Christo Alexander, Author at Madison Bikes

A cyclist on the University Ave Bike Path | Photo by Christo Alexander

Another weekly update is here! It’s time to talk about our favorite delightful, radical, and sustainable transportation method. Here’s what you need to know about the Madison biking world this week.

Spring Election

Tuesday, April 4th is the Spring Election! The results can impact biking, walking, transit, and housing, so it’s really important to get out and make your voice heard. If you haven’t voted by mail yet, you still can still vote in-person on Tuesday. The city website has a page to help you find your nearest polling place.

Waucheeta Bike Trail

In March, Dane County donated $913,000 to construct a new trail between Lake Farm County Park and Waucheeta Tr., West of Lake Waubesa. The trail will connect the Lower Yahara River Trail to the Waubesa Beach neighborhood. The estimated completion is in late 2024 or 2025. While a full bike-friendly or low-stress loop of Waubesa is still a long way off, this is a great step in the right direction.

The approximate location of the trail for which the money has been donated, West of Lake Waubesa in Madison.

Madison’s Everyday Engineering Podcast

Have you ever wondered what Safe Streets is about? The Madison’s Everyday Engineering podcast has an episode with Traffic and City Engineers to explain how the project works. Take a listen to learn about the feedback from the community and how the city plans to implement the life-saving designs. You can also listen to their most recent episode about the John Nolen redesign project for information on the proposals and next steps. Listen for free here!

Freewheel Closing Sale

Freewheel bike shop in downtown Madison will be closing its doors on June 16th. The shop was truly dedicated to transportation equity and sustainability, and it’s really sad to see it go. Until then, you can still visit for some really good deals on tools, parts, accessories, and complete bikes. The first sale day was Saturday, April 1st, and is scheduled to continue again this Saturday and Sunday from 12-5pm. It’s always best to check their social media for updates.

That’s all for this update! Thank you for being a part of the many individuals and organizations working tirelessly to promote sustainable transportation options in our city. Let’s continue to work together to build a more equitable future for all.

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!

A cyclist dressed for winter rides along the snowy Yahara River Bike path. — A cyclist riding along the Yahara River Bike Path

Welcome to this week’s update! We hope you have been enjoying the wide range of Winter cycling weather we’ve been having. If being on two wheels is bringing you half the joy it’s brought me this season, I’d say you’re doing great. Here’s what you need to know about bike advocacy in Madison this week.

Spring Primary

Get out and vote! Tuesday, February 21st is the Spring Primary to nominate non-partisan candidates to be voted for at the Spring Election. By casting your vote, you are helping to shape the future of your local government and make an impact on issues that matter to you, like the quality of biking in this wonderful city. Earlier this month, we asked the candidates about about their positions on transportation, housing, and sustainability. You can learn more and read the candidates’ responses to the questions here.

Transportation Commission meeting

Wednesday, the Transportation Commission will meet virtually at 5PM. The agenda includes a contract for analysis on pedestrian and bike infrastructure gaps near BRT stations and a TAP grant application for the Glacial Drumlin Connector and West Towne Path projects. The connector project aims to connect the Capital City Trail near I-90 to the Glacial Drumlin trailhead in Cottage Grove, which is a crucial missing link for cyclists heading East from Madison. Check out this link to watch the meeting or learn more.

John Nolen Redesign meeting

There will be a public information meeting on the John Nolen Drive Redesign project on Thursday at 6:30PM. The first phase of the project addresses the causeway from East Lakeside Street to North Shore Drive. The plans include some exciting improvements like expanding the multi-use path to separate bike and pedestrian traffic and a path underpass between North Shore Drive and Broom Street. The project is scheduled to run through 2026.

John Nolen Drive and Lake Monona | cityofmadison.com

Looking Ahead: Community Meeting

Finally, we want to hear your input on the Monona Waterfront Design challenge! Join us on Monday, Feb 27th for a community meeting where we will discuss the plans and what they mean for people on bikes. You can find more info on our Facebook event.

Thanks to our sponsors who make our events possible!