Wednesday Night Bike Rides. The first
ride is April 9. February 2004
Community Car is coming to Madison! From the website:
"Community Car is a member-based carsharing service that provides cars by the hour for individuals and organizations. Members share access to a fleet of high gas-mileage and hybrid-electric vehicles located in reserved parking spots throughout the city."
The Bombay Bicycle Club's 2004 ride schedule will be released soon - a sure sign that Spring is just around the corner. In the meantime, the BBC is sponsoring a training series for the seriously committed (or those who should be committed...seriously).
January 2004
The Swap is coming! Check out the flyer for details.
July 2003
Gene Tolli is the new Webmaster.
Wheels for Winners needs your help! This is a great program, but is being threatened by the bum economy. In addition to money, they need volunteer help to fix the bikes they give away - no experience needed! Also needed are kids bikes - mountain bikes or BMX styles. Contact Patrick or anyone else to help out: Contact info.June 2003
Madison is described as a great place to bike in a USA Today article .
As reported previously, the Johnson street project is a nightmare for bicyclists. This CapTimes article provides some helpful tips from Arthur Ross for navigating the area.
Mt. Horeb's "Horribly Hilly Hundred" challenge ride was a success. "a little over 300 riders and no major medical emergencies " according to one report.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will hold public hearings June
16-18 on a number of park- and trail-related rule changes, including one
that would increase state trail pass fees from $10 to $15 per year and from
$3 to $5 per day. You also can submit written comments on the proposals. For
more information, see:
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/parks/other/nr45.html
In Madison,
the hearings will take place June 16, 2003, (room 027 GEF 2, 1:30pm).
(Mt. Vernon, WI) Two cyclists were have been attacked by a red-tailed hawk residing on Lee Valley road just east of Primrose Center road. The two incidents occurred on separate occasions days a part. One cyclist sustained a minor puncture wound at the base of his neck. In both cases the helmets were damaged.
Sign up for this year's Gear Up for Kids ride, coming June 14.
May 2003
The North Mendota Parkway committee releases its draft recommendations. It looks to contain actual land use planning!
John Coleman reports:
"Just in time for Bike to Work Week, I have been informed by my daughter's school that the Madison school district policy (#4233) on bicycles states that kids under 10 can not bike to school.
Some time this spring or early summer the Town of Westport and the Village will be developing a bike/ped plan. If you live in that now area, now would be a good time to get involved!
The Wednesday Night Rides now have
their own website:
http://www.wnbr.org/
. The WNR was part of the original motivation for the BCP almost
10 years ago.
April 2003
More bike/ped trails are proposd by Friends of Starkweather Creek will present their latest proposal at the upcoming PBMVC meeting
coming soon: public hearing on the 'Central Park' project May 3
April 1: Dave "Dave" Cieslewisz is elected mayor of Madison, in large part by a bikies-powered grass-roots campaign. Long-time bike advocate Robbie Webber is elected to the city council as alder. And thats no joke.
Neighborhood activists Ed Jepson gives his view of the Yahara River Parkway proposal - mostly good.
John Coleman needs your help to support the "missing link" bike path. Send in your comments for the upcoming hearing on the rail crossing issue!
With tax day coming up, how'd you like a tax break ?
Coming on April 29: the annual Ped/Bike Improvement hearing
March 2003
The UW Transportation Demand Management Program is now hiring for four Bike
Ambassador positions available July-September 2003. The Bike Ambassador
team will act as peer educators on campus, encouraging bicycling and
pedestrian safety. This would be a perfect summer/fall job for bike savvy
students. For details, contact:
Alison Carpenter
Bicycle & Pedestrian Coordinator
UW Transportation Services
610 Walnut St, 124 WARF Bldg
Madison, WI 53726
(608) 263-2969
acarpenter@fpm.wisc.edu
Madison is starting a major construction project on Johnson Street, that I like to call Nightmare on Dayton St. At least we have a map...
The snow is melting, must be time to start thinking
about the
Wednesday Night Bike Rides. The first
ride is April 9.
Don't forget to check out our Events page for upcoming stuff.
The Dane County board has addressed the Capital City Trail Fee issue. BTA Action coordinator Joe King says its 'Imperfect but fantastic'.
The webmster finally got off his winter-lazy butt and added several more months of PBMVC minutes.
The Temin Lakeshore Path has reopened for bicycle and pedestrian use. There should be undisturbed use of the path now through the end of March. During "Spring thaw" (April) the contractors will need to close the path again temporarily to complete their work. Stay tuned for updates. Contact Alison Carpenter (UW Transportation Services) for details: acarpenter@fpm.wisc.edu, (608) 263-2969.
Bicycling magazine wants to know you r thoughts on federal bike funding issues; why not take this survey?
Considering an organized bike tour this summer? See our list of commercial tour operators, offering tours locally and around the world.
Updated the bike shop , to reflect the myriad changes in local business. Including, the new Willy St. Bikes location.
Updated the Frequently Asked Questions page
January 2003
This year's Northwoods Tour goes from Wautoma to Washburn, Wisconsin. The tour runs June 21-29, 2003. Always highly recommended.
We've finally added a Welcome! page. Feel free to contact the webmaster for more suggestions.
December 2002
Lots of new sites added to our incredible list of links Updated our selection of John Forester writings. Thanks to some submissions, we have added few meager tokens of opposition to the Forester view. The Capital City Trail fee is back. Once again cyclists at outraged. Big bike path news:August 2002
Madison will be a part of World Car Free days. Events will be held Saturday, September 21. To get involved, contact Judy: judester54@yahoo.com
Added this year's Best and Worst RAGBRAI report. A bike ride unlike any other, as reported by Roger Bruhn.
July 2002
July 1
Lots of stuff here as I catch up from my 'vacation'.Added report on the June 19 meeting of the NMPAC.
Plans for the "Nobbie" trail are in the works!
For years, the BCP has been a proud host of a variety of different web sites. But from time to time the authors find the time and/or money to to host their work on their own web sites. Here are a few of the fine works that have recently found a new home. We thank the authors for their generosity in providing content for the BCP.
Starting June 11, and running every Tuesday 4pm-7pm, through October, the Willy St. Co-op's East Side Farmers' Market will take place at 201 S. Ingersoll St. That's Ingersoll at the corner of Wilson St, a/k/a the Isthmus Bike Path. The land -- which the Urban Open Space Foundation owns -- will eventually be part of Madison's Central Park.
Starting June 11, and running every Tuesday 4pm-7pm, through October, the Willy St. Co-op's East Side Farmers' Market will take place at 201 S. Ingersoll St. That's Ingersoll at the corner of Wilson St, a/k/a the Isthmus Bike Path. The land -- which the Urban Open Space Foundation owns -- will eventually be part of Madison's Central Park.
June 2002
Your webmaster was on vacation.May 2002
May 20
Do you know the law?May 19
Gear Up Madison is coming, June 15! Proceeds buy helmets for kids, and supports Wheels for Winners.May 7
NOTICE: due to a certain biological crisis in our area, the WDNR may begin allowing deer-hunting in Western Dane County/Iowa County. That's a beautiful area for biking; it includes fine county roads and the popular Military Ridge Trail.There's a new web page about the fight against chronic wasting disease as it relates to state parks and trails:If/when they start shooting, it might be a good time to invest in some blaze orange.
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/parks/cwd.html
Current plans call for no hunting in state parks. Hunting may be allowed on private lands adjacent to the Military Ridge State Trail, but trail users will be notified before it begins.
May 5
Have you seen our Car Free page? Its been updated with a special "Car-Toons" section!May 3
After 6 years, Jeanne Hoffman is leaving her position at the BFW (see the press release). Thanks for all your great work, Jeanne !April 2002
April 23
Registration is open for this year's Bike To Work Week . Once again, a full week of fun events promoting bike commuting.April 17
The City of Madison is expected to apply for funding for the Missing Link.April 16
Its the return of the Wingra Heron and Hops Deraileur Society!April 7
Don't pay attention to lingering patches of snow, the
March 2002
Start planning your Big Rides now: see our events page for rides and races. Or see our list of organized tours, for rides all over the world. We at the BCP tend to be partial to these guys .
The BCP is proud to announce we have
a new Racing editor!
The Bike Fed has created some brochures, including: "Traffic? Get Over Your Fear!" (PDF), available from the DOT. Paper copies of these and other brochures are also available at the BFW office.
| February, 2002 |
February 22 , 2002
The city's policy for plowing of the SouthWest Path during its first official Winter was not a success.| January, 2002 |
January 21 , 2002
Updated the North Beltline page,with reports on some recent meetings.January 21, 2002
In response to some tricky questions, Arthur Ross has put together a detailed discussion concering right of way on bike paths (PDF format). This will be permanently linked from our commuting page.January 13 , 2002
Help Wanted: The Bike Fed is looking for a web developer for the Bike To Work Week.January 9 , 2002
The BCP training log is now signing up new members for 2002. (must be a member of BFW, BCP, or Bombay). You don't need to be a spandex-clad weekend rider - this year includes a commuter team.January, 2002
Happy New Year!| December, 2001 |
December 12, 2001
Speaking of snow, don't forget the BCP's tips for riding in winter.December 11, 2001
Assuming we ever get any snow, wouldn't it be nice to be able to find bike parking? Click here if you don't want to see the bike racks plowed under.December 10, 2001
The Northwoods to Capital Tour for 2002 is planned for June 22 - June 3. On a more somber note, we've added the 'Red aCross America' site| November, 2001 |
November 11, 2001
On a more somber note, we've added the 'Red aCross America' site to our list of tour reports.| October, 2001 |
October 16, 2001
In the What I Did Last Summer category, we offer links to the following reports:| September, 2001 |
September 28
The Bicycle Transportation Alliance issues this press release, castigating Madison for rubber stamping every sprawling development that comes down the pike.| August 2001 |
August 6
A 'Friends of the Blackhawk Path' has started. For information, see our Blackhawk Path , now updated with photos!| July 2001 |
July 27
A new off-road trail, created by volunteers is now open at Blue Mound State ParkJuly 18
Two big grand openings this month! Mark your calendars:| June 2001 |
June 4
Madison's Streets and Parks receive the prestigious Ice Bike Award for their great work.| May 2001 |
May 30
The schedule for 2001 Overnight Bike Tours is now available. If your idea of fun is riding the back roads of Wisconsin, and camping in out of the way places, contact Scott Ellington for details.May 19
It looks like the Capital City trail will not have a user fee after all! Thanks to the many voices who joined the debate.
May 18
Schedule change: For the May 23 event of the Wednesday Night Rides.
May 10
Bike to Work Week is coming: May 19 to 26. See the web site for details.
May 9
Volunteers are need for the Gear Up Madison ride. Contact Steve Meiers for details.| April 2001 |
April 30
Dane County parks wants to require a user fee for the City trail. How about a ped tax on shoes to pay for sidewalks?
April 25
Registration is open for the 15th Annual GearUp Madison ride.
April 23
The Wingra Heron Hops and Derailler Society kicks off another season of weekday morning rides.
April 10
We've updated the Advocacy page. Hopefully you'll spend less time searching for interesting stuff, leaving more time for activism.April 2
Wisconsin DOT announces its draft Pedestrian Policy Plan . Your comments can make a difference!April 1, 2001
U.S. President George Bush announces that 'Global warming is a very serious threat to the well-being of our great country'. As part of his solution, he announces a $5/gal. 'carbon' tax on gasoline. Proceeds will be earmarked to fund multi-modal transit systems across the country, and Effective Cycling programs in all public schools.| March 2001 |
March 26
Lots of construction for
the upcoming year. Fortunately you can plan ahead
with this list of planned
bike route closures .
March 13
Legislation is brewing in Madison and in the State Legislature to ban the use of cell phones while operating a motor vehicle. The BCP presents some background material on the issue.March 8
The Bike Shop page has been re-formatted.Hey! don't forget the Big Budget Bike'O'Rama this weekend!
March 6
The final version of the Bicycle Transportation Plan for the Madison Urban Area and Dane County has been approved ! This plan will be sent to all communities in Dane county. Now we have a framework integrating bicycles into our transportation system.| February 2001 |
February 22
With temperatures climbing into the double digits, its time to start clearing the calendar for the
February 15
Introducing a new feature: The Car Free page| January 2001 |
January 27
Volunteers are always needed in the Bicycling Community. See our new Help Wanted section.January 17
Notice: An open hearing on Fitchburg's Bicycle and Pedestrian System Plan, Feb 6th. We have heard that they are doing some good things. A good turnout will let them know their efforts were appreciated. See the item in our events calendarJanuary 14
Advance warning: Cronometro is hosting its 10th Annual Bike Swap, Feb. 17th. See our events calendar for details.January 14
We've updated our Musical Selections with a song for the new millenium.January 1
Happy New Years!
| December, 2000 |
December 9
For those of you who would like to keep riding through the winter, check out our collection of winter riding tips. Its fun!December 3
The August 2000 issue of BTA's Spoke'n'Word is now available on-line. (That's right, our modern technology allows to transfer from print to the web in less than 4 months!)
| November, 2000 |
November 17, 2000
With the first snowfall of the season, we naturally think about Summer! (at least those of us who haven't switched to our fat tires). Registration is open for the 2001 Northwoods to Capital tour. This tour gets great reviews every year. And it benefits the Bike Fed. (The jet-setters among you will want to check out the Loire Valley Tour in France next July)November 1, 2000
Introducing a new section, Arts and Literature . Poetry, paintings, etc. Part of our ever-expanding array of links. You have visited our links , haven't you?
| October, 2000 |
October 13, 2000
Remember all the fuss over Old Sauk Road? Your intrepid BCP webmaster was suprised to learn that cylists now support the project! Read all about it in this exciting new report. [Note: this report is intended as satire. However, all quotes are verbatim. Its really not funny though. ]October 2, 2000
In the past, cyclists have had some rather negative experiences with the Dane County Sheriff's Office. This recent letter from Sheriff Gary Hamblin to County Supervisor Al Matano shows that things are greatly improved. Thanks Gary, and Al.
| September, 2000 |
September 22, 2000
The epic saga of the Blackhawke path is nearing the end. Groundbreaking for this 0.5 mile trail has begun. Now all we need is real name. Send us your suggestions!September 25, 2000
Your humble web-master is taking some prelimary steps towards organizing this chaotic mess of information we call the BCP. Step 1: FAQ (frequently asked questions ).September 19, 2000
We all have too-close encounters with motorists. Unfortunately there a few who are dangerous enough to qualify for the Scary Driver Registry. The latest addition to our rogues gallery is an elected official!
| August, 2000 |
August 2, 2000
Here is a summary Michael Neuman's VMT Reduction plan.August 1, 2000
Scram! Couriers is now in business! Madison's only bike messenger service. Get your packages delivered quickly, cheaply, and cleanly. No diesel fumes ! Featured in our local bike shop section.
| July, 2000 |
July 7, 2000
You can now submit comments on the MPO's Bike Plan . This plan will probably be adopted and used for many years to come, so get your comments in !| June 2000 |
June 29, 2000
The draft Bicycle Transportation Plan for the Madison Urban Area and Dane County is now available from Madison's web site. CHECK IT OUT! .June 20, 2000
June 19, 2000
Joe King passes the mouse (literally), and retires as BCP webmaster.June 10, 2000
Here's a heads up about a proposal for a new bike path in central Madison. The path would link the paths on the near east side with those on the near west side. There is a web site that has more details. I hope to really get this proposal moving in late July and August. I'm hoping to give a presentation to the city Pedestrian/Bicycle/Motor Vehicle Commission in late July. Any suggestions or support you can provide would be greatly appreciated. -- John Coleman
June 4, 2000
John Rider is on a cross-the-USA-by-bicycle trip! You can follow his progress here.
June 1, 2000
Michael Neuman's work on global warming is here: (PDF format)
| May 2000 |
May 22, 2000
Bike to Work Week is here! The BTA will offer the following suggestions to the mayor at a round table meeting later this morning.
May 18, 2000
Jim Henkel has put together an instructive set of bike routes which use area bike paths.
May 11, 2000
Darin Burleigh reports on a potential fight ahead regarding the future of Old Middleton Road. Basically, this would appear to be a neighborhood in denial. They oppose widening the road and bike facilities because the don't want it to become a through route that is used by cyclists. I'm not sure why absentee residents attend such meetings but I agree with one thing; the road does not need to be wider. It needs to be resurfaced. When I bike it, I take the entire lane. Cars must wait behind me for a clear spot because the road is currently too narrow for two cars and a bike. That's traffic calming Kendall Avenue style which does keep traffic speeds down. Of course I wouldn't want to live near by because the cars often race their engines and sometime honk or squeel tires when they do get a chance to pass. But hey, it's what they want.
| April 2000 |
April 19, 2000
It is time to Gear Up, Madison! Well if you're not quite that into it, at least enjoy the nice little web site they created and help some kids get helmets.
April 19, 2000
Announcing the annual Wright Stuff Century presented by the Bombay Bicycle Club.
April 15, 2000
Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Michael Neuman is a planned presentation for the 11th Global Warming International Conference and EXPO in Boston.
| March 2000 |
March 27, 2000
Pheasant Branch Road is being left to decay by city officials. Are they waiting for the traffic counts to warrant yet-another-four-lane? In this report Darin Burleigh suggests we get proactive and advocate for a road construction project now.
March 26, 2000
The Wingra Heron Hops and Derailler Society kicks off another season of weekday morning rides.
March 19, 2000
The Wednesday Night Ride Schedule is here! We also have the Bombay Ride Schedule for 2000.
March 17, 2000
Your Gear Up Madison registration forms are here! Use your PDF viewer to print this form and send it in.
March 7, 2000
We finally have final approval for the Southwest Commuter Bike/Ped Path.
February 17, 2000
Pete Taglia Tells All! Well, he reports on the Southwest Path at any rate.
February 10, 2000
Michael Neuman's plan to reduce motor vehicle received some attention when the DNR submitted comments critical of the State Highway Plan 2020. Since then the DNR has distanced itself from the report. The final report was completed by Michael Neuman on his own time and is not a product of the DNR. The BCP has the honor of providing your PDF reader with the FINAL DRAFT FINANCIAL INCENTIVES FOR REDUCING HIGHWAY TRAVEL AND ENERGY DEMANDS IN WISCONSIN.
February 3, 2000
You can submit your comments on the US12 Project to the project manager by using this form. There's more information here and at the engineering firm, www.strand.com.
January 22, 2000
The final public hearing on the creation of what promises to be
Madison, Wisonsin's most beautiful and useful ped/bike paths to date
was held on January 20th. Documents from that meeting and other
information can be found on the Southwest Commuter
Path page. You can also submit your
comments on the project directly from the bcp.
The Northwood to Capitol
Tour is now taking applicants. Sign up now as space is
limited!
| November, 1999 |
November 23, 1999
After a year of silence, the Spoken Word speaks. The direct route to this and all of the other BTA newsletters is here.
November 17, 1999
Action Alert: Dates and times for the upcoming public hearings on the State Highway Plan 2020 have been announced. Details and background is here.
November 15, 1999
On November 8th Mike Neuman read these comments from the DNR Secretary George Meyer to the State Highway Plan 2020 Advisory Committee on the Proposed Final Plan. The comments refer to a May 13th letter which we have summarized in addition to this analysis. But the only link you need to get to all of these documents is this one.
November 14, 1999
The rails are being removed to make way for the future home of the Southwest Commuter Path. Here's a pictorial report showing the missing rails and access points to Odana Hills Park and Golf Course.
| October, 1999 |
October 30, 1999
This pitiful horror story of access deined to pedestrians and cyclists, is the best we can to this halloween. Fortunately, we still have great biking weather in Madison so get out there and enjoy!
October 25, 1999
Yet another Madison road project moves forward but not without the scrutiny of bicycle advocates. Mike Barrett gives us this update on Buckeye Road.
October 17, 1999
An update to the Commuters' Page includes news on Madison's bikes on buses program and a few new and updated links. One of the new links that should have increased relevance soon is called Icebike.
| September, 1999 |
September 23, 1999
The parks department seems to think that for parks like Odana, people should be required to drive and park. After all, why build large parking lots for the park only to later make it easy to walk and/or bike? In these Comments on the Design and in this Summary of the Meeting do the authors really think that parks should be accessible to those on foot and bike? These reports relate to the design of the Southwest Commuter Bike/Pedestrian Path which is Madison's segment of the Badger Trail.
September 2, 1999
Dane County has built a new path in the Nine Springs E-Way. To save us all the trouble of getting on our bikes to see it, Scott Williams, has kindly supplied us with these views.
| August, 1999 |
August 23, 1999
The long quiet of the BCP is has been broken by the thump of RAGBRAI. Or as this year's report would have it, the blestering heat of RAGBRAI.
| July, 1999 |
July 22, 1999
Old Sauk Road will be expanded into a four-lane divided road from the Beltline to Heartland Trail, was the decision of the Madison Common Council. They decided not to decide to four-lane Old Sauk from Heatland Trail to Prairie Smoke Road. This leaves open the possibility that Madison will decide in 2002 to keep Old Sauk Road a two-lane road from Heartland Trail to the west. Darin Burleigh posted this summary. The Save Old Sauk web site has more information regarding the project.
July 12, 1999
Scott Ellington has arrived back in Madison from a bike trip down under. His New Zealand Tour Report tells a story of wind, fire danger, and rain.
July 8, 1999
Interested in hobnobbing with other cyclists who see the bicycle as a way to build community, cut traffic congestion, etc? The Yellow Bike Project of Austin, Texas is holding a (re)Cycled Bikes Conference next January. Visit the Red Bikes page for more information.
July 7, 1999
The Public Works Commission of Madison approved plans to turn Old Sauk Road into yet another Mineral (what's the) Point Road. I was glad I was there so the I could find out that we cyclists don't care how much or how fast the traffic is on a road so long as it has bike lanes. Bike lanes make everything OK, how could I not know that! There's a not much more detailed report here. Now it is all up to YOUR ALDERPERSON. Did you call or write? Do it again!
July 5, 1999
The Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Motor Vehicle Commission of Madison rejected plans to turn Old Sauk Road into a four-lane alternative to Mineral Point and U.S. 14. Pam Barrett provides us with this report. In case you were wondering, NOW would be a good time to contact your alderperson as they will vote on this soon.
July 5, 1999
Your humble servant and BCP webmaster is back from Ride The Rockies with only these pitiful photos to show for it.
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