Did you attend yesterday’s Winter Bike Fashion Show? We last had the show all the way back in 2019, and so I wasn’t sure how things were going to go. Would people show up? Does the format still work? We’ll share more later, but I think the show was a great success. Models that showcased a variety of approaches to riding in the cold; volunteers and sponsors contributing their labor and door prizes; a wonderful venue; over 100 people attending. The Fashion Show is back!
Curb management at the Transportation Commission
The Transportation Commission is meeting on Wednesday. One item of interest is an update to the curb management project. What is curb management? The curb on city streets is an important and often contentious dividing line. Should the space to the left of the curb be used for car parking, delivery zones, bike lanes, sidewalk cafes? Should the city charge for the use of that space? And how much, at what times, with what goals? There are many more aspects to this, and this is why the city is undertaking a comprehensive study of policies, practices, and technologies related to managing the curb.
Slide from the presentation (Source: City of Madison)
It is still early days in the project, and the current step aims to finalize a guiding framework by this fall. You can provide input by emailing transportationcommission@cityofmadison.com or registering here: https://www.cityofmadison.com/city-hall/committees/meeting-schedule/register
Downtown Plan process
The city keeps working on updating its area plans. As the Southeast and Southwest plans are getting closer to completion, the revision of the Downtown area plan has just started. How can you be involved? For now, you can add comments on transportation, land use, and other issues on this interactive comment map: https://plans.cityofmadison.com/downtown-area-plan There are already a lot of bike-related comments on that map!
Bike shop map and t-shirt store
Did you know that we have a map of Madison area bike shops and repair stations on our website? The map was broken for a while, but now we updated the map and you can find it here. Another update to our website: We now have a link to our merch store in the main menu of the page. So if you want to buy a Madison Bikes shirt, go here.
A quick reminder that the Return of the Winter Bike Fashion Show is happening this Sunday. We haven’t hosted a show since COVID, but now we’re back!
Join us (and bring a friend!) at the Goodman Community Center, Iron Works Building, 149 Waubesa Street from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm.
What is the Winter Bike Fashion Show? A celebration of riding your bike through the colder season. A venue for asking questions about how to keep your toes toasty, goggles fog-free, bikes upright on an icy day. Will there be “fashion”? Uh, sure! Because we think that no matter if you’re wearing Swedish army surplus wool pants, hi-tech bike jackets with built electric heating and Bluetooth controls, or just the coat you’d normally wear around town: Everybody looks amazing when they’re on a bike.
One of our fabulous models: Kimberly
Aside from our models showing off their outfits and answering questions, we’ll have more activities for you:
Help school kids stay warm in the winter: Safe Routes to School is doing a clothing drive. Hats and mittens are the biggest need, but items such as coats and rain pants are also welcome.
Madison Metro will have a bus on site and you can practice putting your bike on their front racks.
Our photographer Dan Stout will take pictures of you and your bikes. Our board member Harald will be around with his video camera to ask you about your favorite (and maybe least favorite) things about riding in the cold.
A commuter attempts to capture the last vestiges of fall color on the Badger Prairie Path (photo by Paul Lata)
Brrrr! Time to get out the winter gear. The Winter Bike Fashion Show couldn’t have been timed much better. More on that and other news below in this week’s edition of the update.
Winter Bike Fashion Show is Sunday
Only six days to go, then we have to wait another year. Whether you are a seasoned winter cyclist or just curious about how and why people manage to bike through the cold and snow, consider attending. And you could win a door prize!
This free, family-friendly event promotes an exchange of ideas to extend your cycling season. Veteran winter bikers will share secrets of their success.
The agenda includes:
Models showing off high tech and budget-friendly winter cycling wear. One model will do a reverse strip demonstrating how to gear up for rides from 60˚ F down to -10˚ F. Models will participate in a Q&A about how they are able to continue biking through the coldest months.
Get your picture taken in your winter biking gear or tell us your best winter biking tips in a short video.
Mark your commute route on a large map to share with others.
A table where you can bring winter clothing to help kids enjoy safe winter biking or walks to school. Hats and mittens are the biggest need, but items such as coats and rain pants are also welcome.
Practice putting your bike on a (non-BRT) bus in a low-pressure environment.
We still need volunteers. Tasks range from setup to break down and everything in between. Many activities offer opportunities to interact more with attendees. Click here to volunteer.
The Fashion Show will be held this Sunday, November 16 from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm at the Goodman Community Center- Ironworks building. (Cap City Trail at Waubesa St.)
A cyclist practices putting a bike on a bus. It’s not hard, but a couple of reps make it go more smoothly when you need to put your bike on a bus in real time.
Still time to comment on Southwest Area Plan
The city accepted comments at three input sessions on the Southwest Area Plan, but you can still comment on Southwest Area Draft actions here. The transportation section of the plan starts on page 11. Comments will be accepted until December 4. It’s also informative to view comments by others on this document.
Some specifics on the draft plan include:
Work with Fitchburg and the Arboretum to upgrade Seminole Highway bicycle facilities to All Ages and Abilities standards from the Beltline to the Cannonball path.
Addition of separated bike lanes on Whitney Way.
Increase shared-use path connectivity to and through Elver Park which would include extension of the existing path along Hammersley Rd west to McKenna Blvd.
Three crossings of the Beltline and an upgrade of the Whitney Way crossing(see DOT Beltline Study below). These are increasingly important because over 2,900 housing units have already been built or planned just north of the Beltline between West Towne and Westgate. The additional development will require more infrastructure to allow those who live and/or work in the area to move around.
Draft changes to Southwest Area Street Shared-Use Path & Bicycle Network (City of Madison)
DOT Beltline Study
Freeways can be efficient at moving motor vehicles over long distances, but for the 30-40% of the population who don’t drive, they serve as fences; obstacles to active transportation. Connections between employment centers and businesses to neighborhoods are disrupted.
The city has recognized this in the Southwest Plan which includes three Beltline crossings between Whitney Way and High Point Rd. The West Plan, which is complete, also includes two Beltline crossings parallel to Old Sauk Rd. Other crossings have also been proposed. However, the Beltline is a state highway and implementing these crossings requires cooperation with the DOT. So, whenever the DOT considers freeway crossings and other improvements, we should be all ears.
Good news, one of these opportunities is coming up soon. WisDOT will hold a virtual public involvement meeting for the Beltline Planning and Environment Linkages (PEL) study. For the first time since 2014, the DOT will present preferred strategies and gather feedback on the Preferred Strategy Package and information included in the Draft PEL Summary Report. There is a lot in this report including information on many new crossings as well as parallel routes.
The meeting will be on Thursday, December 4, at 5:30 PM. We’ll share updates and sign-in details as they become available.
Be Bright
One of my favorite advocacy activities is participating in Be Bright, the partnership of UW-Police and the City of Madison. Here’s how it works: UW police stop bicyclists who are riding without lights and instead of just handing out tickets, they take a moment to educate the bicyclists about bike light laws. Cyclists then get to choose – either accept a citation or allow volunteers or city employees to put a front and rear light on their bike. This gives volunteers a chance to do further education and connect with cyclists.
Most bicyclists were students with diverse backgrounds, many of whom rely on their bicycle for transportation. Quite a few were new to Madison and hadn’t considered using bicycle lights before. Almost all were enthusiastic about getting free bicycle lights and many were eager to learn more about use of lights and safe bicycle riding.
During just two hours, police stopped over 130 bicyclists, most of whom left with free lights. In some cases, they just had to be reminded to turn on the lights on their bicycles. It was great to see cyclists ride away with their new lights twinkling on a safer journey.
Members of UWPD, the City of Madison, and community volunteers educate and light up bicyclists on the East Campus Mall (photo by Paul Lata)
Transportation Commission Meeting
Willy St Rush-Hour Lane Removal:
The trial: Rush-hour lanes were removed from Willy Street in September to test whether a single motor vehicle lane in each direction would be adequate. Parking was prohibited in these lanes during rush-hour prior to the trial but was allowed during the trial except near corners. Users of the road and sidewalk were surveyed.
Results: Automobile travel times before and during the trial did not differ and backups did not result from the lane removal. The survey drew 1520 responses, 72% of which were from motorists. Results showed that 91% of bicyclists, 88% of peds, 76% of Willy St residents, 35% of motorists, and 31% of merchants favored removal of the lanes.
Decision: After considering data and comments collected during the trial, the commission voted to make removal of rush-hour lanes permanent. The city will install traffic cameras on Willy Street to enable them to monitor and adjust signal timing and parking restrictions. The parking restrictions near intersections during the trial period will mostly be rescinded.
Milwaukee Street Resurfacing/Utilities project
Milwaukee St between the Starkweather Creek Bridge and Woodmans will be completely rebuilt in 2027 together with the development of the Voit Farm lot into a mixed-use neighborhood. Not all details are available yet, but the city wanted feedback from the Transportation Commission on a four-lane road vs. a Two-Way Left-Turn Lane (TWLTL) design.
Both options include a two-way multi-use path on the north side of Milwaukee Street.
No decisions were made at this meeting, but the TWLTL design option received some positive comments from the commission. In addition to the multi-use path on the north side, the addition of a bike lane on the south side was also discussed.
Two options for street layouts for Milwaukee Street (City of Madison)
That’s it for this week’s update. Just a pat on the back for all of you who have been commenting orally or in writing regarding bicycling issues at the Transportation Commission and planning meetings. This participation helps city officials understand our real-world experiences and priorities and helps to create infrastructure that is safe and accessible for everyone. Without this input, vocal minorities could distort perceptions and influence decisions in ways that could mislead decision-makers.
Cyclists roll through the Holiday Fantasy in Lights
Welcome to the Madison Bikes Newsletter. It’s getting dark earlier, meaning it’s extra-important to bring lights on your commute so you can see, and more importantly be seen. Wisconsin state law requires nighttime bicycle riders to have a front light and a rear reflector at a minimum, though adding rear light (solid or flashing) is even better.
Did you know that flashing bike lights are not allowed in some European countries– France, Germany, and the Netherlands included? The argument against them is that they might distract other road users, but in the case of the daytime running lights we use in the US, that’s kind of the point. Personally, I feel safer with a bright, intermittently flashing front and rear light during the day, though I generally don’t have them on when riding on a bike path and I always change them to steady when it gets dark. There’s nothing worse than riding on the path at night with an oncoming cyclist with a bright flashing front light pointed right at you. OK, maybe lifted pickup trucks with aftermarket LED bulbs are actually the worst, but you get the point.
This week we have some event, advocacy, and cycling news to share.
Winder Bike Fashion Show
After a several-year hiatus, Madison Bikes’ Winter Bike Fashion Show is back on November 16th from 1:30 – 4:30pm at the Goodman Center, Ironworks building.
Join us for an afternoon of cold-weather fashion as 12 models strut their winter stuff down the runway. Models will participate in a Q&A about how they continue biking through the coldest months, so come ready with any questions you might have! The event will also feature:
A humorous reverse strip demonstrating how to gear up for rides from 60˚ F down to -10˚ F.
An opportunity to practice putting your bike on a Madison Bus bike rack.
Help kids enjoy safe winter biking or walks to school by bringing winter clothing donations.
Get your picture taken in your winter biking gear or tell us your best winter biking tips for a short video.
Mark your commute route on a large map to share with others.
We still have room for more volunteers, so if you’re interested in helping out with setup/teardown or managing one of our event tables, please fill out the form to let us know!
Join the discussion and let us know if you can make it on the FB event here.
A Successful Week Without Driving
Thanks again for joining the Greater Madison Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and Capital Area Regional Planning Commission (CARPC) for the Week Without Driving Community Discussion in Madison last month! It was such a meaningful conversation — we really appreciated you joining us and being so engaged in the discussion. The event recording is now available on YouTube and posted on the 2025 Week Without Driving webpage if you’d like to revisit or share it.
Feel free to reach out if you have any ideas or feedback. Thanks again for being part of the conversation!
Madison Cyclist Recovering after Hit-and-Run
On Oct. 1, a driver made an illegal turn near Camp Randall, hit longtime rider Allen Clauss, and fled. Allen spent weeks in the hospital recovering from multiple broken bones — and still says he can’t wait to ride again. His resilience is inspiring, but no one should have to endure this. We need stronger enforcement, safer street design, and a culture that holds drivers accountable for endangering lives.
Madison’s Transportation Commission met Oct. 22 to discuss Safe Streets Madison projects, relatively small infrastructure upgrades that improve safety and accessibility for people who walk, take transit, bike and drive. Among the bike-focused projects given the commission’s thumbs-up were:
Improvements to bike lanes on Aberg Avenue — adding one between Packers Avenue and Everett Street, and upgrading the stretch from Everett Street to North Sherman Avenue to a buffered bike lane
An all-way stop at the intersection of the Capital City Trail with South Dickinson and East Wilson streets, where parked cars typically make visibility poor for cyclists
Fifty new bike racks to be installed around the city
A flashing beacon at Buckeye Road and Davies Street, near Nuestro Mundo Community School, where drivers have not been yielding to path users and often passing yielding vehicles on the right
If you have a suggestion for future projects or see a problem that would benefit from a Safe Streets solution, email the program at safestreets@cityofmadison.com.
Transportation Alternatives proposals
The Transportation Commission also approved a list of projects for which the city will apply for funding through the Federal Highway Administration’s Transportation Alternatives Program. Those proposals included:
A new path along West Beltline Frontage Road near the Arboretum
Extending the Garver Path from Milwaukee Street to the Marsh View Path
A new shared-used path along Odana Road between Wedgewood Way and the Southwest Commuter Path connector
Extending the recently finished Autumn Ridge Path westward along Highway 30 to North Stoughton Road
Sun sets on construction season
Falling temps light a fire under crews laying asphalt. Watch for continued disruption, but maybe newly completed work at …
Syene Road and the Capital City Trail …
Nakoma Road …
… and the Howard Temin Lakeshore Path’s bike bypass of the Hasler Laboratory of Limnology.
(All photos by construction super-tracker Craig Weinhold.)
Research: How do you get around Madison?
Students at UW–Madison are conducting a study to better understand how people travel within Madison and the factors that influence how they choose modes of transportation. It’s a quick (5- to 10-minute) and relatively anonymous questionnaire, and responses will be used solely for research and study-design purposes. You can add your data here, and pass the link on to others if you’re willing.
Winter Bike Fashion Show volunteers appreciated
The annual Madison Bikes Winter Bike Fashion Show — Nov. 16, Goodman Community Center — is a great way to think about gearing up to begin year-round riding … or to figure out how to cover the spots that got numb last February. But the Show won’t go on without a little help from the community. If you’re willing to put in a little time to welcome or feed people, provide info, and/or help attendees to some Metro bus rack practice, that’s great! Please do sign up here.
E-moto on Lakeshore path. Photo credit: Craig Weinhold
Winter Bike Fashion Show
Want to extend your riding season from 3 months to 6, 8, 10, or even all 12 months? Come join Madison Bikes on Sunday November 16, 1:30 – 4:30pm at the Goodman Community Center’s Ironworks building (just north of the Cap City trail where it crosses Waubesa Street). Free, fun, frosty, and family-oriented. More information
Weekly news
Transportation Commission on Wednesday Oct 22 (full agenda). Of special note are the proposed Safe Streets projects for 2026. Safe Streets are small-ish infrastructure upgrades, often the result of citizens reporting concerns.
Odana Rd. On Tuesday Oct 21, District 19 Alder John Guequierre hosts a virtual meeting on the future of Odana Rd and its transformation into housing. Think of the area north of Odana Rd between Whitney Way and Gammon Rd – there’s a bright future there!
Perry St. On Wed Oct 22, Madison is hosting a Public Information Meeting for a Perry St connection over/under the beltline. The beltline split Perry St in the 1960’s, with housing on one side and employment on the other. A few decades ago, an effort to reconnect it died a political death. Now there is money and motivation from both Madison and WisDOT.
Area Plans
Madison posted draft Southwest and Southeast Area plans last week. If you or someone you know lives or bikes in these areas, please pay attention. These Area Plans set a 10-year roadmap for area development – transportation, zoning, housing, parks, economic zones, etc. Below are highlights for the biking community.
Area Plans – Southwest
The Southwest Area Plan page has the draft proposal, a storymap, meeting details, and much more. There is an in-person meeting on Thursday, Oct 23 6-7:30pm at Chavez Elementary School, plus two virtual meetings next week.
Some key bike elements:
An All Ages & Abilities (AAA) facility along Seminole Hwy from the Beltline to the Cannonball path.
Proper bike lanes on Whitney Way south of the Beltline to Raymond Rd
Extending the new Hammersley Path west to Elver Park
Elver Park path connections to the west to Valley Ridge Park & High Point (steep grade, woods, X-country ski trails), to the north to High Point Estates, and to the south to the new Midpoint Commons.
Southwest Area Plan bike network (click-for-detail)
Area Plans – Southeast
The Southeast area plan covers an even larger area of the City that has long been neglected. The Southeast Area Plan page has the draft proposal, a storymap, meeting details, and much more. There is an in-person meeting on Tuesday, Oct 21 6-7:30pm at Olbrich Botanical Gardens, plus two virtual meetings next week.
Some key bike elements:
Improved crossings, bike boxes, wayfinding,
Working with WisDOT on the Hwy 51 corridor for both north-south and east-west connections
Buffer the Cottage Grove bike lanes
Explore a new north-south connection near Interstate 39/90 with new overpass/underpass there and across Hwy 12/18.
While I’m heartened with the City’s attitude towards the Hwy 51 / Stoughton Rd project, I think the City needs urgent priority to improve the Pflaum Rd crossing there. That crossing cannot afford to wait 3-8 years for WisDOT. Pflaum Rd is about to be resurfaced to the west of Hwy 51; it would be a crime to not improve the Pflaum Rd crossing of Hwy 51 at the same time.
Southeast Area Plan bike network, northern half (click for detail)Southeast Area Plan bike network, southern half (click for detail)
“E-motos”
“E-moto” is a term that bike and transportation advocates are trying to get into common usage. Bike Illinois has a good webinar on why. TL;DR is that there is currently a wave of e-bike backlash, and so differentiating legal e-bikes from illegal e-motos is important to avoid punitive e-bike laws.
In short, an “E-moto” is any illegal electric vehicle. It could be a really egregious electric motorcycle. But more often than not, it’s a regular-looking, pedal-driven e-bike that has been unlocked by the owner so that it goes faster than 20mph under throttle control.
Most of this post lives in the past with a recap, but there’s a bit of a look into the future. It seems to be a quiet week on the calendar.
Bike-A-Thon
Whitehorse Middle School held their Bike-A-Thon, which was the culmination of a few weeks of safe biking instruction and practice. Here’s a nice piece of media on it.
Southwest Path Lighting
The City performed emergency repairs to the lighting system on the Southwest Path, which had been a bit unreliable over the last few years. The details seem to be poorly reported, with some low-information posts only to social platforms and nothing official that I could find on the City web site, but some more detailed internal communication was made available:
Previously, we had a wireless system to communicate with and manage all the lights along the path so that we can control when the lights are on and off and we can adjust the lighting intensity. However, that system stopped working and the manufacturer is no longer supporting it. To bring the lights back as quickly as possible for safety reasons, especially with the upcoming football games, our crew is responding to the situation immediately and replacing the system with simpler photocells on individual lights so that the lights will be on from dusk to dawn, like what we do for the vast majority of the streetlights in the City. Hope this will not have a significant impact on any nearby residences. We do understand the desire from some neighbors for the City being able to dynamically control over the lights. So, for a longer-term, we will look for a smarter solution to manage the lights in a more sophisticated and more dynamic way.
So there’s a change in how the lights will function for the time being, with the lights on all night, whereas previously they would turn off at 11pm. I think this is a great news and plan to email my alder to let them know. This is particularly important as the days are getting shorter so quickly, something that seems to be taking a lot of path users by surprise.
Budget
The Mayor released their initial 2026 City Operating Budget which details “money for running City departments and services… [and] pays for the day-to-day spending on employees and materials and supplies.” So not as sexy as the Capital Budget but important nonetheless. This will go through several stages of review, subject to Common Council review and revision but it’s a starting point. Expect to see some ongoing discussion over the next months as the council has public hearings.
This may be old news, but it was new to me! Phase 2a of ye-olde Weste Towne Pathe (better known as that stretch between High Point Rd and Zor Shrine Place) is finally completed and open for use. For cyclists, this removes an increasingly-busy crossing at High Point Rd and a congested stretch along D’onofrio Dr. If you’ve been eyeing the dead-end bicycle path loop ramp along High Point @ Beltline for the past decade (since 2017), wondering when it would finally go somewhere, well these are the moments you live for!
All of the items below are usually accompanied by jackets, sweaters, and maybe even hats and coats. But this year we seem to have endless summer. Fun for biking, but a bit concerning in the big picture.
The past week
Bicycle Film Festival recap This past Thursday, we had a great turnout, starting with the pre-party at Working Draft Brewery. The weather was amazing, the bike parking was full, and the films were just fantastic. Thanks the Barrymore, Working Draft, all our sponsors, and all the volunteers that helped make this such an outstanding event. If you missed it…. That’s a shame, but make sure to come next year, because it’s just going to be better.
Week Without Driving wrapped up on Sunday. The event challenges people to go without driving for a week and consider people who can’t or don’t drive. It started in 2021 focusing on disability rights, but each year there are bigger and more events across the country. It’s just another reminder to public officials, planners, and the larger community that not everyone drives, and we need to make our communities and streets friendly and accessible to all.
More on Midvale
Craig Weinhold wrote an analysis of the survey that went out about the Midvale Blvd project. (It’s most relevant to people who have been following the project, but does provide some context for those who need a refresher.) He argues that the city survey was poorly written, because the options presented were not remotely comparable; that many people who took the survey didn’t actually address the options presented; and that parking removal is not a significant burden, because the residences all have abundant off-street parking.
Alder Regina Vidivar, who is also Council President, posted on her blog, “I’ve gotten a lot of feedback about the Transportation Commission’s recommendation to move forward with “Option 1” on Midvale Blvd, which would remove parking from Mineral Point to University Ave to allow an on-street bike resource. Alder Tishler and I have been in close contact with City staff on this project, and at this point, it looks like the project will be delayed for a while. We’ll share more details as they emerge, but please know that there will be no changes to Midvale for the short term.”
It sounds like this may be an ongoing discussion, as well as a test of some of the policies that the Council passed with the Complete and Green Streets Guide.
Wednesday – Transportation Commission
You can find the full TC agenda on line, but here are some highlights. You can submit comments or speak at the meeting, which is online at 5:00 pm.
Pflaum Rd back is back on the agenda. When it first came to TC, the committee pointed out that there were both a middle school and a high school on the section to be repaved, yet no bike facilities were included in the project. Staff came back with some options after having another public meeting with the neighborhood.
The Transportation Engineering presentation for the meeting includes the result of the survey, which shows a clear preference for a two-way, physically separated cycletrack that would mean the removal of parking on both sides. There may be more information added before the Wednesday meeting.
The Mayor’s proposed capital budget for Engineering Bike and Pedestrian Projects is also on the Transportation Commission agenda. The Mayor’s operating budget will be released on Tuesday. The capital budget contains physical projects that are planned for the next five years.
In addition to city funds – usually through borrowing for capital projects – the budget contains anticipated state and federal funding. Obviously, the federal funding is very much in uncertain, as has been discussed in various forums.
Capital bike projects anticipated for 2026 include a continuation of the Capital City Path to the east. This would bring it to the city limits, just under the interstate. After that, it’s a County project to fill the gap to Cottage Grove and the Glacial Drumlin Trail.
In the follow years – 2027-2031 – the following projects are anticupated:
A extension of the West Towne Path from Zor Shrine Place to Gammon Rd
Two overpasses and a path associated with the northern section of the Stoughton Rd project
Paths along E Rusk and Moorland Rd, the West Beltline, and Woodward Dr.
More on these future projects as they come up and we know we have funding.
You can also view the Traffic Engineering capital budget, which contains the Safe Streets Madison program – which contains the Vision Zero projects; small infrastructure projects such as traffic islands, curb extensions, pavement marking, or RRFB signals – and various traffic signal improvements or changes. Many of these changes improve bicycling safety and comfort.
All the city departments capital budgets, as proposed by the Mayor, can be viewed on the city website. The budget will be discussed and passed in the next six weeks.
Winter Bike Fashion Show coming in November
Mark your calendar for the Winter Bike Fashion Show on Sunday, November 16, 1:30-4:30 pm at the Goodman Community Center. And you could be part of it!
This is one of our most popular events, and a great way to carry bicycling enthusiasm into the colder months. If you are winter-bike curious, or want some tips on how to extend your bicycling into colder weather, this is the event for you. Your friends, neighbors, and fellow bicyclists will be modeling how they dress, tips for wet/cold/dark riding, and how they take care of their bikes to ride in all weather.
And if you are already riding in the colder months, you could be a model. As a volunteer model, you’ll come dressed in your own gear, walk the catwalk, and share some of your personal tips for winter riding to encourage others to ride more this season. Application deadline is Monday October 27. Just fill out this form to say you’re up for sharing your tips and tricks.
We are looking for models of all ages, colors, sizes, styles of dress, and types of riding. No experience needed, and you can show off everything from Farm and Fleet specials, St Vinny’s deals, REI, or high tech gear from your favorite bike shop.
You don’t have to be a year-round cyclist to apply, it’s cool if you’re new to riding in the cold. Are you a summer cyclist who’s found a good way to extend your commute into the late fall with a few extra layers? Do you have a teenager who manages to get around town by bike with very little specialized gear? Are you a parent who has figured out how to keep your kids warm for weekend adventures on the bike path? We want to showcase winter biking and winter bikers in all their many forms!
Rides this week
Monday you can join the Mad Town Mondays weekly party ride at 6:00pm at Orton Park
Wednesday is the monthly Madison Queer Bike Ride. Meet at Law Park at 6:00pm
Also Wednesday is the weekly Motorless Motion Taco Ride. Meet at Motorless Motion at 6:00pm
No tickets are required for the pre-show party at Working Draft Beer Company. Starting at 4pm, it’ll be a great opportunity to chat with folks, enjoy non-alcoholic drinks or a beer, and grab some delicious food from Chef at Large Catering. Nobody wants to go to the movies hungry!
This is the week! The 25th Anniversary (and second time in Madison) edition of the Bicycle Film Festival is happening this Thursday! Tickets are still available as of now, but don’t wait too long. Full details about the festival are available here. We’ll have door prizes and there is a pre-festival social hour at Working Draft, with a special appearance by the Chef At Large food cart. Will we see you on Thursday?
Week Without Driving starts today
Did you know that about 30-40% of residents in Dane County are non-drivers? That is, they can’t or don’t drive at all. Because they’re too young, too old, have a disability that prevents them from driving, can’t afford to drive, don’t have a drivers’ license, or choose not to drive for some reason or the other. Non-drivers face many challenges, such as inadequate transit service, missing sidewalks, unsafe bike conditions, etc. Week Without Driving invites elected officials, transportation professionals, policymakers, and community members to step into the shoes of non-drivers by not driving from Sept 29 to October 5 and reflecting on that experience.
Week Without Driving panel discussion in Madison
In addition, there are also community discussions about the week. You already missed the one in Madison, which took place yesterday (and was wonderful!). But you can still join the discussions in Sun Prairie on Tuesday and Fitchburg on Thursday. Virtual options are included, and the recordings will be made available later. You can also watch a short intro video with Anna Zivarts, the author and activist who came up with Week Without Driving (and apparently considered moving to Madison after she visited in 2024!)
Bike Advocacy Meetup on Sunday
On Sunday, join the monthly Bike Advocacy meetup at Machinery Row. These meetups aim to connect and empower people from the Madison community to collaborate, learn, and strategize ways to make Madison more bike friendly. It’s a welcoming crowd and you don’t need to a bike or bike advocacy nerd to join. 5-6:30 pm at Machinery Row.
Can’t make it in person? There’s an online community on Discord as well: https://discord.gg/QJBt5e5K (link expires in 7 days)
Lake Wingra Community Ride a success
Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes Conway at the start of the ride
It was the most beautiful weather imaginable for the inaugural Lake Wingra Community Ride. The ride celebrated the creation of the Lake Wingra Loop, a 6.5 mile route that features natural, historical, and cultural highlights. About 60 community leaders, businesses, elected officials, and people enjoying the route came together and stopped at the various points of interest along the route. There will be likely be another community ride next year, but for now you can experience the route at your pace, whenever you like. Check out the story map here: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/52bda717b8a544169a62f691746c77b8
Phil Gaebler (City of Madison Engineering) providing information about stormwater management
