Lots of new projects planned and underway. Some are nearly complete. Read on.
TAP Bicycle Projects Prioritized
Kevin Luecke, Madison’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Administrator, presented four TAP(Transportation Alternatives Program) projects for prioritization at the Transportation Commission meeting. TAP projects are 80% funded by the Wisconsin DOT. The link to the presentation slides that includes a map for each project is here:
The projects will likely be ranked as listed below:
- Beltline Frontage road path. Seminole Hwy to Landmark Dr. Shared use path construction along a portion of the W Beltline Frontage Road where there is no sidewalk and a substandard bicycle lane for conditions. This project was previously approved, but funding was not available.
2. Garver path extension. Milwaukee St to Marsh View Path. Together with shared use paths to be built by a developer in 2026, this extension would provide a connection through Starkweather Park and to the existing connecting path under WIS 30 to Commercial Ave. There is a potential future connection over Stoughton Road to the Autumn Ridge Path extension. This path would allow residents north of Hwy 30 to connect with paths taking them to Atwood Ave and downtown Madison.
3. Odana Road Side Path. Southwest Path spur to Wedgewood Way. This project repurposes the parking lane along the Odana Golf Course to connect the SW Path to a new bike boulevard on local streets and a connection to the Beltline path. This project would be of less value if the path along the beltline east of Whitney is built, but the future of that path is uncertain and probably a long way off.
4. Autumn Ridge Path Extension. This path would connect the planned bike route north along Hwy 51 (probably in the distant future) to the new Autumn Ridge path and bridge, and potentially the bridge over Hwy 51 to the Marshview path if it is built.
These projects will be submitted in late June of 2025. Stay tuned for further developments.
Wilson St. Cyclepath Complete*
The two-way cycle track on Wilson Street is complete (*except for a 0.05 mile construction interruption near Pinkney St.) This project connects important downtown corridors including Broom St. and the Capital CityTrail. Connectivity will be further enhanced when the path on the North side of Northshore Dr. is complete. This project would have looked much different without public input. Thanks to all who provided comments.
Bicycle Film Festival’s 25th Anniversary!
Bicycle Film Festival will be returning to Madison on October 2, 2025 for the 25th anniversary of BFF. Ticket sales will go live, but in the meantime, hold yourself over with a virtual BFF Festival:
BFF is celebrating virtually with some of our Greatest Hit films that screened from 2001 until today.
Get a full festival pass to watch all 5 programs:
https://btt.boldtypetickets.com/events/161654341/bicycle-film-festival-2024-2025-virtual-bff-classics
BICYCLE FILM FESTIVAL WORLDWIDE VIRTUAL: BFF CLASSICS featuring 40 past films curated into four short film programs and one filmmaker retrospective program. Join our celebration virtually!
These films from BFF over the years capture the essence of human perseverance, vulnerability, strength, and the pursuit of dreams. The evolution of cycling, as seen through cinema, reflects its broader
cultural significance. From documentaries to narratives and animated stories, cycling culture is shaped by talented filmmakers, each offering a unique perspective on the bicycle’s impact on individual
lives and society as a whole. Every film reveals a different facet of cycling’s rich history, creating an intricate portrait of this beautiful and important global movement.
Program 1 – ADVENTURE SHORTS
Program 2 – URBAN BIKE SHORTS
Program 3 – CINEMATIC SHORTS
Program 4 – ADVENTURE SHORTS II
Program 5 – BRIAN VERNOR RETROSPECTIVE (feature films)
Each program is available to watch worldwide now through July 1, 2025.
Tickets and Passes:
https://btt.boldtypetickets.com/events/161654341/bicycle-film-festival-2024-2025-virtual-bff-classics
Artwork to download:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/flr5qzzvc5ztz8zdy31iy/AFYBUhB9d2ov7Yt2Y1j7RIg?rlkey=c471bfljg55jk3uz2dyexaj7o&st=g76tw7kt&dl=0
Stills:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/72eln9xhhfc7fgaju1dwh/APQnhQZWaoTJTR__lxxFj2s?rlkey=ruegoot1hocw6u1ixqtbadl5h&st=h7f7wt7x&dl=0
Vision Zero, Safe Streets and Speed Management
Sometimes it seems that transportation projects come at us fast and furious. That’s a good thing but it can get confusing. The city of Madison has released a nice summary of improvements made to improve safety for all roadway users. This summary includes projects which are underway or recently completed.
Budget Listening Session – Transportation
Pinney Library, June 18, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
This live meeting will feature an update of the 2026 budget process with Finance Director Dave Schmiedicke and presentations from Metro Transit, the Parking Division, and Traffic Engineering. This is an opportunity to speak directly with City staff about your ideas, concerns, and priorities for Madison’s future. Register to attend the meeting here.
Name the Data Bike
If you haven’t heard, the Greater Madison MPO now has a Data Bike. This e-cargo bike will be used to collect data and images in Greater Madison. It is equipped with a Hero 13 rear-facing camera to document visual surface conditions; an Insta360 4x camera to capture images for Google Street View; and an iPhone 15 running the SensorLog app to measure surface roughness. Trail surface roughness is measured as the accelerometer’s X, Y, and Z coordinate movements normalized for travel speed. All three devices record geo-located data/photos, enabling them to be mapped and compared easily.
This information will help trail managers and policymakers prioritize maintenance and reconstruction across Dane county. The 360-degree imagery will be available to the public.
Obviously, this bike needs a name and this is your big chance to name it. E-mail your suggestion to mpo@cityofmadison.com.
You know about Bicycle Benefits. What about Bike Bingo?
Dates of Bike Bingo: June 1- Sept. 1, 2025
How it works:
1. Pick up a $10 Madison Bike Bingo card at a listed location that comes equipped with a special edition holographic Bicycle Benefits program sticker. Put that sticker on your bike helmet (or give it away if you already have one.) The sticker will give you a discount or reward every day of the year when you ride to participating locations and show it.
2. Ride your bike to the locations on the card, use the Bike Benefits discount by showing it on your helmet. Request a stamp. If a place offers an alcohol-related discount, ask that they extend it to a n/a beverage.
3.If you complete a row, you can roll over to one of the “row prize locations” and redeem a prize.
Complete your full card and receive a $25 gift card and a bonus prize compliments of Bicycle Benefits.
See the this link for locations which have the Bike Bingo cards available. Email info@bicyclebenefits.org for more details, questions, or to get your Bike Benefits Support stamp and full card prize
Get out and enjoy the balmy weather but keep watching these weekly updates and our community calendar.
As always, you can find an overview of all bike events on our Community Bike Calendar. Email us at info@madisonbikes.org to add your events. And if you value our newsletter and other work, consider donating to Madison Bikes. For construction updates, check out the city’s Bike Madison page.
Thanks to our sponsors who make our events possible!
