Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Do I have to register my bicycle or get a bicycle license?
Bicycle registration/licensing is a locally controlled issue in Wisconsin. There is no state bicycle registration/licensing.To check if your community requires bicycle registration/licensing, call your local police department. Unfortunately, some local jurisdictions may be unclear on what the requirements are in their area. When in doubt, look up your local ordinances on-line or call the Bike Fed and we'll try to help you figure it out (608-251-4456).
Madison: Requires registration of residents for a nominal fee. You must register every bike that you ride. You can download a form at: http://www.cityofmadison.com/transp/Bicycle/instruct.html or register on-line at http://billready.com/COM/BikeRegistration.aspx. You may also be able to register at any Madison bike shop, but the city is encourageing online registrations.
UW students can register their bikes at http://www2.fpm.wisc.edu/trans/TDM/Bicycling/BikeRegistrationForm.pdf
Milwaukee: All City residents who ride must obtain a free license. Licenses are available at police stations and libraries...or from the Milwaukee office of the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin, 1845 N. Farwell Ave #100, 414-271-9685.
Do you know your local requirements? Email us (info@bfw.org) and let us know so we can add your community's information to this list.
When will "X" rail corridor be turned into a trail?
Several things have to happen in order for rails to be turned into trails:
1) The Railroad Right-of-Way (ROW) must be legally abandoned. This means
that the Railroad that owns or controls the ROW never plans to use it
again. Just because a ROW doesn't have any tracks, or the tracks have
not been used in a long time, does not necessarily mean a ROW is abandoned.
Historically, Chicago/Northwestern RR has been more likely to abandon
a ROW so that it can be turned into a trail than WI/Southern RR has, but
times change. The only alternative to abandonment of the rail bed that
can allow plans for a trail to move forward is "railbanking" (see below
for more info on that).
2) Even once the ROW is abandoned, this doesn't necessarily mean that
there are plans to build a bike trail or multi-use path, even if the tracks
are removed. The tracks are valuable, and the RR often sells or reuses
the tracks when abandoning a ROW.
3) The ROW generally goes to the State. Then (usually) the DNR has to
decide that they want to build a trail there. And simultaneously, the
local government has to decide that they want a trail there.
4) So locals (that's probably you) need to start asking about and pushing
for a path or trail with both local officials and state officials that
represent your area. There has to be political will at both the state
and local level to build the trail.
5) Then the path must be funded. Even if Enhancements funds are available
for your project, usual a local match of 20% of the cost of the project
is required, so the local government must be willing (or persuaded) to
undertake that cost. To find out what stage your local trails (or trail
plans) are in, call your local city council person, county supervisor,
and the DNR trail coordinator in your region. More on railbanking: The
federal railbanking program is defined by the National
Trails System Act, 16 USC 1247 (d)). It is a voluntary agreement between
a railroad company and a trail agency to use an out-of-service rail corridor
as a trail until some railroad might need the corridor again for rail
service. Because a railbanked corridor is not considered abandoned, it
can be sold, leased or donated to a trail manager without reverting to
adjacent landowners. In Wisconsin, we also have the option to use WI State
Statute. 85.09 to effectively "railbank," at a state level, out-of-service
rail corridors.
Click here
for a general fact sheet on federal railbanking.
Click here
for a list of FAQs about railbanking that may also be helpful.
Who do I call about snow plowing bike lanes/paths?
This information is for Madison only. If you don't live in Madison
and have a lane/path maintenance issue, please contact BFW if you have
corresponding maintenance numbers for your area. Good starting poins
are the City Streets or Parks Departments. Your call to those departments
matters...it lets them know that people bike in winter...or are affected
by other maintenance issues. In the City of Milwaukee, contact your
friendly neighborhood Bike/Ped Coordinator, Dave Schlabowske, 414-286-3144
or dschla@mpw.net or visit www.milwaukeebybike.org.
Contacts and Phone #s for snow plowing (& other maintenance) issues
in Madison metro area
It's complicated, but here it is:
In theory: you can call Street Superintendent, Al Schumacher 266-4680
or use the "Report
a Problem" on the City's web site
If that doesn't work...here's more contact info:
*Most* Madison Bike Paths (except SW Path) are maintained by City Parks:
266-4711
(by the way, Parks plows their parking lots, sidewalks, and then paths,
in that order, although that still results in some paths being plowed
before some streets)
The SW Path is maintained by the City Engineering Dept: 266-4430
Madison Streets West of Park St are maintained by "Streets West":
266-4681
Madison Streets East of Park St are maintained by "Streets East":
246-4532
Yep, four numbers for plowing in the city is a lot. If all else fails,
call Arthur Ross, the city of Madison bike/ped coordinator: 266-6225,
or aross@cityofmadison.com
The Capital City State Trail outside Madison (almost all of the path
from the underpass of the beltline at John Nolen to Hwy 151 frontage
road) is maintained by Dane County Parks: 242-4576.
However, they do not plow snow (or any other "winter maintenance")
on the path, and have no plans to do so (although BFW is working on
this). Call them anyway to complain, as it will help us to show them
how many people their refusal to maintain it affects.
As an aside, Dane Co Parks still requires the State Trail Pass to ride
it (at any time), but are willing to let the Dane Co Highway (Transportation)
Dept subsidize a state trail pass if you fill out the affidavit you
can link to here: <http://www.countyofdane.com/lwrd/parks/bicyclists.asp>
(yes, BFW and other local advocates have been working on that, too).
Questions about any facilities on UW Campus (such as the Howard Temin
Lakeshore Path) should be directed to the UW's bike ped coordinator,
Matthew Burczyk: 263-1034, or mburczyk@fpm.wisc.edu.
Note that the UW does not plow the Lakeshore Path (at least not the
unpaved portion of it). There is a long history for this, which involves,
in part, the path's prioximity to the lake. It is a perennial point
of discussion between the University and the Community.
Note that many streets that seem like they might be UW's jurisdiction
are actually maintained by City Streets (West) Division, e.g. University
Ave, Langdon, Park, and Lake Streets, and others.
All bicyclists will thank you for reporting needed maintenance. Please give them as complete a location as possible so the crew doesn't have to waste time trying to figure out what and where the problem is - street name, block number, which side of the street, nearby landmark, etc.).
Installing Bike Racks in the City of Milwaukee
The City of Milwaukee has a program to provide free bike racks to Milwaukee businesses upon request. DPW forces will also install the bike racks in the public right of way at no cost to the business. Businesses may request racks and install them rack at their own expense outside the public right of way. Milwaukee DPW will occasionally install racks throughout a business district if requested to do so or as part of a streetscaping project. Contact Dave Schlabowske at 414-286-3144 or dschla@mpw.net. Visit www.milwaukeebybike.org for more details.
Milwaukee also has bicycle lockers (see below) in the central business
district which can be rented by cyclists for $25/year.
The Wisconsin Bicycle Map highlights the most favorable bicycling conditions and rates all roadways. The map is split into 8 panels printed on 4 separate "maps". Each quarter section map may be purchased separately, or all four may be purchased as a set.
Maps can be purchased or ordered at special events that BFW attends, at local bike shops, at the BFW office in Madison, or by calling Wheel and Sprocket, toll free, 800-362-4537. Prices at this toll free number and at your local bike shop are set by those businesses and are subject to change.
We can also sell you maps directly from our office:
State Bicycle Map (one quarter): $3.00 members $5.00 nonmembers ($3 shipping/handling for up to 3 maps)
State Bicycle Maps (set of 4) $10.00 members $18.00 nonmembers ($5 shipping/ handling per 4 map set)
To become a member (and receive one free map), visit http://www.bfw.org/membership/index.php
The maps have routes marked according to their appropriateness for cycling (level & speed of auto traffic, presence of shoulders or bike lanes, etc.). The maps even have the rail trails that do not allow motorized vehicles in non-winter months.
County maps are available for free download from the WisDOT at http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/travel/bike-foot/bikemaps.htm.
Where can I get bicycle law cards (or other safety materials DOT prints)?
You can order lots of printed safety materials in bulk from the Wisconsin DOT. The Wisconsin Bicycle Laws card are printed by WisDOT, and you can get them for free directly from WisDOT by requesting Transportation Safety Material # HS221 (Wisconsin Bicycle Laws (card)), and sending the form you find at http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/forms/docs/dt1265.doc via USPS:Maps and Publications Sales
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
PO Box 7713
Madison, WI 53707-7713
or by faxing it to 608-246-5632
If you only need a small number of law cards or other materials (less than 10 copies), BFW will mail them to you for the cost of shipping plus a $3 handling charge.
back to top
What are WI State Bike Laws?
We're glad you asked! Visit here
for a text list of Wisconsin State Laws that apply directly to bicycles...or
ask the DOT for a law card (if you
only need a few, contact BFW...if you need a bunch, contact DOT).
I am taking a bike trip through Wisconsin, can you give me a route?
As a rule, BFW does not do route planning as we're a grassroots nonprofit education organization. We DO, however, sell great biking maps of Wisconsin. Maps can be purchased at special events that BFW attends, at local bike shops, at the BFW office in Madison, or by calling Wheel and Sprocket, toll free, 800-362-4537(click here for details). Prices at this toll free number and at your local bike shop are set by those businesses and are subject to change.We can also sell you maps directly from our office:
State Bicycle Map (one quarter) $3.00 members $5.00 nonmembers State Bicycle Maps (set of 4) $10.00 members $18.00 nonmembers
To become a member (and receive one free map), visit http://www.bfw.org/membership/index.php
The maps have routes marked according to their appropriateness for cycling (level & speed of auto traffic, presence of shoulders or bike lanes, etc.). The maps even have the rail trails that do not allow motorized vehicles in non winter months.
County maps are available for free download from the WisDOT at http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/travel/bike-foot/bikemaps.htm.
Otherwise, check out Adventure Cycling for route planning anywhere in the United States. Their website is http://www.adv-cycling.org/.
What kind of bike
racks are good?
There are several styles and brands of bike racks. We have a resource on
this website describing the bike
parking standards for the City of Madison, which are pretty good: and
from the City's
website itself (there are pictures at these locations). In general,
inverted U racks are a decent, economical choice. Dero
Madrax "U-rack" is an example of an inverted U. Another nice style is
the "Campus Rack" from Dero. "Swerve"
and "Hoop" racks from Dero, and Saris Parking Systems "Bike Dock" are also acceptable racks
By the way, to increase the security of bikes parked in the racks that you
plan to install, make sure that they are highly visible, and preferably
in a high (pedestrian) traffic area.
A yearly publication that list all of the bicycle races, tours, events, and classes in the state!
To list an event or to purchase an ad, please contact Chuck at 608-251-4456 or chuck@bfw.org
Click here for more information on buying an ad or getting a free event listing.
If you joined BFW by April 1, 2007 and are up to date on your membership dues, you will be mailed a Ride Guide for free in April 2007.
Not a member? Stop by your local bike shop and request a copy. They don't have them? Bicycle shops ONLY can order free copies through Olympic Supply and Quality Bicycle Products...ask your shop to do so!
Non-members can also call BFW and request a copy, but there is a $5 charge for shipping and handling. The booklet will be available in April 2007.
How do I get bike racks on
buses?
There is federal transit enhancement funding available to transit providers
in urban areas that pays 95% of the cost for bicycle racks on buses (most
transit federal funding is 50%, so the racks are a great deal for local
transit providers). The funding is administered by the USDOT and authorized
by the 1997 TEA-21 bill (Transportation Equity Act for the 21st century,
the follow up legislation to the 1991 Intermodal Surface Transporation
Equity Act: ISTEA). USDOT is split into the Federal Highway Administration
(FHWA) and the Federal Transit Authority and FHWA has a fact sheet on
transit enhancments at http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/tea21/factsheets/transenh.htm
The racks help make the transit system more multimodal and community friendly.
Using the racks is easy too. Wisconsin communities that have bicycle racks on buses include Madison,
LaCrosse, and Eau Claire.
Bicycle Federation is working with local advocates to get bike racks on
buses in Oshkosh, Appleton, and Milwaukee. If you would like to help with
this fight, contact info@bfw.org or
608-251-4456
back to top
How do I get free bike helmets?
The Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin encourages those who are financially
able to purchase their bicycle helmets from an independent bicycle retailer
(i.e. your local bike shop). A helmet is a life saving device both for
adults and children that can usually be purchased for less than $30. Your
local bike shop relies on steady sales of items like bike helmets in order
to stay in business.
Several insurance companies, bicycle accessory manufacturers, and hospitals
throughout Wisconsin provide free bicycle helmets to police departments
and other community groups. Check your local hospital, your insurance
company, or your local police department for contacts.
Habush, Habush, and Rottier S.C. Attorneys at Law give away nearly 7,500
helmets statewide in Wisconsin each year. Contact the local Habush, Habush,
and Rottier office to make a request. The offices are listed at http://www.habush.com/contact/index.htm
In addition, in Madison there are the following sources for helmets:
Children's Hospital
Is able to help low income families on a limited basis. They work through
the public health nurse and others for this process, not the family directly.
They also sell helmets for $10.
City of Madison Health Department
Has bike helmets from a grant that they give through their well child
clinic.
City of Madison Transportation Department
Has helmets available for individuals and groups they work with.
Dane County Health Department
Does not make helmets available on a regular basis.
Meriter
Provides helmets to any child under the age of 18 seen in the Meriter
ED for any problem, as well as any siblings/friends/cousins who accompany
that child to the ED. This is funded by the Meriter Foundation
Offers coupons for $5 off at local retailers.
The following organizations provide helmets to groups.
Habash Habash and Rottier
Supplies helmets to organizations that operate in communities where Habash
has an office. They are stored in a warehouse in Kenosha so they need
2 weeks lead time to process the order. Contact Janis Walden 255-6663
This program includes 9 clubs from Monroe to Madison. They don't have a stockpile of helmets but can order them for a specific group or event. Kids would have to do something to earn them or they would charge a nominal fee for them. This cost would be waived if they went through a bike safety program. Pat Brinkman 243-8912.
back to top
League Cycling Instructor Training
BFW works with the League of American Bicyclists to train individuals to teach bicycle safety. League Cycling Instructor (LCI...link goes to outside site on LCI information) is the only nationally recognized certification for bicycle instructors. Check the class page for upcoming Road I and LCI classes.Who do I contact?
Setting up an event? Got a local bicycle issue? Visit here for a list of resources and contacts...
Capital City Trail Free Commuter
Passes
Do you ride on the Capital City Trail in Dane County for transportation
purposes? A trail pass is required to use the trail...but you can get
a free commuter pass by clicking here
and mailing in the form.
Wisconsin Bicyclist Newsletter
The Newsletter of the BFW! The Wisconsin Bicyclist lists tons of news and information that effects bikers in Wisconsin (follow the previous link to get a free sample copy or to read back issues on-line).
The WB is printed in September, November, February, and July. Submissions are gladly accepted, but BFW reserves the right to reject or edit submissions. Submission deadlines are typically one month before publication. Articles should be approximately 100-150 words.Articles should be submitted to Chuck at chuck@bfw.org.
Ad prices and specs can be located by clicking here
A used bicycle is a terrible thing to waste! Why not give them to a worthy
cause, keep them out of the landfill, and give them hope of returning
to the glory of the open road?
Wheels for Winners Earn-a-Bike Program, Dane County,
2310 Pennsylvania Avenue, Madison, WI 53704 (608) 249-2418 http://danenet.wicip.org/bcp/wfw/
Freewheel Community Workshop, Madison, freewheel@mutualaid.org, 608-256-FREE
(3733)
Madison Red Bikes project: http://danenet.wicip.org/bcp/redbikes/
Boys and Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee, http://www.boysgirlsclubs.org/, Dana Nix, 414-447-5333
YMCA of Greater Milwaukee, http://www.ymcamke.org/content/home.aspx
back to top
While some airlines take bicycles with only minor adjustments, such as turning the bars and removing the pedals, we recommend having the bicycle boxed, which protects it in transit. You can box bikes in the same cardboard shipping boxes they come from the factory in. This requires some disassembly meaning you'll want to travel with tools to reassemble your bike, or have it done by a shop when you arrive. Be sure to tape the box (bottom and top) to reinforce all the seams. And wrap your bicycle carefully to protect it (pipe insulation works nicely).
Frequent fliers should consider purchasing a "bike case," a special container designed for airline travel. These hard and soft cases make packing and unpacking easier because they require less bike disassembly. Plus, they feature handy details, such as handles, straps and wheels for that long haul to the terminal. They're also an investment, costing several hundred dollars, yet this expense pays for itself many times over if you fly a lot because it saves you the trouble of getting boxes for each trip plus you save time packing.
General packing tips:
(read your bike case instructions)
Remove the pedals, seat/seatpost
Remove road bike's front brake
Release mountain-bike front brake cable
Remove handlebars (or bars/stem)
Remove the front wheel and quick release
Bag or box all removed small items
Ensure parts & frame can't hit each other
Do NOT lock the case; inspectors need access
When packing a cardboard box, tie the parts to the bike so inspectors
won't disturb them
If you're using a cardboard box, pack tape to seal the box on the return
leg
Carry cycling shoes, shorts and jersey in case/box; you'll be able to
ride if other bags are lost. There's no need to deflate tires; elevation
will not cause problems. Bring a quality frame pump for tire repairs if
your mini-pump won't reach optimum pressure.
Sleeping bags or soft clothing makes great padding and frees up room in
other baggage.
Another thing to consider in planning your trips is that you'll need a
place to store your bike case or box when you arrive at your destination.
And, you'll need to take it with you if you're traveling around and staying
in different places on vacation. If you're relying on a rental car, for
example, it has to be large enough to accept your bike case along with
any people and gear.
Even though you've carefully boxed your bike and made it easy to handle,
and even though airlines take surfboards, skis, golf clubs and other exercise
equipment for free, they generally charge an "oversize" fee
to take bicycles. This is usually around $80 each way when flying in the
states. For international flights you might not get charged. The only
way to know for sure what the charges are is to check with the airlines
before you travel or ask your agent when you're making reservations.
USA Cycling has teamed up with United Airlines to offer airline travel
benefits to its license holders. Two one-way bike travel vouchers are
available per calendar year to each member in addition to a 10% discount
on published fare reservations made thirty days in advance.
$20.00
Back to top
The Bike Fed has a limited number of items for sale that promote bicycling
and provide some income for our programs. To order, visit our office at
106 E. Doty #400 in Madison, visit our information table at a local event,
or call 608-251-4456. We accept cash, check, VISA, or Mastercard. Shipping
and handling on most items (except the Ride Guide) is $3. Please be aware
that BFW has limited staff to process orders, so your request may take
some time to be shipped and billed to your credit card.
BFW Member Price
Non-member Price
Bicycling with Children, A complete
How-to Guide by Trudy E. Bell with Roxana K. Bell
$15.00
Recreational Trails of Wisconsin, by
Ray Hoven
$13.00
$18.00
Urban Bikers' Tricks & Tips, Low-tech
and No-tech Ways to Find, Ride, and Keep a Bicycle, by Dave Glowacz
$15.00
$20.00
Biking Chicago and Milwaukee (updated for 2006) by Peter Blommer
$10.00
$15.00
Cartoons or Roadkill Bill
$8.00
$10.00
Ride Guide(available for free from your
local bike shop)
First Copy Free...then $5 mailed
$5.00 mailed
Rosie the Riveter Bike to Work T-shirt
(short sleeve, white with red/blue/black image) or BFW Fundraising
Ride T-shirt (moss green with brown letters)
$5.00
$10.00
Cycle-Recycle Calendar for 2006
$5.00
$8.00
Bike to Work/BFW Logo Canvas Bag
$3.00
$5.00
BFW logo navy baseball cap
$10.00
$15.00
State Bicycle Map (one quarter)
$3.00
$5.00
State Bicycle Maps (set of 4)
$10.00
$18.00
 |
||||
|
Home: www.bfw.org
Mailing Addresses and Phones: © December 2006 |
||||