Despite harsh temperatures that topped out in the single digits and a wind chill that was in negative numbers all day long, more than 150 bicyclists turned out for Wisconsin Bike Fed’s annual Santa Cycle Rampage. Who is on their naughty list? Probably people who park too far from the curb because of snowbanks.
While it’s not always quite so cold — and the Rampage is definitely a jolly occasion — the event always feels like a reaffirmation that cycling is a year-round activity in Madison. Join your fellow bikers out on the streets and paths! (But take care! Those streets and paths are still kind of tricky in spots!)
Midvale Boulevard plans in flux
In September, Madison’s Transportation Commission considered changes to Midvale Boulevard that could be included in a planned repaving project. When the commission decided to remove parking from the northern portion of the road to make way for a buffered bike lane, many neighbors, the alder for the area and the alders present on the Transportation Commission opposed the idea. You can read an analysis of that meeting and options presented by staff in Craig Weinhold’s post from Oct. 1.
Last week, city Transportation Engineering staff shared an alternative proposal with the Transportation Commission. The planned repaving would keep curbs intact — as opposed to a full reconstruction, which allows new curbs and redesign of the entire right of way — and repaving the road now would likely delay a reconstruction until 2040 or later. Staff suggested only patching problem pavements spots in 2026, and then undertaking the a reconstruction when funding is available, likely around 2030. This would allow the city to consider more extensive changes earlier, such as parking pockets, a protected bike lane and narrowing crossings at intersections. However, it delays action to improve Midvale for bicycling until this later date, since nothing will change until the reconstruction.
You can find a shortened version of the letter received by Transportation Commission members on the city Engineering website. All the documents about the project and a recording of the TC meeting are available on the city website.
Charting the right route for the Beltline
In case you missed a special guest post on the Madison Bikes website, Wisconsin Bike Fed staffer Ben Varick wrote an excellent post for the Bike Fed blog, “Expanding the Beltline is the Wrong Plan.” It is worth your time — and worth sharing with friends and neighbors.
Holiday lights by bike
Black Saddle Bike Shop and Slow Roll Cycles have set their annual Olin Holiday Lights Bicycle Spectacular — a ride to and through the holiday lights display in Olin Park — for Saturday, Dec. 20. (Revolution Cycles is also usually involved, but had to step away this year.)
The group ride will kick off from Garver Feed Mill, 3241 Garver Green and on the Capital City Trail, at 6 p.m. There will be some opportunities for group cheer afterward. More info on Facebook.
BCycle begins hybernation
Just a quick reminder that Dec. 15 is the bike-share service‘s official seasonal closure date this year.
That’s it for the weekly update. Stay warm — and upright, at least while you’re on two wheels.
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!
