Rendering of the John Nolen Drive causeway reconstruction, one of the projects at risk
Lots of things are happening at the federal level, and the League of American Bicyclists alerted us of a potential cut to any federal transportation funding that involves bike lanes. For Madison, this would likely delay or stop projects such as the John Nolen Drive Causeway reconstruction, or the dozens of projects funded through the city’s Safe Streets and Road for All grant. Please sign the petition to oppose these cuts, in Madison and nationwide. Here’s the Bike League’s message:
We need your help. Reports indicate that federal funding for bike lanes and other important transportation projects may be frozen soon. We know that these projects save lives. And if funding is frozen, many projects already approved for federal funding may never break ground to transform dangerous streets. Those projects already in progress will stop immediately and may never start back up again.
Your voice matters. Help us deliver thousands of messages of support to the Secretary of Transportation.
Tell the Department of Transportation not to freeze these critical transportation funds.
At the March 5 meeting, the transportation commission discussed options for the West Wash-SW path intersection. The city is required by Office of the Commissioner of Railroads to remove the rectangular rapid flashing beacon (RRFB) signal currently at the intersection and replace it with a signal that can interact with the railroad signal. This will require installation of a full traffic signal at the intersection. The committee discussed continuing the current lane reduction to 2 lanes vs increasing back to 4 lanes.
The following strategy was approved by the commission:
Remove the RRFB and install a full traffic signal at the intersection. Install a detection system to trigger the traffic signal automatically when bicyclists approach the intersection on the path.
Maintain the current lane reduction test for now. The lane reduction may be temporarily removed during the John Nolen Dr Reconstruction Project if there are safety or operational issues due to detour traffic. After the John Nolan construction is complete, permanently reduce W Washington at this crossing to 2 lanes when funding is available.
Thanks to everyone who submitted comments on this project. They do make a difference.
Shamrock Shuffle
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County is adding a 10km bike ride wave to their Shamrock Shuffle event this year. The event takes place on March 15 and you can get $10 off registration with promo code MADBIKES.
This breakdown is actually a good thing. The Big Breakdown is an event where Bikes for Kids breaks down bikes that are beyond hope to make space for refurbished bikes for 2025. During the event, non-metal parts are removed, parts that can be used to restore other bikes are saved, and the rest of the bike is recycled.
The Big Breakdown happens on Tuesday, March 11, from 6 to 8 p.m. at 354 Coyier Lane in Madison. There is even Northshore pizza for volunteers. Be sure to bring leather gloves to protect your hands from metal. For questions, call the bike center at (608) 405-0385. More information is available at https://bikesforkidswi.org/2025breakdown/ .
In addition to their efforts to distribute hundreds of bicycles to new owners, Bikes for Kids is to be commended for their efforts to recycle and reuse bicycles. Their community bike disposal service is an asset to the community. Join them on Tuesday to assist them in this worthwhile endeavor.
Winter Biking Discussion in the Daily Cardinal
Winter is winding down but it’s not over yet and the mornings can still be nippy. Check out this discussion with Liz Jesse and Alicia Bosscher and the city’s Pedestrian Bicycle Outreach Specialist, Colleen Hayes, in The Daily Cardinal. https://www.dailycardinal.com/article/2025/03/q-a-why-winter-biking-is-feasible-in-madison . Their tips and perspectives on winter biking in Madison are worth a read, particularly if you are new to winter biking or Madison.
That’s it for this week. Lots of events happening, so be sure to check our community calendar.
Participants line up near the start line of the Hugh Jass finale race at Blackhawk in Middleton
Welcome to the Madison Bikes newsletter. I hope you enjoyed the two week fat biking season. Well, that’s over and now it’s False Spring 2 meaning days are getting longer and bike rides are getting slightly warmer and more bearable.
Transportation Commission: W Wash and Transportation Improvement Program
Transportation Commission is meeting on Wednesday at 5 pm. The agenda includes a couple of relevant biking projects: one involving the SW Path crossing at W. Washington and the other about the Transportation Improvement Program.
During this week’s meeting, TC will give an update on the SW Path crossing alternatives. If you aren’t in the loop, the Railroad Commission is requiring that the city remove the Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacon (RRFB) which was installed in 2017. Back in September 2024, following a series of crashes, this crossing was temporarily narrowed down from 4 total lanes to 2, which decreased crossing time and improved safety for users of the SW Path. Because the RRFB has to be removed, there are two alternative considerations. While both options involve adding a traffic signal to the intersection to stop vehicle traffic for path users to cross, one includes keeping the currently built 4 lanes, while the other involves curb work to permanently narrow it to 2.
The other topic on the agenda is the Transportation Improvement Program. The document lays out the potential road and path projects from 2026-2031, including street reconstructions, resurfacing projects, bikeway and sidewalk additions and improvements, and bridge repair. One notable new path planned for later this year is the bike path along the North side of North Shore Drive (opposite the existing bike path) from the SW Path to Bedford. Infrastructure projects like this path extension take a lot of planning ahead of time, so it’s necessary to plan them well in advance to better anticipate the needs of our growing city. Check out the program slides for more detailed info and all the known projects.
Bike Packing Social Event
Looking ahead to later this month, on March 23rd, Madison Bikes will be hosting a Bike Packing Social community event! We’ll be at the Goodman Community Center at 2 pm to share bike packing stories, gear tips, and get ideas churning for future adventures.
We’ll have brief show-and-tells featuring different gear setups and explanations of what you will need to pull off your own adventure. Presenters will talk about their experiences exploring northern Wisconsin, doing an ultra race around the Netherlands, riding RAGBRAI without having to worry about carrying your gear, and riding through the Alps. After that there will be plenty of time for Q&A, socializing, and planning for getting out there on the next adventure.
If you have Facebook, please let us know you can make it on the event page.
That’s all for this newsletter. Thanks for reading! Hope to see you at the bike packing event or one of our other functions this year.
