Photo: Paul Lata
“I sometimes think that the other months were constituted mainly as a fitting interlude between Octobers…”
Aldo Leopold
Aldo was referring to grouse hunting, but October is pretty sweet for bicycling too. Get out there and enjoy the show!
John Nolen Drive Update
The Broom Street crossing of John Nolen Dr was greatly improved last week with the removal of the pedestrian surface mats and the return of bikes/peds to new roadway surface. WisDOT’s JND project manager Dan Bauknecht wrote “I believe we are past the final hurdle from a ped/bike standpoint. The project only becomes more accessible, more expansive, and on newer pavement structure from this point forward. The next route switch (late Oct/early Nov) will give users a glimpse of what to expect along the whole causeway.“
This is great news, but temper your expectations. When the John Nolen Drive construction project concludes in spring 2027, the LakeWay construction project will begin with shoreline improvements, paths, boardwalks, landscaping, public art, and more. That project will prevent full use of the new causeway bike and walking paths until June 2028. During that time bikes and peds will be detoured onto the new JND road surface across the causeway. i.e., it’ll be a bit like a year of non-stop “Ride the Drive.”
Thanks to Craig Weinhold for content.
Near West Side Plan
Area plans shape bicycle infrastructure for decades. If you would like to see changes in the Near West Area, this is the time be heard. Virtual sessions November 4 and 9 and an in-person open house on November 5 will offer opportunities to comment. Additionally, you can enter your suggestions and comments on an interactive Ideas Map. Many individuals already have. Visit the information page for the Near West Area Plan to register for a virtual meeting or explore the map gallery.
Tuesday Rally for State Trails and Knowles Nelson
Sarah Widder’s Great State Trails Adventure makes its way to the State Capitol! She’s been riding across the state all month raising awareness of the Knowles Nelson Stewardship Program, the expired funding program responsible for so many great things (bike trails among them).
Join Sarah, Team Knowles Nelson and other champions for the Rally and Ride at the Capitol on Tuesday, October 20th at 11am in Madison. Meet on the Capitol steps for a Team Knowles Nelson photo with one of our legislative champions.
Sun Prairie Adopts New Rules for E-Bikes and Scooters
The City of Sun Prairie recently updated its ordinance regulating e-bikes, e-scooters, and e-motos. While e-bikes and e-scooters keep the same classifications of e-bikes and scooters as the State of Wisconsin, the city defined e-motos as any type of device with an electric motor greater than 750 Watts, capable of speeds greater than 20 mph without pedal assist or otherwise operates beyond the definition of a Class 1, 2, or 3 electric bicycle (e -bike) or e -scooter.
The recommendation on e-motos is consistent with information from the Greater Madison MPO except the Sun Prairie ordinance uses a speed limit of 20mph on motor power alone (compared to MPO guidance of over 28 mph while pedaling). Setting a 20 mph limit on motor alone provides clear enforcement criteria for police making it straightforward to identify vehicles which are not street-legal.
The new rules clarify where e-bikes and e-scooters can legally operate in Sun Prairie , which will aid law enforcement when issuing citations to violators.
Other changes include:
- Expanding pedestrian and bicycle regulations ensuring bicycles and scooters have the same rights and must follow rules of the road.
- Strengthens language about following the rules of the road such as adhering to traffic control devices and yielding to pedestrians.
- Strengthens language about companies who offer scooter or bike sharing.
- Adds helmet mandates for all riders under age 18 using bicycles or electric devices. It was not possible to require helmets for e-bike riders only.
To support families buying or riding these devices, the city of Sun Prairie is developing educational materials for parents and young riders to address the confusion around e-bikes, e-scooters, and e-motos. This information will be incorporated into Sun Prairie Area School District bike curricula.
To access the Common Council meeting agenda, click here. To access information presented at the Sun Prairie Common Council on October 6 click on information with #8. This is the same as the new ordinance except for the helmet requirement.
For more information on the use of E-devices for our area greater Madison Area, here is a link to the MPO guidance.
Don’t Forget the Winter Bike Fashion Show
November 15 from 1-4pm. Don’t miss it.
We’re still looking for a few models. You don’t need modeling experience and you can be a “shoulder season” model if you wish. The application deadline is Monday, October 26th. Here’s the application form: WBFS model application form.
Keep Your Bike Safe
The basics:
- Location, location, location. Park your bike in a well-lit area with lots of foot traffic. Bike thieves can steal a bike anywhere, but they prefer privacy and time to work. If an area is monitored by cameras that’s also a plus.
- Lock your bike to something sturdy, like a bike rack or a lamp post. Not a tree because it can damage the tree and it’s illegal. If there isn’t anything suitable around, take the opportunity to advocate for a rack where you are doing business. In some cases, installation won’t cost the business anything. See this Madison Bikes link (select bike parking) for details. If appropriate, consider taking the bike inside if there isn’t a place to lock it outside.
- Invest in a good lock. Spending more usually buys a better lock. If you have a $3,000 e-bike, maybe a $200 lock isn’t such a bad investment.
- Use good locking technique. Two locks are better than one. For example, combining a U-lock with a chain lock will allow you to lock another wheel and increase the chances the thief will move on to another, more vulnerable bike. Lock at least the frame and ideally the back wheel. An exception might be some e-bikes for which it might be difficult to remove the rear wheel even when it’s not locked.
Types of locks:
- U-locks vary in quality but are considered by many to be the most secure type of lock. High-end models are resistant to angle-grinders but other less expensive ones can be cut with a hacksaw. These locks are rigid so may not fit on e-bikes with thick down tubes or other bike parts.
- The best chain locks can be quite good and are resistant to bolt cutters. However, lower quality products can still be cut with other tools such as hacksaws. These locks are heavy.
- Folding locks offer decent security but quality matters. They are more flexible and lighter than U-locks and storage is compact.
- Cable locks offer a very low level of protection and are easily and quickly defeated. They are light and easy to wrap around bicycle parts or bike racks. These locks may be suitable for low risk situations.
- Café or frame locks prevent the bike from being ridden but not from being carried away. They may be helpful for very short stops where you can watch the bike or in combination with other locks.
Examples of a chain lock, U-lock, folding lock and cable lock (REI.com)
Other tips:
- If you have an e-bike with a removable battery, take it with you if you can. It’s often the most expensive part of the bike.
- Take everything with you that’s not permanently attached to the bike. Bike computers, consoles, water bottles, and lights can be grabbed in a few seconds. Quick release wheels and seatposts are easily and quickly removed. Replacing the quick release mechanism with a bolt, if feasible, could buy you a few more seconds or deter more casual thieves.
- To increase the chance of recovering your stolen bike, consider registering it with a national registration database such Project 529 or the Bike Index. The city of Madison has a help page.
- Consider concealing an AirTag or equivalent tracker in the frame, handlebars, or other hiding place. This won’t stop theft but may allow you to recover the bike.
For more information, consider checking these sources:
- This excellent article by Chuck Strawser from UW provides detailed information on locking technique and other issues.
- The City of Madison also provides advice.
- Consumer reports rates locks based on resistance to various tools. Only members can see details. All top rated locks were U-locks The best buy of the top five was the Kryptonite New York at $135. The others ranged from $260-$430.
Two More Taco Rides
The last two Motorless Motion/Bandit Taco Rides of the year will take place on October 21 and October 28. Rides are about 10 miles starting at Motorless Motion at 6PM and ending at Bandit Tacos. See the Madison Bikes Calendar.
Trek Trick or Treat Ride
Join the gang at Trek East for a “howling good time” at 6:00 PM on Thursday October 29. Thrilling tricks, and tasty treats after the casual ride. More information here.
Bring helmets (required), lights and hydration
Looks like a spectacular week weatherwise. Hard to believe the Winter Bike Fashion Show is less than 4 weeks away. Enjoy the fall riding.
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!
