Another weekend full of snow, another snowy start to the week. With the holiday, the city and sidewalk stake-holders have had some extra time to clean up, so hopefully everyone can get where they need to go without too much struggle if they have to head back on Tuesday!
Last Week
The city’s Vision Zero newsletter dropped with updates on its road safety efforts. In a message from the mayor, she outlined how the Safe Systems approach is being used to eliminate serious crashes through street design improvements like protected bike lanes, high-visibility crosswalks, and traffic calming measures. The city is also developing new active transportation plans, including an updated Pedestrian Plan and an All Ages and Abilities Bikeways Network map. Another highlight includes progress on the Perry Street Connection Study, which should provide some much needed cross-beltline access just west of S. Park St/Hwy 14 intersection.
People for Bikes put together a list of the best bike lane projects in 2025, and Madison’s updated Wilson St. corridor made the list! If you haven’t had the chance, it’s definitely worth experiencing as an alternative to John Nolen Dr for cross-isthmus traffic or access to the Capital area!
This Week
On Wednesday at 5pm, the Transportation Commission will meet virtually. It’s a relatively light agenda with the biggest item being the proposal titled: “Opposing the Expansion of the Beltline Within the City of Madison and Supporting Improved Multimodal and Local Connectivity Across and Along the Corridor”. Should be interesting, but as we’ve noted before, most comments are best-directed directly to the state, who run the project. According to the slide deck, those comments were due on 15 Jan, so maybe it’s just time to watch and wait to find out what happens next. Whatever that is, you’ll find out about it here!
On Thursday at 6pm at the Central Library downtown, Madison Bikes is hosting a casual meet-and-greet with Christof Spieler, who has been Madison’s Director of Transportation for a few months now. Christof will give a short presentation and then open it up for Q&A and discussion. Got thoughts about bike infrastructure, transit, or how we get around this city? Here’s a chance to share them. After the official part wraps up around 7:15, folks will be heading to the Great Dane Pub off the square to keep the conversation going, chatting about about transportation or whatever else.
There are quite a few paid clinics run by CORP coming up over the next few months, with two sessions of “Biker Barre” this week. You can check out their site for a list of all the clinics on deck along with links to register.
Coming Up
On Friday, February 13th, we’re gearing up to celebrate International Winter Bike to Work Day by hosting two events to help cyclists embrace cold-weather riding. Morning riders can stop by the Madison Bikes tent near Machinery Row along the Capital City Path between 7-9am for coffee from Cafe Domestique, donuts, and a chance to connect with fellow winter cycling enthusiasts. Later in the day, the celebration continues with a happy hour at Working Draft Beer Company from 4-6pm, where cyclists can enjoy drinks and socializing (plus a 10% discount for those with Bicycle Benefits stickers!)
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!
