International Winter Bike to Work Day
This year, we set up at Law Park with treats and information provided by Madison Bikes (coffee from Cafe Domestique), Machinery Row Bicycles and Round Trip / Greater Madison MPO. Even the Data Bike was there. Well over 100 cyclists attended, marking a significant increase from last year. Perhaps the weather had something to do with the high turnout, but we hope increased acceptance of winter riding as a viable transportation mode is partly responsible. It was great seeing all the shared conversation and celebration of winter biking. Thanks to everyone who attended!
More winter biking
See this recent Madison Magazine article on local winter bike commuters, their thoughts and some secrets to success.
Transportation Commission to discuss Park St safety, Rimrock resurfacing
On Wednesday, February 18, the Transportation Commission will address safety on Park St. following the tragic crash which took the life of Sasha Rosen last week. Traffic Engineering Division’s rapid response team is working on identifying any possible short-term and/or long-term improvements which could prevent future crashes. This meeting is a chance to weigh in on the need for these improvements.
The Rimrock Rd resurfacing project will also be discussed. Construction is anticipated in 2027 or 2028. It’s significant because along with the E-Rusk path (see below) and recently completed Badger-Rusk path, it will close a major gap in the low-stress bicycle network.
If you would like to speak at the meeting, register here. Comments can be sent to transportationcommission@cityofmadison.com.
East Rusk Ave Shared-Use Path would plug low-stress network gap
A proposed path would link the recently completed W Badger Rd path to a planned shared-use path on Rimrock Rd (see TC meeting agenda). The East Rusk path would provide all ages & abilities access to businesses on E. Rusk Ave, the Alliant Energy Center and the Cap City Trail. The public meeting was last week but you can see details, watch the presentation, and sign up for e-mail updates here.
Regent Street
Regent Street will be reconstructed in the next year or two. The Transportation Commission plans to discuss updates to the options discussed at the last public information meeting; however, this agenda item has been delayed until March 4. This delay gives us a bit more time to become more familiar with the different alternatives. At this point the preferred option doesn’t contain bicycle facilities on Regent St, but it does include improvements in routes to access Regent St from the SW commuter path. The project page provides information on Regent Street reconstruction including the options being considered.
Yesterday, Machinery Row and Madison Bikes organized a group of volunteers who visited Regent St businesses to make sure the perspectives of bicyclists are part of the conversation. It’s important for bicyclists to attend the March 4 meeting and comment orally or in writing, emphasizing the businesses you would visit by bicycle to highlight that increased bicycle traffic through a neighborhood can mean more business.
Election questionnaire results
Common Council elections for all even-numbered districts will take place on April 7. Madison Bikes once again has teamed up with other local groups to send candidates a questionnaire about housing, development, and transportation issues. Questionnaires will be sent this week. We plan to publish the candidates’ responses on March 5.
Forgo Mucky Paths
This is a good time to stay off unpaved trails which are soft and rutty until things firm up a bit. Riding on muddy trails can cause permanent damage to trails. For mountain bike trails, CORP provides a handy listing of trail conditions to let you know if conditions are OK to ride.
That’s it for this week’s update. Enjoy the warm weather while it lasts.
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!
