
| CTH D, Beloit to Janesville Rd. | Rock County | $193,300 | $154,640 |
| Portland Avenue Bridge Enhancements | City of Beloit | $496,928 | $398,342 |
| 1997 Facilities for Pedestrians and Bicycles | |||
| E. Mifflin Corridor Bike Trail | City of Madison | $30,000 | $24,000 |
| Verona Rd. Underpass near Raymond Rd. | City of Madison | $108,000 | $86,400 |
| 1995-97 Facilities for Pedestrians and Bicycles | |||
| Wingra Creek Corridor Path | City of Madison | $1,255,000 | $1,004,000 |
| Capitol City State Trail-E-Way Link | Dane County | $500,000 | $400,000 |
| Windsor DeForest Bike Path | Town of Windsor | $156,000 | $124,800 |
| Riverwalk Bike & Pedestrian Path | City of Beloit | $709,638 | $567,712 |
| W. Beltline Hwy Frontage Rd. Bicycle Lane | Town of Madison | $29,000 | $23,200 |
| DOT District 2 - Milwaukee | |||
| 1995 Facilities for Pedestrians and Bicycles | |||
| Improve Pedestrian & Bike Trail | City of Cedarburg | $112,500 | $90,000 |
| Green Tree Pedestrian & Bike Path | City of West Bend | $40,000 | $32,000 |
| Bicycle Trail Downtown to CTH LL | Port Washington | $160,000 | $128,000 |
| Old World Wisc. Rd. & Trail Signage | State Historical Society | $17,700 | $14,160 |
| Bicycle-Pedestrian Facility | Waukesha Co. Park & Plan. | $50,000 | $40,000 |
| Norway Trail | Racine Co. Public Works | $25,000 | $20,000 |
| Northside Bikeway | Grafton | $51,600 | $41,280 |
| North Avenue--Pedestrian Path | Brookfield | $73,000 | $58,400 |
| 1996 Facilities for Pedestrians and Bicycles | |||
| Glacial Drumlin Trail | WisDNR | $250,000 | $200,000 |
| DOT District 3 - Green Bay | |||
| 1995 Facilities for Pedestrians and Bicycles | |||
| Ahnapee Trail | Door County | $148,300 | $118,640 |
| Newberry Trail Bike Path | City of Appleton | $164,600 | $131,680 |
| Wiouwash Trail | Shawano County | $216,000 | $172,800 |
| Delly Trail | Shawano County | $395,778 | $316,622 |
| CTH LS Shoulder Paving Eisner Ave. | Sheboygan County | $204,635 | $163,708 |
| Ahnapee Trail | City of Sturgeon Bay | $220,000 | $176,000 |
| Delly State Recreational Trail | Brown County Hwy. Dept. | $366,000 | $242,800 |
| East River Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail | Brown County Hwy. Dept. | $203,750 | $163,000 |
| Shawano Bike Path | City of Shawano | $128,580 | $90,006 |
| 1996 Facilities for Pedestrians and Bicycles | |||
| Ahnapee Trail | Kewaunee County | $197,100 | $157,680 |
| Pedestrian/Bicycle Underpass Structure | Kimberly | $298,800 | $239,040 |
| 1995-97 Facilities for Pedestrians and Bicycles | |||
| Sheboygan Falls Bicycle Facilities Network | City of Sheboygan Falls | $85,000 | $68,000 |
| Sheboygan Urban Bike Trail | City of Sheboygan | $308,856 | $247,086 |
| DOT District 4 - Central Wisconsin | |||
| 1995 Facilities for Pedestrians and Bicycles | |||
| Construct Sidewalk under STH 29 | City of Wausau | $50,500 | $40,400 |
| Delly Trail--Marathon Co. Segment | Marathon Co. Park Dept. | $309,200 | $247,360 |
| 1996 Facilities for Pedestrians and Bicycles | |||
| West Side Bike Trail | Wisconsin Rapids | $49,000 | $39,200 |
| DOT District 5 - La Crosse | |||
| 1995 Facilities for Pedestrians and Bicycles | |||
| Great River Trail/Valley Trail Bridge Connector | WisDNR | $362,000 | $289,600 |
| Veteran's Memorial Camp Access to Bike Trail | La Crosse County Park Dept. | $115,000 | $92,000 |
| 1996 Facilities for Pedestrians and Bicycles | |||
| Pine River Trail | Richland County | $176,000 | $140,800 |
| DOT District 6 - Eau Claire | |||
| 1995 Facilities for Pedestrians and Bicycles | |||
| Pedestrian/Bicycle Facility USH 53.Old Soo Line | City of Eau Claire | $230,000 | $184,000 |
| UW-River Falls Multi-Modal Trail | Board of Regents UW Syst. | $502,000 | $401,000 |
| DOT District 7 - North Central Wisconsin | |||
| 1995 Facilities for Pedestrians and Bicycles | |||
| North Trout Lake Trail | Town of Boulder Junction | $95,000 | $76,000 |
| Lake Nokomis Bridge | Oneida Co. Forestry Dept. | $132,730 | $33,183 |
| DOT District 8 - Superior | |||
| 1995 Facilities for Pedestrians and Bicycles | |||
| Gandy Dancer Trail Box Culvert at STH 35 | WisDOT | $150,000 | $120,000 |
| Osaugie Trail | City of Superior | $120,000 | $96,000 |
| Gandy Dancer Trail | Polk County | $670,650 | $536,520 |
| Hwy. 2, Lakeshore Dr. Pedestrian Path | City of Ashland | $178,789 | $143,031 |
| 1995-97 Facilities for Pedestrians and Bicycles | |||
| Tri-County Recreational Corridor Surfacing | Douglas County | $500,000 | $400,000 |
by Paul Lata, BFW Board Member
The 1997 Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin/Silent Sports Event booklet should be flying off bicycle shop racks by the time you read this issue of the Wisconsin Bicyclist. This first of its kind booklet offers bicyclists a schedule of Wisconsin bicycle events for the entire year. This resource should be extremely valuable to both event participants and event directors. [Also available online. -Ed.]
In the process of putting the 1997 Wisconsin Bicycling Events Booklet together, it became apparent that many event directors share common concerns about running a bicycle event. There is no place for Wisconsin event directors to get together to discuss the endless obstacles that confront them.
The Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin(BFW) is committed to making Wisconsin a better place to bicycle. This includes the availability of quality bicycle events throughout the state. This spring, BFW is considering sponsoring a discussion group at a bicycle ride in central Wisconsin. The Ragin' Rooster tour/race in Amherst has offered to host this year's session, June 22. This session would be open to all bicycle ride organizers in Wisconsin. If enough interest is shown, a speaker may be brought in to talk on one aspect of ride organization (i.e., risk management).
Any ride leader interested in this type of session should call Paul Lata, BFW Board Member and Menominee River Century Chair (715)735-5961 (eves.), paull@.mrnet.com.
by Michael D. Barrett
BFW has a unique opportunity to be the publisher of the new Wisconsin State Bicycle Map. WisDOT has done the ground work & cartography, all that is left to do is print it. WisDOT has offered the project to us to bring the map to a statewide audience. The project has great potential as a money maker for the BFW, but publishing a map for statewide distribution will require up-front financing that is beyond the capabilities of the BFW at this point. The project is estimated to cost at least $10,000 for an initial print run.
Mark Shahan of Madison's Bicycle Transportation Alliance of Dane Co. fame has put up a $500 interest-free challenge loan to the BFW to go toward printing costs of the state bike map; Mike & Pam Barrett have matched that as has an anonymous donor. So we are 15% of the way there. If you are interested in investing in putting bicycling on the map, give BFW a call (608)251-4456.
by Jeanne Hoffman, BFW Executive Director
I want to thank all the members and bike shops who contributed to our second annual appeal, and to welcome all new members of BFW. I also want to thank the board of directors and my dedicated volunteers for all the hours spent on the annual appeal, direct mailings, and newsletter.
All contributions to the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin are now tax deductible! The Internal Revenue Service has accepted our application for non-profit status, so the BFW is now an official 501(c)(3). Further good news is that our non-profit status goes back to the date of incorporation - May of 1995.
During the past few months, I have occasionally gone to Milwaukee to work with Kit Keller, board member of BFW and founding member of the Bicycle Federation of Southeastern Wisconsin (BFSEW). BFSEW received two Transportation Demand Management grants through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), and Kit asked BFW to help administer the grants.
The first grant is an educational program on bicycle commuting. I met with city, county and state officials in Milwaukee, as well as Transportation Management Associations (TMA's), and employers. I developed a slide presentation "The Basics of Bicycle Commuting" which I presented to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and approximately 10 TMA representatives. The presentation will now go to other TMAs and then to area companies. The final stage is to help a few companies encourage their employees' bicycle commuting by giving workshops on basics of bicycling, bike maintenance, selecting the right equipment, and route selection.
The second WisDOT grant is for a "bicycles on buses" program, to provide commuters with another option for daily travel on select Milwaukee buses. The demonstration project will start in the spring of 1997 and continue throughout the summer. The BFW is compiling information about similar programs throughout the country into a preliminary report that will be presented to a committee of bicycle advocates, transit riders, WisDOT, Milwaukee city officials, and the transit company. The second phase will be to start and promote the demonstration project. The final phase is reporting on the results of the program. The goals? Increased ridership and "bikes on board" service on all Milwaukee transit company buses.
Another important BFW project is the re-authorization of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA). In the fall of 1997, current ISTEA funding will run out; a new transportation bill will come before Congress. Unfortunately for bicyclists, groups such as auto companies, oil companies, road-builder associations, and auto associations are all lobbying fiercely for a return to highway funding-only and the end of mandatory funding for bicycle facilities. WisDOT and the Thompson administration support a draft ISTEA revision known as STEP 21, which reworks the federal funding formula so that states which pay more money in gas taxes receive more money in transportation funds. Funds would be allocated to states in block grants, instead of through mandatory programs, to be used for any transportation programs the state wishes. Currently mandated programs such as the Enhancements Program and the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program -- both of which have funded bicycle projects -- would be cut. BFW, on the other hand, wants to see bicycle funding continue under ISTEA.
BFW organized a Wisconsin Bicycle Dealers Meeting on February 18, 1997 because bike shops are an excellent place to educate bicyclists as well as to form a powerful statewide coalition to voice concerns to local, state and national representatives about ISTEA. ISTEA brochures, postcards, and additional information will be distributed to all bicycle shops within the month. In addition, BFW will coordinate meetings between dealers, cyclists and their elected representatives. It is vital to this campaign that our representatives hear from all of us. Let them know that bicycling is an important form of transportation as well as a major business, recreational and tourist activity in Wisconsin. For more information call the BFW office at (608) 251-4456.
by Richard Schwinn, BFW Board Member
What would happen if we had really bicycle-friendly roads. The notion of creating a freeway for non-motorized users seems so absurd to most highway authorities that no one has ventured to build one. We have recently had the opportunity to see what might happen - if only by serendipity. Recent construction work provided just such an opportunity on highway 36 from Burlington, Wisconsin to Franklin just southwest of Milwaukee.
On my occasional trips to Milwaukee, I noticed interlopers on the newly expanded road in that period just after the asphalt had been laid, but the road was not yet open. The interlopers were not cars, but bicycles! In those few weeks you would have found a rider here, a family there - all taking advantage of this fleeting windfall. I took to riding on the roadway every chance I got. I have even found horse droppings in the passing lane!
I am left to imagine what would happen if we designed a permanent cycling corridor as seemingly luxurious as this: Two full car lanes - and shoulders- just for non-motorized traffic! Certainly we could find room for four lanes of bikes. Riding could become social again and not overcrowded like the pitiful few urban trails available to us. Perhaps an all-weather three wheel HPV could make sense on this type of road. Could a network of bikeways this grand create the same revolution in transportation that the interstate highway system did in the 1960's for cars? Could it spawn lifestyles and products that could make a non-motorized life not just survivable but truly delightful? Can we generate the kind of bicycling traffic we see on many fun rides on such as transitory opportunity as our highway 36 corridor? What could we do if a corridor like this was permanent? Let's build it and find out.
by George Perkins
Recently, I saw a timid bicyclist riding at the edge of a fairly busy arterial in Madison, WI, dangerously close to hanging up his pedals on the curb. I pointed out that if you ride in traffic, cars treat you as an equal but if you ride in the gutter, they give you no respect. The cyclist responded that he "was paranoid of cars." I'm not sure my statements were helpful, but I hope my example was: I was riding as a part of traffic and enjoying bicycling rather than feeling scared.
Bicyclists should not be intimidated on the road! A bicyclist who hugs the right-most edge of the road provides an enticing lane for a car to "whiz" by with only inches to spare. A bicyclist 4 or 5 feet into the lane (which is often 13 or more feet wide) prevents a car from squeezing by - they must wait for opposing traffic to clear, or they slow to your speed. This has been my experience, and is an easy thing to try for yourself.
George Perkins, 35, has been riding his bicycle to school, to work, and for fun since he traded in his tricycle.
by Scott McCollum, Technical Editor
Spring is here and it is time to start thinking about gearing up for bike to work month in May. The following is a list of equipment essentials to get you going:
Fenders will keep you cleaner and dryer through inclement conditions or when the streets are damp.
Helmets have been significantly improved in the last five years and are more effective in the event of a crash. They have also become more comfortable, lightweight, and have better ventilation.
Lights open the window of opportunity for safe cycling at any time. A white light in the front and a red flashing light in the rear are a good place to start. Reflectors for the bike and reflective clothing really complete the picture.
Locks are a great way to make sure that your bike is there when you come back for it. If you have quick release wheels, lock up both; it only takes a thief ten seconds to have a valuable front or rear wheel. For a quick release seat post, pick up a bolt and nut at a hardware store or a seat cable at a bike shop.
Panniers or baskets are a safe, efficient way to carry things by bike. There are a number of pannier bags which are designed specifically for commuting. Some bags are even in a briefcase format if that suits your needs and style. Backpacks are OK, but tend to be hot, sometimes uncomfortable, and potentially dangerous in the event of a crash.
Enjoy the spring!
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 |
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, Joe Crossett Layout Editor: Victoria Horn Production Manager: Help Wanted! Circulation Manager: Robbie Webber Ad Sales: Michael D. Barrett, Jeanne Hoffman Graphics: Dieter Bingemann, Marcia Miquelon Contributors: Michael Barrett, Don Ferber, Peter Flucke, Jim Guthrie, Jeanne Hoffman, Tom Huber, Stuart Kipnis, Paul Lata, Scott McCollum, Marcia Miquelon, George Perkins, Arthur Ross, Richard Schwinn, Peter George Tampa, 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:
Icebound Issue Feb. 15 Spring Issue April 15 Summer Issue May 30 Fall Issue Aug. 10
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!
BFW Members Get 10% Off at These (WAY) Cool Businesses:
Bike Shop City Telephone Adventure Cycle & Fitness Green Bay 414-494-8447 Adventure Cycle & Fitness De Pere 414-336-9164 Appleton Bicycle Shop Appleton 414-733-2595 Brookfield Cycle & Fitness Brookfield 414-781-3151 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 Connor's Bed & Breakfast Cable 800-848-3932 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 Fox River Sports & Spas Waukesha 800-544-5502 Free Flight Bikes Platteville 608-348-6888 Haack's Cycle Janesville 608-756-0717 Haack's Cycle Madison 608-241-2138 Haack's Cycle 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 Riverside Bike & Skate Menomonie 715-235-9697 Riverside Bike & Skate Eau Claire 715-835-0088 Scotty's Bike Rental & Sales Tomahawk 715-453-1888 Smith's Cycle and Fitness La Crosse 608-784-1175 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 White River Cycle Iron River 715-372-4077 Williamson Bicycle Works Madison 608-255-5292
Discount available with your Official BFW Membership card. If the bike shops in your area are not on this list, ask them to sign up! Some restrictions apply; e.g., does not apply to bicycles at bike shops; B & B's may exclude certain weekends.
Nominations will shortly be accepted for 5 of the 10 positions on the Board of Directors of the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin. Ballots will be mailed in the next issue of WISCONSIN BICYCLIST on May 1. Board members must attend four Board meetings a year, and are expected to play a leading role in building the Bike Fed.
As a young and growing organization, our primary goal is to increase membership. Currently we have 500 members. Surely, since Wisconsin is known for its great bicycling and its active bike advocates, a goal of 2000 members by the year 2000 is realistic?
If you know someone who can help lead the Bike Fed. in making Wisconsin a better place to bicycle, please nominate them for a position on our Board of Directors before April 15. Call the Bike Fed office at (608) 251-4456.
We could really use the following in the Bike Fed office:
Head to any one of the following bike stores and get your membership which, as the name implies, comes in a high quality bike water bottle:
Art Doyle's Spokes and Pedals in Hudson, the Wheel and Sprocket stores in the Milwaukee area, Rainbow Jersey in Shorewood, Spring City Cycle in Waukesha, Maximum Performance Cycle in Neenah, Budget Bicycle in Madison, the Trek Store in Madison, Yellow Jersey in Madison, Total Cyclery in Kenosha, Bike Line in Racine, Atkins Verona in Verona, Mt. Outfitters in West Bend, Seeley Hills Bike and Ski in Seeley Hills, In Competition in Green Bay and Zuchini Bike Shop in Beloit.
Thank the bike shop owner for carrying the bottles, buy one, send in your membership form and be a part of Team Advocacy!