Like many others my daily routine has changed in the last month and I spend a lot more time at home. My switch to telecommuting has disrupted my daily bike commute routine, so I need to plan extra activities on the weekend to stay healthy and make up for my weekday largess. Thus I was very happy to learn Governor Evers reopened many state parks starting this last weekend including all of the state rail trails. I took advantage of the excellent weather this weekend and went for a ride with my family. The warm temperatures and limited car traffic just beg us to go out and explore the world. Of course, please remember to follow social distancing requirements and minimize contact with others in public places.
Bike Month!
May is National Bike Month and Madison Bikes usually has major events planned to celebrate biking welcome in the summer, however this year Madison Bike Week is delayed until September due to COVID-19 and the Ride-the-Drive is cancelled. However, with the wonderful weather and reduced car traffic there has never been a better time to encourage others to try and realize the benefits of biking. Here are a few Bike Week activities you can do this week:
Bike to School Anywhere Week 2020 – The annual bike to school week put on by the City of Madison, Healthy Kids Collaborative had to be modified this year because kids are attending school virtually. Bike Anywhere Week: From a Distance has a family bike activity or two planned every day this week.
Love to Ride – you can sign up for this challenge if you’re looking for encouragement to bike more!
Learn to Ride webinar for parents – Thursday 5/7 @12pm. This online event put on by the City of Madison is a great first step to teaching your kids to bike safely.
County Highway AB and US Highway 12/18 Interchange
A $37 million project to reconstruct the County Highway AB and US Highway 12/18 interchange east of the Interstate 90/94 will be presented for approval at the Transportation and Planning Board on Monday and the Common Council on Tuesday. This expensive project is proposed to improve one of the most dangerous intersections in the state but doesn’t include low stress bike and pedestrian accommodations. Please read the excellent action alert written by Robbie Webber to learn more.
Greater East Towne and Odana Area Plans
The City of Madison is gathering input to determine the future of the East Towne and Westgate/Odana area malls. The results of the first public input survey branded “Mall Madness” are available. “Comfortable and safe bike routes” and “walkable and pleasant streets” ranked 3rd and 4th respectively in the final round. This is an excellent opportunity to encourage new equitable and bikeable/walkable developments in Madison.
- Week 1: Issues facing malls and potential impacts from Covid19
Monday May 4th 12:15-1 pm, and Thursday May 7th 5:15-6 pm - Week 2: Case Studies – Mall & Office Redevelopment Examples
Monday May 11th 12:15-1 pm, and Thursday May 14, 5:15- 6 pm - Week 3: Odana Area Plan Focused Discussion
Monday May 18th 12:15-1 pm, and Thursday May 21th 5:15-6 pm - Week 4: Greater East Towne Area Plan Focused Discussion
Monday June 1st 12:15-1 pm, and Thursday June 4th 5:15-6 pm
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.