Newsletter of the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin.
Here is Vol. 1, No. 4, of Wisconsin Bicyclist (Winter 1995).
by Bill Hauda
I hate to repeat the old saw, but I do have some good news and some bad news.
First, the good news. Your Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin has achieved a major victory. After a tough legislative battle that stretched over six years, we finally got the bicycle bill passed. The bill brings Wisconsin's bicycle laws into the 20th Century.
This victory was significant for two reasons. It indicated that cyclists DO have political power and CAN win in the legislative arena. But even more important, it demonstrated that having an office in Madison and a real presence in the state capitol makes all the difference in the world.
BFW limped along as a volunteer organization operating out of the homes of the officers for several years because there was no funding, no state office, and no staff. Efforts by those volunteers to pass the bicycle bill failed, not because of a lack of enthusiasm, commitment or determination, but because those volunteers simply were not on the scene every day.
Last year, the BFW got its first executive director and an office was opened in Madison. Things really changed. We built our membership from less than 100 to more than 250, got the bicycle bill passed and started work on the state's bicycle plan (there is a very real possibility that we may get policy written into state law or agency rules that EVERY FUTURE ROAD PROJECT IN WISCONSIN TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION BICYCLE TRANSPORTATION AT THE INITIAL PLANNING STAGE). Talk about achieving a dream!
The possibilities of what we may achieve with a real association representing cyclists are almost mind-boggling. That's the good news. The bad news is that we have only about $4,000 in the bank.
We are aggressively pursuing other sources of funding, such as grants. We are applying for 501(c)(3) status with the IRS to allow charitable deductions for our educational efforts, one of which will attempt to guarantee that every motor vehicle driver be told of cyclists' rights and responsibilities when they get their first license and when they renew.
Financially, we are up against the wall. Even at a modest $150 per month, our office rent amounts to $1,800 a year. Telephone and email costs eat up another $100 a month. Whether we remain an effective voice for cycling in Wisconsin or revert back to where we were a year ago depends on you.
In the weeks ahead, we are going to ask you to help us financially-- by making sure that your membership is up to date (check your mailing label) and by asking you for contributions over and above your membership. We are all going to have to pitch in to make sure that bicycling gets the respect it deserves.
By Bill Hauda, BFW Executive Director
Bicyclists can expect the rules of the road to be the same statewide as the result of a major updating of the state's bicycle laws that climaxed a six-year battle in the state legislature.
When Gov. Tommy Thompson signed Assembly Bill 96 into law, it was a major victory for the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin. For three sessions of the legislature, BFW officers, staff and volunteers worked hard to get this important measure approved and enacted into law.
One of the most significant and noticeable changes will be the lifting of the state's confusing old restrictions on riding side-by-side. In the past, two-abreast riding was allowed only in incorporated areas on roads without center or traffic lines-- something few cyclists understood. Now riding side-by-side will be legal anywhere as long as the cyclists do not impede the "normal and reasonable movement of traffic."
AB 96, which came to be known simply as "the bicycle bill," was originally developed by the Governor's Advisory Bicycle Coordinating Council after several years of study and work. What seemed to be a noncontroversial bill from a bicyclist's standpoint, however, generated heated opposition from some legislators. A number of legislators launched vitriolic attacks on bicyclists, citing instances when they were held up as they drove their cars or saw cyclists violate laws, such as running stop signs.
The bill was killed in the 1991-1992 and 1993-1994 sessions, mainly because of two issues: allowing two-abreast riding and taking away the power of local governments to adopt any bicycle laws they desired.
Rep. Rudy Silbaugh, R-Stoughton, was the main author of the bill in the current session. Silbaugh's efforts guided the bill through the Assembly where the two-abreast provision again precipitated the most debate and barely survived, on a tie vote. The bill eventually passed the Assembly on a 75-20 ballot. In contrast to the battle in the Assembly, senators approved the bill on a voice vote and sent it on to the governor for his signature.
The uniformity requirement may well produce the greatest benefit. The new law will make Wisconsin's bicycle laws conform to the Uniform Vehicle Code so that they are similar to laws in other states. It will also make bicycle laws uniform throughout Wisconsin by preventing municipalities from adopting conflicting ordinances.
"Some communities treated the bicycle as a child's toy and had ordinances that required, among other things, bells on bikes, locks to be attached to bikes and prohibited riding at night, even with a light," the BFW said in a statement when the measure was signed. "These archaic ordinances failed to recognize that the majority of people now bicycling are adults, that the bicycle is an important component of our transportation system and that bicycle touring is a major tourist activity."
Under the new law local governments may continue to regulate bicycles as long as their ordinances are consistent with the state law. They can still license bicycles, designate bike lanes, and prohibit bicycle use on roads-- after holding a public hearing on the proposed ban.
The measure also:
In addition to Silbaugh, authors of the bill included Reps. Judith Robson, D-Beloit, Alvin Ott, R-Forest Junction, Donald Hasenohrl, D-Pittsville, John Ainsworth, R-Shawano, Eugene Hahn, R-Cambria, William Lorge, R-Bear Creek, Alvin Baldus, D-Menomonie, Frank Boyle, D-Superior, Glenn Grothman, R-West Bend, Joseph Handrick, R-Minocqua, and Senators Timothy Weeden, R-Beloit, and Brian Burke, D-Milwaukee.
by Jillian Corbett
Beginning in May, the Red Bikes Project will place unlocked "beater" bicycles around Madison's State Street downtown area. These bicycles have been donated, repaired by volunteer mechanics, and then painted bright red-- frame, wheels, spokes, seat and all-- to distinguish them from other bikes on the street.
The bikes are free for use by anyone, provided they understand the three basic rules of Red Bikes:
Those who attended the first Red Bikes meeting showed an incredible enthusiasm for the project. Clemens Baime, representing the children's bike program, Wheels for Winners, offered to donate thirty bicycles as well as storage space. Roger Charly of Budget Bicycle Center offered to match bike donations one-for-one, which is a great relief to since the initial bikes may disappear and need to be replenished. He also donated his shop as a "drop-off point" for damaged bikes when the project is up and running.
Stoton Cycles, Haack's Cycle and Fitness, and Madison's Women On Wheels biking club have also gotten involved. The Red Bike Project is so fortunate to have the bicycle community come together to support it.
There is still more work to be done. The project is currently seeking funding, "beater" bikes (always!), spare parts, red paint, volunteer mechanics, workspace, and people willing to spread the word about Red Bikes.
To volunteer resources or labor, or information on the Red Bikes Project call (608) 256-6340.
by Kitt Keller, BFW Board Member
It's official. The Governor's Bicycle Conference is happening in Milwaukee at the Wyndham Hotel on June 12-14, 1996. Mark your calendars for the best bike conference our state has ever seen! For registration information, call (414) 263-8655.
Here is a sneak preview of the workshop series and a sampling of some of the potential workshops in each series:
Four series:
Lots of workshops, including:
The Bicycle Federation of Southeast Wisconsin (BFSEW) and BFW are part of the conference planning committee. The team work among city and state agencies and non-profit organizations happening at the planning stage is very exciting and looks very promising for bicycling!
The planning committee includes representatives from the Milwaukee Bicycle Task Force, the Governor's Bicycle Coordinating Council, WisDOT, the Department of Natural Resources, several communities in Southeast Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Ethnic Settlement Trail, and Hosteling International.
The conference runs from noon Wednesday thru noon Friday. If there is sufficient interest, BFSEW will ask Charlie Gandy-- a nationally known bicycle advocate-- to present a Saturday morning session to help our members hone their advocacy skills. We need to hear from you if you want a Saturday morning workshop-- call (414) 375-6180.
Meals, breaks, and materials are included in the $100 conference fee. BFSEW expects to offer at least one scholarship, and welcomes contributions to a scholarship fund. Anyone interested in sponsoring an advocate's attendance at the conference can send a check to us at P.O. Box 480, Milwaukee, WI 53201-0480.
Finally, the conference will provide a limited number of display spaces for makers of bicycle products, and for non-profit organizations on a first-come, fee paid basis. The BFSEW has agreed to coordinate the Expo. Our Expo Coordinator gets to attend the conference free, so if you're good at this sort of thing, call Kit at (414) 375-6180 right away!
Adapted and reprinted with permission from the Chicgoland Bicycle Federation
It is important to be prepared if a bicycle accident occurs. The checklist below will help you gather the needed information. Physical injury and bike damages are not always immediately evident. Therefore, no matter how minor the accident, you should follow the procedure outlined below. Also, it is important not to be intimidated and to remember that you have rights as a bicyclist, among them the right to share the road with motor vehicles.
You and the motorist have a legal obligation to remain at the scene of an accident and report to the police an accident that involves any physical or property damage. If you have been knocked off your bike, it is sometimes to your advantage to stay exactly where you are until the police arrive. Getting up quickly may make the motorist more likely to drive away and witnesses less likely to come forward.
Bicyclists and motorists have a legal obligation to exchange information at the scene of the accident: name, address, phone number, driver's license number, license plate number, make of car, and insurance policy number.
Following an accident, you may be in a state of shock. Witnesses can be helpful in describing the accident, or in helping you record the information you need.
Before the police leave the accident, write down the accident report number.
Document everything you can remember about the accident. Draw detailed maps or diagrams using arrows to show the position and direction of all vehicles involved. Include the names of streets, traffic signs and lights, the time of day, and the traffic, weather and road conditions.
Consult a doctor and get a written assessment of any physical injuries. Photograph any visible injuries. Keep any damaged clothing and bike parts. If you intend to receive compensation for damages, avoid having your bike repaired. If you must have it repaired, get a written assessment of the damages and record any repairs required as a result of the accident. Also keep any damaged clothing and bike equipment.
by Peter Flucke, BFW Board Member and President of WE BIKE
On a recent Sports For Lunch (a Friday noon-time sports talk radio show in Green Bay) the host was quizzing Brett Favre's dad, Irvin Favre, about a locker room rumor that Brett had his name written in his underwear. Irvin admitted that the rumor was true. You see, Brett has brothers, and when they were all living at home they kept getting their underwear mixed up. So, to simplify matters at laundry time Bonita, Brett's mother, wrote their names in their underwear. But Brett got caught wearing a pair of underwear with 'Dad' written in them.
If Brett Favre is injured during a football game, everyone will know who he is. He plays in a controlled environment, wears number '4', and is probably wearing underwear with his name in it. If you get seriously injured as a bicyclist, you may not have so much going for you.
Having proper identification with you every time you ride is essential. If you are involved in a serious crash and cannot identify yourself, the identification that you have with you may save your life.
Safe bicycling makes bicycling more fun and it is important to be prepared to ride by having a well maintained bicycle, wearing a helmet and following the rules of the road. But, accidents can still happen. If you are seriously injured, will the emergency response people be able to figure out who you are and notify your family?
Every rider should carry identification consisting of:
Full name
Date of birth
Address
Telephone number
Emergency contact person Special medical information (blood type, allergies, etc.)
Each rider should have identification in several locations. Good locations include:
Bicycle (registration sticker)
Bicycle bag
Helmet (stuck inside)
On your body (dog tags)
Remember, if you are in a serious crash you will probably be transported by ambulance and separated from your bicycle, helmet and identification. The best place for identification is on your body in the form of dog tags which are commercially available from several sources.
But, just to be on the safe side you may want to take a tip from number 4 of the Green Bay Packers, put your name in your underwear (or biking shorts, as the case may be).
By Tom Huber, State Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator (608) 267-7757
by Tracy Zafian
The Office of Transportation Safety will be offering three different bicycle safety courses this spring. One is the Teaching Safe Bicycling Course. This course will be held on April 26 in Janesville, April 27 in Menominee, and (tentatively)April 28 in Oshkosh. It provides instruction on how to teach children bicycle safety. Law enforcement officers, school teachers, and bicycle advocates have attended this course in the past. The course includes a classroom section and a hands-on ride through city neighborhoods to demonstrate specific road hazards.
An Enforcement for Bicycle Safety Course will be offered for police officers May 29-30 in Manitowoc. The 16-hour course provides officers with enforcement strategies to improve bicycle safety. The course is sponsored by the Lakeshore Technical College. Prior to the course, on March 19-20, Tom Witczak will be conducting a training workshop for Enforcement Course Instructors. The training workshop is still open. Participants should be law enforcement officers who are serious cyclists. Another training course may also be offered through the Madison Area Technical College in April or May. Info: Tom Witczak (414) 458-4183.
In conjunction with the Road Hazard Identification Program, OTS will be offering the Road Hazard Identification Program Training Workshop in Appleton June 26. The workshop is funded through the Village of Howard and the Bayshore Bicycle Club, and coordinated by Peter Flucke. The training workshop is intended for people who will coordinate the Program on the local level. Participants will be provided with software and suggested guidelines for establishing and coordinating the Program in their communities.
Contact: Joanne Pruitt-Thunder (608) 267-3154.
by Bonnie Gruber, DNR Trails Program Analyst, Bureau of Parks and Recreation
A draft plan for a network of state trails will be presented to the State Trails Council April 15 in Green Bay.
The plan includes trails on rail, highway, utility, and environmental corridors, according to Dennis Kulhanek of the Department of Natural Resources, plan coordinator. The trails would include at least two linking Minnesota and Lake Michigan and one stretching from Hurley to the Illinois border.
A sampling of the long corridors on the draft map are:
The plan, with a map (showing rail corridors recommended for DNR purchase if and when they become available), is being developed in cooperation with county recreation agencies, DNR districts, and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. It incorporates plans of the DNR Lake Michigan District and the Southeast Wisconsin Regional Plan Commission.
Comments and questions may be directed to Dennis Kulhanek, Bureau of Parks and Recreation, P.O. Box 7921, Madison WI 53707, phone (608) 266-7948. More information will be available later for a formal public comment process.
by Michael D. Barrett
The proposed Wingra Creek Bike Path and Streambank Stabilization project is in the planning stages. Infoo: Bill Putnam, Strand Associates, Inc., at (608) 251-4843.
Joe King, BTA contact for the State Bike Plan. WisDOT has formed a committee to oversee the development of this plan. Joe's synopsis of the first meeting and the work plan are now available on the World Wide Web: bike-plan1.html and bike-plan-minutes.html.
Convention Center Contentiousness escalates as the City backpedals on promises to keep the bike path free of entering and exiting conventioneers. Tim Wong, Madison Ped-Bike Subcommittee chairman reports, "the emergency exits may, in fact, be opened whenever they feel like it, allowing all the drunken conventioneers...to stroll out onto the bike path on any of six crossings the design team has planned across the bike path." Bicycle Transportation Alliance of Dane County members are gearing up for another campaign to create a bike lane under the convention center tunnel as an alternative to having doors opened in their faces. Info: (608)251-1BTA.
Lisa Goodman, a leading bicycle transportation advocate and founding member of the BTA, will be greatly missed by Madison bikies as she goes on to (as she put it) "a real job" in Vermont. Good Luck, Lisa!
by Peter Flucke, BFW Board Member and President of WE BIKE
by Pamela Barrett
Caffeine has been used as a stimulant for centuries. Recently, popular magazines such as Bicycling and Outside have published dosage recommendations for this drug based on recent studies. Major dietary sources are coffee, tea, chocolate and soft drinks. Its known physiologic effects include stimulation of neurons, the central nervous system, cardiac muscles, increased urine discharge, epirphrine release and gastric acid secretion. Numerous studies over the past three decades have examined a possible link between caffeine use and improved aerobic performance. An excellent review of these studies can be found in a book entitled Nutrition in Exercise and Sport edited by James Hickson and Ira Wolinsky.
One chapter summarizes 20 single-blind or double-blind studies designed to determine caffeine's effect on performance. Most studies used exercise cycles or treadmills as the exercise source. The results of these studies varied but only six studies showed significantly enhanced performance following supplementation. On overview, caffeine was found to have a sparing effect on muscle glycogen and increased burning of inter-muscular fat only in subjects that had abstained from caffeine for four or more days and were aerobically trained. These effects were significantly limited in habitual caffeine users who were not trained. In fact, no significant effect on performance was noted.
A major drawback of caffeine use is increased diuresis (water loss through urination)-- an awful thing to have happen in the middle of a long race or ride. Some studies have shown a 30% increase in urination. During an endurance ride this may lead to dehydration and decreased performance. It was also noted that caffeine doesn't benefit short-term, maximal effort exercise.
In short, unless you have gone through a four day caffeine withdrawal period and are aerobically fit, caffeine supplementation prior to an endurance event is not likely to aid your cycling performance.
by Scott Rose
A new electronic mailing list is now available for announcements and issues of interest to bicycle transportation advocates in Wisconsin. It is called bikewisconsin@cycling.org. BikeWisconsin is open and unmoderated, and is also available in a digest format. While it is not officially for members of the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin, it can be expected that most of the subscribers will be BFW members. To subscribe send a message to majordomo@cycling.org with these two lines in the body:
subscribe bikewisconsin end
By Kit Keller
BFSEW saves paper! BFSEW helps state advocacy organization! BFSEW members win with new ideas, injection of enthusiasm from around the state!
After a year or so of publishing a newsletter somewhat sporadically on our own, BFSEW leadership concluded that putting out a regular newsletter takes a lot of time, money, and paper. And frankly, we don't always spell very weel.
We believe it is more important to direct our limited resources to programs, not publishing.
Since the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin (BFW) has a great, quarterly newsletter and needs help selling ads in Southeastern Wisconsin to help underwrite the cost. New idea! Rather than compete for resources, we sell ads in our region, and in exchange, we get a full page of news!
We want to hear from you. Do you like our new look? Do you have a better idea? Will you help implement that new idea? Call BFSEW's president Jim Guthrie at (414) 967-9699.
For our members who can't attend membership meetings, here is a report on how BFSEW is using your dues/hard earned money. We hope you'll help us construct a list of advocacy projects for our new director (see related story). Many changes start with one idea, one person, and one phone call. Make it happen!
Such a deal! BFSEW is looking for a quarter or half time person to champion the cause of bicycling in Southeastern Wisconsin.
There are many exciting projects waiting to be done. If you are committed to bicycle advocacy, articulate, and able to work well with a broad range of individuals, groups, and agencies, then have we got a job for you!
Here is an overview of what you would be doing:
Here are the qualifications you will need:
We expect our part time person to be full time within two years of hire (and sooner if he or she helps to make it happen). Please send your resume and a short writing sample to P.O. Box 480, Milwaukee, WI 53201-0480 by April 15, 1996. We expect to fill the position by June 1.
by Jeff Polenske
In 1995 the City of Milwaukee was awarded a number of State and Federal Grants to develop bicycle facilities.
by Jeff Polenske
In 1995 the Bicycle Task Force (BTF) made great strides in promoting their presence and the importance of bicycling in the City of Milwaukee. The BTF participated in numerous special events, such as, Bike to Work Day, Health and Fitness Day, Miller Lite Ride For the Arts, Wheel and Sprocket Bike Expo, and the Milwaukee Journal Health Fair in an effort to reach out to the community and promote bicycling. During these events, questionnaires were handed out to assess the needs of those interested in using a bicycle for transportation. For the most part, though, the questionnaires were completed by experienced cyclists and little information was revealed on why an average adult doesn't use a bicycle for transportation. Through informal conversations BTF members found that many people enjoy bicycling for recreation but believe that bicycle commuting is difficult; a lack of bicycle facilities and safety concerns were major reasons cited. The BTF is now using the information to develop better ways to teach people about utilitarian cycling.
Among the goals decided upon during the first meeting of 1996:
For more information call Jeffrey S. Polenske, Task Force staffer, at (414)286-3144.
BFSEW meets on the second Thursday of every month at the home of Jim Guthrie, 909 W. Glendale Avenue, Glendale, WI 53209 Phone: (414) 967-9699. Help us promote bicycling for fun, good health, and transportation! Members are encouraged to bring guests. And feel free to come on your own if you're interested in learning more about BFSEW. We want you on our team!
by Kit Keller
Can you name the one community in Wisconsin that currently carries bikes on buses? Madison is a good guess, and so is Milwaukee, but neither is correct. Amazingly, Superior is our shining star in this regard, thanks in large part to the efforts of a transit operator in its sister city Duluth, Minn.
You'll hear a report about this project at the Governor's Bicycle Conference in Milwaukee in June. BFSEW has submitted a letter of interest to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) to study the feasibility of bikes on buses and/or to do a demonstration project. If WisDOT likes the idea, we will be invited to compete for funds in the 1996-97 Transportation Demand Management (TDM) grant cycle.
We believe that making bikes on buses a reality in Madison and Milwaukee would encourage more bicycle commuting and would also increase bus ridership. Bikes on buses is a long-time vision of BFSEW member George Lottermoser (the creator of our logo, by the way), who has been a strong advocate for bikes on buses in the Milwaukee area. If bikes on buses is a project that sparks your interest, let us know. We'll need your help.
by Kit Keller
Milwaukee's 1996 Bike to Work Day is set for Wednesday, June 5, 1996. For more information, call Jeff Polenske at (414) 286-3144.
Most of the Transportation Management Associations and many Employee Transportation Coordinators at large employers in the region indicate they will observe the June 5 date.
But wait a minute-- here's news of another Bike to Work Day! The Wisconsin Park and Recreation Association (WPRA) issued a press release in February encouraging member agencies to participate in "RIDE YOUR BIKE TO WORK DAY" on May 21. The May date coincides with the National Bike to Work day, promoted by the League of American Bicyclists. Contact Susan McDade at WPRA at (608) 222-4167.
For our part, we say, ride your bike to work on June 5, on May 21, and any other day you're up for it. BFSEW would be happy to help you set up a Bike to Work event at your own company. Give us a call at (414) 967-9699.
by Tim Wong
To follow the "logic" expressed in Charles Gandy's Gandhi Would Be Critical of Critical Mass (Winter '95 Wisconsin Bicyclist), Rosa Parks was being violent by not moving to the back of the bus. The civil rights workers murdered in Mississippi were being violent by coming to Price County. Blacks trying to vote were being violent. Under the Gandian theory, these acts were "colliding with the very people they are trying to persuade." If only those hotheads had resisted performing those acts of violence, we would have seen George Wallace, Orval Faubus, and other blatantly segregationist governors quickly implement their plans for voting rights and equal rights for all races.
Gandy fails to understand that there is more than one way to advocate for improvements for bicyclists. After the closure of the Law Park bike path last year, critical mass rides went hand in hand with phone calls, Ped-Bike meetings, and one-on-one advocacy. Various members of official city committees advocated an earlier bike path; others demonstrated advocacy by participating in a mass ride. The result was that the city re-established the bike path much sooner than previously planned. Those who have been here for a while might remember the critical mass ride down John Nolen in about 1980 that advocated for a more bicycle-friendly approach to the reconstruction of the John Nolen-Blair-Williamson intersection. Few people believe the city would have been as responsive if 300 bicyclists had not "suffered" simultaneous flat tires at that intersection during rush hour. The squeaky wheel does get the grease.
Also, not all motorists are anti-bicycle and automatically alienated by bicycle advocacy. For instance, thousands of Madisonians were outraged by the City of Madison's plan to close the Law Park bike path for two years, despite prior promises to keep it open. Many motorists who were temporarily inconvenienced by the critical mass rides demonstrated their support with waves and friendly honking during the mass rides on John Nolen Drive last year.
Gandy employs liberal doses of "red herring" arguments to bolster his case against direct action activists. He discusses cyclists who "ignore traffic laws in general" and motorists who "really get steamed when they see adult cyclists ignore stop lights and do other stupid things while riding in traffic." Do only critical mass riders violate traffic laws? Would this problem go away if critical mass rides did too? Gandy calls the rides "retaliation for sins of motorists." Couldn't they stem from a lack of facilities for bicyclists? Those of us who make monetary sacrifices for child care to attend the rides probably resent the rides being termed as "Friday afternoon joy rides." Finally, the rides "deflect attention and energy away from actual improvements." Oh, really? How so?
Somehow it is a little disconcerting for a supposed bicycle advocate to attack a critical mass ride, such as the one on Sherman Avenue to protest the lack of bicycling facilities. Some find it disconcerting that there are four lanes for cars on Sherman and another six a parallel half-mile away on Packers Avenue yet none for bikes on either street. Are we violent for wanting one of those ten lanes for half an hour a year?
For six years, I have been a member of the City of Madison's Pedestrian-Bicycle Subcommittee and its chair for most of that time. Like the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin, I also work "daily to eliminate the barriers and reduce the frustration felt by all cyclists and lots of motorists." By example, I repudiate Gandy's false dichotomy of critical mass rides vs. political activism through the system. But, if we are ever to do anything about the "congested streets" Gandy is so worried about, we had better give more than lip service to implementing a true multi-modal system in Madison and elsewhere. The "motorist-as-king" mentality so often relied upon by traffic engineers (quoting from their motorist-biased texts) will only bring more congestion, resulting in a world where bicycling becomes ever more difficult. If critical mass rides can bring attention to the separate and decidedly unequal world bicyclists face, so much the better. I'm proud to have put my bike and my life on the line confronting this "motorist-as-king paradigm."
Are you sure Gandy doesn't work for the AAA?
As bicyclists, our rights to operate safely and without conflict on public roads are violated by motorists on a fairly regular basis. These situations, whether intentional or not, can result in injuries and at a minimum scare the heck out of us. It is important to our physical and mental well being that something be done about these situations, but, what?
We could shower the offender with our best line of expletives, throw our pumps, punch, kick or whip out our pepper spray and...Well, you get the picture. These actions might make us feel better for awhile but at what cost. Everyone who witnesses our actions can write us off as crackpots and we may just put ourselves at the wrong end of a lawsuit or worse yet, get our lights punched out. Remember, trying to defend yourself, or run, in cleats is next to impossible.
Although it may not feel as satisfying in the heat of battle, we are always much better off taking the high ground. Before we take any action we need to make sure that we are right. Take an Effective Cyclist Course, it is a great way to learn the rules of the road and it is court defensible.
We can not lose our cool. If we do, they win. The key here is to have a plan. Know what you are going to do before a situation occurs. Stress makes it is very difficult to think clearly and do the right thing at the right time. Play the "What if..." game. Ask yourself what your best response will be in a given situation. With a little on the road experience it is not hard to imagine situations that you could be involved in; What if... I am hit by a car, ...someone throws something at me, ...a motorist tells me to get on the sidewalk where I belong. What if...
Report the incident to the police. We have a legal right to operate on the road and the police are there to protect our rights. Provide the police with as much information about the situation as possible including license numbers, vehicle and driver descriptions, witnesses, anything that will help. Insist that a report be taken and that your complaint be investigated. If you can not identify the driver of the car, you are not totally out of luck. Still report the incident. Even if there isn't enough evidence to charge someone with a violation, many police departments will still send a warning letter to the registered owner of the vehicle. Ask them to do this. The warning letter will describe the incident and the violations of the law that occurred and inform the owner of your rights as a bicyclist and the penalties for violating these rights. If you do not get sufficient assistance form the first officer that you speak with go to his or her supervisor and so on.
Contact the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin. BFW may be able to assist with legal information, contacts and strategies for resolving your situation. You are not alone.
When violations of your rights as a bicyclist occur, stand up for your rights, take action but take the high ground and report the violation. In the long run it is worth the effort for all of us.
by Robbie Webber
Is there a "kill zone" around your city or town? You know, that ring of sprawl where speeds and congestion increase to create an uncomfortable riding environment? Sounds pretty scary, but it could be happening to you and your family and friends. Ask yourself the following questions:
If you answer NO to any of these questions, your area may have a land use/bicycle conflict. Many current patterns of development make biking difficult or impossible. Even developments built with the ped-bike friendly "New Urbanism" in mind are often accessible only off of a busy highway. If you do not have access to a car, cannot drive, or simply wish to use a motorless method of transportation, you are stuck.
What if you live in a nice area of the city, or a small town which makes walking and biking easy? Do you still have to worry about creeping urban sprawl? Sure you do! Try getting out of town without biking through a car-only development area. The outskirts of cities and towns are now filled with malls, industrial zones, suburban sprawl: developments which at best are unfriendly to motorists, and at worst, dangerous for bicyclists.
Even cities as bike friendly as Madison have a "kill zone." There are a limited number of ways to get out of town unless you are a kamikaze biker, and each route is becoming more dangerous each year. When I want to get out onto the rolling country roads, I have to traverse one of many busy highways ringing the city. Even if I can get past the 4-6 lane impediments, the growing suburbs give little consideration to the non-driver.
If your favorite biking routes are increasingly filled with car-only commercial and residential developments, complain to your city, county and state representatives! Bike and pedestrian access should be considered when a new development is built. Is there an underpass or overpass to traverse the scary highway feeding the development? Is there a paved shoulder wide enough for a walker or biker to use? Is there an alternative route in and out of the area if the highway isn't so equipped?
Local zoning laws should be adjusted. All new developments should have to prove that they are fully accessible without a car. In urban areas, this requirement could be fulfilled with a bus route with nighttime and weekend hours. Other areas would have to have pedestrian, bicycle and wheelchair accessible routes.
My work place is in a business park off of a busy highway. I have biked out there, but it is a trial. It is getting worse; more development is moving in and the traffic has gotten heavy enough to warrant a traffic light. Imagine how I feel on my bicycle! Is your situation similar? Write the BFW and write your governmental representatives. Let's make all of Wisconsin bikable.
by Thomas Meaux, Milwaukee County Treasurer
(Ed Note: Reprinted with permission from the Milwaukee Journal.)
Last year, I served as chairman of the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission's advisory committee on bicycle and pedestrian facilities planning. The committee assisted SEWRPC's staff in preparing a plan that will facilitate bicycle and pedestrian commuting on a regional basis.
Until recently, I had never given serious thought to the idea of bicycling to work. I enjoy recreational riding on weekends and often have gone on round trips as long as 40 miles.
The very concept of riding to work raised a variety of questions that seemed too complicated to contemplate. For instance, how do I get on a bike when my normal attire is a suit and dress shoes? Where do I go to freshen up and look professional? Where will my bike be safe during the workday? What if the weather turns and there's a monsoon for the ride home? Since I had been appointed chairman of the study group, I was determined to give it a try.
I brought full dress attire to the office days before my anticipated first trip. The sheriff's gym at the Safety Building was ideal to accommodate the switch from bike shorts to professional clothes. After a phone call, I was advised by buildings and grounds staff which part of the treasurer's office was the best spot for the bike. Finally, I decided to try the trip when every weather forecast in the region suggested rain was about as likely as spring in April.
What a neat experience! It's 9.38 miles one way from my front door in Glendale to the Courthouse, which took about 40 minutes. After a shower and change of clothes, I felt revived, exhilarated and satisfied with the opportunity to combine needed exercise with the avoidance of rush-hour freeway traffic. The ride home was equally enjoyable and refreshing.
Since that fateful day, I have continued to ride to work two or three times a week. It does require planning since it's practical only on days that I have no meetings outside the Courthouse. However, I wholeheartedly endorse the idea for individuals who live a reasonable distance from work and have access to locker facilities.
You should also consider some other desirable side effects, like losing an inch or two around the middle. With proper planning, you may be surprised how much fun it is to commute to work on your bicycle.
For all you confirmed motorists, particularly those who commute to and from downtown, please be aware of cyclists, especially one in a blue helmet and biking shorts who may be handling your money.
by Michael D. Barrett
This publication was put together entirely by volunteer members of the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin and the Bicycle Federation of Southeast Wisconsin. Special thanks go out to new volunteers, Robbie Webber (who put together the most efficient mailing yet!), Deedric Bauer (layout at volunteer prices!), Tracy Zafian (calendar and copy editor extraordinaire) and Bill Stark (who helped with a little of everything from editing to bicycle reference library creation). We always use a more hands on board, especially reports and ads from the Northwest, Southwest, and LaCrosse areas.
You'll note a new page devoted entirely to Southeastern Wisconsin. The page was completely underwritten by Kit Keller on behalf of BFSEW-- thanks Kit! We would consider extending this policy to other clubs with a pro-bicycling agenda. We would consider whole or partial page arrangements. All we ask is help soliciting ads to pay for the page space.
Finally, please support Wisconsin Bicyclist advertisers-- they are advocates who put their money where their mouth is!
by Paul Lata, BFW Board Member
In a county as large as Rhode Island you would expect a large variety of cycling opportunities. Marinette County fullfills these expectations. A bicycle tour of Marinette County can include a lunch stop by a waterfall, a cruise along the cooling waters of Green Bay or a ride through a deep forest. Terrain can range from completely flat to fairly hilly.
The newest edition of "Marinette County Scenic Bicycle Routes," the county cycling map, does a good job of outlining cycling opportunities. The map, published by Marinette County with assistance from the Spokes and Folks bicycle club, includes every road in the county and outlines several suggested routes. Parking, toilets and water pumps are clearly labeled on each route.
Here are some of the best routes described on the map:
For a copy of the Marinette County Cycling Map, write to Marinette County Tourism, UW Extension-- BK, Box 320, Marinette, WI 54143 or call 1-800-236-6681.
Wisconsin Bicyclist is published four times per year by the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin.
Executive Editor: Michael D. Barrett Copy Editor: Tracy Zafian Layout Editor: Deedric Bauer Calendar Editor: Tracy Zafian Production Manager: Heather Putnam Circulation Manager: Robbie Webber Ad Sales Manager: Carrie Miller Artwork: Dieter Bingemann Technical Support: Scott Rose Contributors: Michael D. Barrett, Pam Barrett, Jillian Corbett, Peter Flucke, Bonnie Gruber, Bill Hauda, Tom Huber, Kit Keller, Paul Lata, Thomas Meaux, Jeff Polenske, Scott Rose, Robbie Webber, Tim Wong, and Tracy Zafian (who is always last in lists like this).
Wisconsin Bicyclist welcomes your opinions, news, features, artwork and photograph submissions. Editorials should be no more than 300 words. News and feature stories should not exceed 600 words.
Please submit text both on disk (we have no paid typists on staff) and as hard copy. Artwork and photographs should be black and white prints.
Please include name, phone number and address. We reserve the right to edit or reject all submissions.
Mail to the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin, P.O. Box 1224, Madison, WI 53703. Email: bfw@mailbag.com.
Deadlines:
Spring Issue Feb. 15 Summer Issue May 15 Fall Issue Aug. 15 Winter Issue Nov. 15
Recently, the BFW has worked to make Wisconsin a better place to bicycle by:
All Wisconsin bicyclists should be proud of these accomplishments. However, our task is far from complete. Many politicians still favor the status quo. Many roads are still inadequately designed to accommodate bicyclists. Many motorists still whiz by us with little room to spare.
The BFW pledges to work hard to reverse these trends. We promise to:
As Wisconsin bicyclists, we will gain respect and build strength through organization, a clear agenda and a united voice. Our success depends upon you.
Invest in yourself, fellow bicyclists and Wisconsin. Show your commitment to making Wisconsin a great place to bicycle by becoming a BFW member today!
Here is Vol. 1, No. 4, of Wisconsin Bicyclist.
