Reconstruction of Humboldt Blvd. is a Generational Opportunity
Latest plans from the city look good, but protections for bicyclists could make them great.
Feb 28th, 2020Join a Bike Ride Under the Polish Moon
Sign up for slow-moving, family-friendly, 8-mile, summer night ride through the South Side.
Jun 1st, 20189 Reasons to Join National Bike Challenge
The challenge has Wisconsin roots. And you could win a trip to New Zealand.
May 4th, 2018Biking Through the Mindoro Cut
55-mile Spring Classic ride to La Crosse goes through deepest hand-hewn cut in America.
Apr 27th, 2018The LAX Spring Classic Is On!
No snow and 60 degrees forecast for Sunday biking through Driftless region.
Apr 20th, 2018Biking Summit A Chance to Regain Momentum
Wisconsin has fallen from 2nd to 28th most bike-friendly state.
Mar 3rd, 201817 Solid Blocks of Santas
Santa Cycle Rampage and 10th Annual Bike Bazaar coming. Be of good cheer and join.
Nov 29th, 2017Return of the Santa Rampage
It’s Santa Dave’s last rampage, on December 2nd.
Nov 16th, 2017One More Chequamegon Bike Trip
Dave Schlabowske leads his last trip before retiring from Bike Federation.
Oct 29th, 2017Gravel Roads Make Great Bike Trails
As we proved in our weekend trip from Butternut WI to Ironwood and the Upper Peninsula.
Oct 22nd, 2017Accordions at the Crossroads
Why we’ll have a great Mexican polka band at the Polish Moon Ride, July 21.
Jul 4th, 2017State Bike Summit Held May 4
Annual summit in Milwaukee a must for bike lovers and advocates.
Apr 30th, 2017On the Road to Wales
Second Spring Classic proves all roads don’t lead to Rome.
Mar 24th, 2017We’ll Always Have Paris
Spring Classic ride to Paris, Wisconsin was fun but ch-ch-chilly.
Mar 17th, 2017How We Lobbied Congress
Asking officials not to bar states from using transportation funds for bicycling.
Mar 13th, 2017Wisconsin Goes to Washington
Bike Fed lobbies federal officials with data on biking projects' big impact on jobs.
Mar 10th, 2017Brr, First Spring Classic Was Chilly
But 30 cyclists joined first group ride of the season.
Feb 26th, 2017Remembering Chris Kegel
The Wheel & Sprocket owner loved biking, loved people and helped so many.
Feb 10th, 2017Say Goodbye To Frozen Toes
Finally, winter cycling footwear to keep toes toasty: Bonrager’s new winter boots.
Dec 23rd, 2016Santa Rampage A Huge Success
Sea of red 17 blocks long as thousands bicycle North Ave. from Tosa to the Beerline.
Dec 10th, 2016City Streets Makeover Adds Bike Lanes
60 miles of streets resurfaced, many with new bike lanes.
Nov 4th, 2016Sign Up for Santa Rampage
It’s become a huge hit and the 16th annual ride is on December 3rd.
Oct 28th, 2016New Tour de Chequamegon Rocked!
First annual tour included three great days, 110 miles of virtually car-free forest roads.
Oct 14th, 2016Tosa Full Moon Ride a Glowing Success
Bike lanes, other citified changes making East Tosa an urban destination.
Aug 26th, 2016Ride Durango the Wisconsin Way
Four days of biking in Durango, CO, were filled with Wisconsin connections.
Jul 21st, 2016Riding a Bicycle IS Safe
Why the call for bicyclists to avoid highway is completely misguided.
Jul 1st, 2016Viva la Ciclovía!
Sunday's annual event was a huge success, but darkened by mass shooting in Orlando.
Jun 17th, 2016Train, Train, Train, Train
Photos, story of fourth annual ride to St. Paul by train and three-day bike ride back.
Jun 5th, 2016The Ride to Door County
Riders from across the state cycled 70 miles (or less) in final Spring Classic.
May 20th, 2016Amtrak Now Allows Bikes For $5
No more boxing and folding bikes. Hiawatha line to Chicago now has 15 bike racks.
May 6th, 2016A Rough Ride to Denmark
The wind was blowing half a pelican for our ride from Green Bay to Denmark, WI.
Apr 24th, 2016Ride to Belgium Was a Challenge
The 75-mile round trip to Belgium, WI hit one hell of a headwind coming back.
Apr 17th, 2016Rome Was Reached in a Day
Spring Classic 2 riders peddle to Rome, WI and back, 85 miles in chilly weather.
Apr 8th, 2016How We Bicycled to Paris
That would be the Town of Paris, then on to Kenosha, on our Spring Classic 2016 ride.
Apr 1st, 2016Testing the Bosch Edgerunner
This long-tail cargo bike is really smooth with many advantages and few drawbacks.
Mar 25th, 2016Polish Moon Ride Registration Open
Sign up for slow-moving, family-friendly, 8-mile, summer night ride through the South Side.
Mar 21st, 2016The Legacy of Otto Wenz, Jr.
Bicycling champion who started Super Week and the Downer Classic died Wednesday.
Jan 29th, 2016Joys of the Yuba Spicy Curry
Not food, but a cool, long-tail cargo bike that's great for hauling stuff.
Jan 8th, 2016We Need Equity in High School Cycling
Some schools lack access to designated mountain bike trails. But there is a solution.
Dec 18th, 20152,000 Biking Santas Hit the Streets!
Riders came from Boston, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa to join the rampage.
Dec 11th, 2015Santa Cycle Rampage is Dead. Not.
The old one is dead, new one organized for December 5. Long live the new Santa Cycle Rampage!
Nov 27th, 2015New Milwaukee Area Trails Completed
Most notable: lakefront trail now extends past Hampton, connects to Ozaukee Interurban Trail.
Nov 22nd, 2015Teen Bike Racer Inspires
A Milwaukee High School Mountain Bike Team member personifies the spirit of biking.
Nov 14th, 2015Wisconsin’s Far North By Bike and Camera
Testing a new Sony camera on the CAMBA and COGGS Mountain Bike Trails.
Oct 16th, 2015“Ride Across Wisconsin” Will Expand Next Year
Dubuque-to-Kenosha ride will add two-day option, with those riders staying overnight in Beloit.
Oct 2nd, 2015Ride Across Wisconsin Was Huge Success
Inaugural event took riders from many states across southern Wisconsin via scenic roads -- in 1 day.
Sep 4th, 2015Open Streets Event Finally Comes to Milwaukee
Hundreds of cities have sponsored Ciclovia events. Milwaukee's first one is on August 29.
Aug 21st, 2015In Memory of Rob Hofmann
The longtime biking enthusiast died in a freak accident that does raise some questions.
Aug 7th, 2015Eighth Bicyclist of Year Killed by Motorists
It doesn't help that Wisconsin became the first state to repeal a Complete Streets law.
Jul 17th, 2015Bike Beats Auto in Race Again!
Bike vs car in 4.6-mile race from Shorewood Colectivo to O'Donnell Park and the the biker wins by 30 seconds.
Jun 12th, 2015Train Trip Reminds Us Why We Ride
This trip is a perfect example of why cycling is important to us.
May 22nd, 2015New Bike Trails Coming
Beerline Trail from Keefe to Capitol Dr. will be completed in July and Phase 4 of Oak Leaf Trail north from Estabrook Park in November.
May 15th, 2015New County Policy Discourages Biking Events
Use of parks and Oak Leaf Trail requires two-week notice and $250 non-refundable fee, even for free events. Bike Federation protests policy.
May 4th, 2015How to Transport Dogs By Bike
Right now I'm leaning toward the Xtracycle Edgerunner to carry my two dogs, but the bike industry is coming up with other intriguing options.
May 1st, 2015Polish Moon Ride Returns!
A big success in its inaugural ride last year, the night-time event returns this summer, and could sell out soon.
Apr 24th, 2015Spring Is Finally Here!
I do like winter biking but what a thrill to take my first ride of the season in shorts and a jersey.
Apr 10th, 2015Not Riding a Bicycle is Hazardous to Your Health
Even factoring in occasional traffic deaths for bicyclists, they live longer, healthier lives than automobile drivers.
Apr 3rd, 2015Second Fatal Crash On Sheboygan Highway
Two people have now been killed at that location. Paving the road's shoulders could help make it much safer.
Mar 27th, 2015Farewell to a Lovely Winter
Spring is welcome, but I had so many wonderful experiences on fat bikes that I'll remember this winter fondly.
Mar 13th, 2015Coalition Battles Bike Funding Cuts
A coalition of environmental groups, business groups and others are lobbying legislators to change Walker's budget.
Feb 27th, 2015Walker Ends State Funding for Biking Program
His proposed budget eliminates all state funding for Transportation Alternatives Program.
Feb 20th, 2015The Thrill of Everyday Adventures
Life is short and bicycling provides adventures close to home. Are you missing out?
Feb 6th, 2015Remember When Kids Didn’t Wear Helmets?
Four decades ago 50% of kids bicycled or walked to work. Today its 12%. Is our obsession with safety making kids fat?
Jan 30th, 2015More Trails, More Plowing and Better Maps
An update on all the improvements for biking both locally and state-wide.
Jan 23rd, 2015More Protected Bike Lanes and Greenways Needed
2015 agenda by Bike Federation will push city for these and other improvements.
Jan 16th, 2015Commuting at -8 Degrees
Sounds tough, but it's really possible to travel quite comfortably. Here's a guide.
Jan 9th, 2015Get Out of the Road!
Why do automobile drivers yell at legal bikers and pedestrians? Probing this ugly form of road rage.
Jan 2nd, 2015Can Milwaukee Upgrade to Gold Ranking?
City officials pledge to work towards upgrading the city's national, bicycle-friendly ranking from bronze to gold.
Dec 19th, 2014Santa Cycle Rampage Goes National
Milwaukee had as many as 1,000 cycling Santas, and cities like Boston, Chicago, Kansas City and Minneapolis also had rampages.
Dec 12th, 2014Fatal Crashes Down in 2014
The number of fatal bike crashes in Wisconsin continues to decline even as number of bicyclists increases.
Dec 5th, 2014How a Trek Saved My Life
I went from a heavy smoking, bar-hopping photographer who might have killed himself, to a physically-fit bicycle advocate, all because I bought a bike.
Nov 28th, 2014Winter Too Cold? Ride Indoors!
If you can't brave the cold, there are some fun indoor cycling programs at area bike shops.
Nov 21st, 2014America’s Best Bike Shops
Six Wisconsin shops made the NBDA's list of top bike stores in the nation.
Nov 14th, 2014Fatal Crash in Minocqua Kills Bicyclist
Motorist initially charged with negligent homicide, but that has been dropped to inattentive driving, though investigation is not completed.
Oct 31st, 2014Tosa Installs First Bike Box in Metro Area
They make busy intersections safer for bikes and cars. Will Milwaukee install some?
Oct 24th, 2014Will County Simplify Trail Permit Requirements?
The Bike Federation requests a simpler permit process for Oak Leaf and other trails, and county staff seem open to suggestions.
Oct 12th, 2014Milwaukee Quietly Adds Buffered Bike Lanes
The changes on south 2nd are welcome, but when will the city start creating protected bike lanes?
Oct 3rd, 2014Wauwatosa Goes Green With Bike Lanes
Wauwatosa turns North Avenue into a bicycle paradise with green lanes and bike boxes.
Sep 27th, 2014New Bike Trails and Ride Rules
A rundown of new bicycle amenities. And permits are now required for group rides on area trails.
Sep 19th, 2014The Silver Bullet for Bicycle Safety
What has the power to improve traffic flow, drive up property values, reduce the number of crashes, and increase the number of cyclists?
Sep 12th, 2014Long Live the Polish Moon Ride!
A great turnout, a beautiful foggy night, and fun polka and Mexican music -- the ride was a big success and will surely grow in coming years.
Aug 29th, 2014Is Bicycling the New Golf?
Business leaders are dropping the clubs and pedaling for charity.
Aug 22nd, 2014What Do Bicycles Do At Crosswalks?
The Bike Czar explains what cyclists, drivers and pedestrians should do when they encounter a crosswalk.
Aug 15th, 2014$13 Million in TAP Grants Awarded
Funding for 27 bicycle and pedestrian projects will go to communities statewide, including Milwaukee.
Aug 8th, 2014A Guide to Bike Sharrows
West Allis just installed some. You find them all over. How do they differ from bike lanes and how should they be used?
Aug 1st, 2014What to Say When People Complain About Bicyclists
Studies consistently show drivers are at least twice as likely to break the rules of the road as bicyclists.
Jul 25th, 2014Expanded Bike Trails Coming
Bay View will be connected to Downtown and Oak Leaf trail will extend from Estabrook Park all the way to Ozaukee Interurban Trail!
Jul 18th, 20142014 One of Safest Years
Bicycle crashes are down 23% compared to the first six months of 2013. Why?
Jul 11th, 2014Sticks And Stones May Break Your Bones
An odd run of bike accidents from sticks and stones. Meanwhile car crashes involving bikes are declining.
Jun 27th, 2014The Legacy of Phil Van Valkenberg
His creation of the Fat Tire Tour and the state's first bicycling guides led the way to our growing local bike culture.
Jun 20th, 2014The Virtue Gondoliere Can Haul Lots of Cargo
Dogs, kids, groceries, they can all be transported in this handy cargo bike.
Jun 13th, 2014The Massive Cost of Automobiles
Counting the cost of car crashes, the total bill for auto transit is about $1 trillion a year.
Jun 6th, 2014Why We Ride
And why Wisconsin is such a wonderful place to tour by bicycle.
May 30th, 2014Big Growth in People Biking to Work
The number increased 166% in four years in Milwaukee, while Madison ranked second among all mid-sized cities.
May 16th, 2014Wauwatosa Embraces the Bicycle
New bike lanes and bike boxes approved. Tosa is now so cool that Bay View folks are moving there.
May 9th, 2014Wisconsin Now 3rd Most Bike-Friendly State
It's great news, but is there a dark cloud enveloping this silver lining?
May 2nd, 2014The Importance of Earth Day
Take your cue from our former Senator Gaylord Nelson. Your actions can make a difference.
Apr 25th, 2014The Heart of New Milwaukee
The Menomonee Valley's renaissance personifies how Milwaukee is becoming a new city -- without losing its roots.
Apr 18th, 2014Governor Signs Vulnerable User Bill
Bill to protect bikers and pedestrians and a separate bill allowing biking on state trails after 11 p.m. were both passed by legislature.
Apr 11th, 2014Watered-Down Bill Protecting Bicyclists Passes
Tougher bill to protect bicyclists and pedestrians had broad bipartisan support but a few Republicans prevented passage.
Apr 4th, 2014Will New York’s Bike Share System Survive?
It's hugely popular and cheaper than other transit, but Mayor De Blasio opposes subsidy. Could that have ripple effect on other cities?
Mar 28th, 2014What Kind of Weather Shuts You Down?
I ride no matter what, but even bike meccas like Copenhagen have fewer riders in winter. When and why do you stop riding?
Mar 21st, 2014Will Supreme Court Ruling Close Bike Trails?
Decision on ownership of railroad right of ways could affect bike trails in Wisconsin and nationally.
Mar 14th, 2014The Growth in Air Travelers Arriving by Bike
They laughed when a bike rack was installed at Mitchell Airport, but on some days it's nearly full.
Mar 7th, 2014The Amazing Sea Caves of Apostle Islands
You can bicycle nearly all the way to the caves and a spectacular natural show.
Feb 28th, 2014City Agrees to Plow Hank Aaron Trail
Finally some progress. How my advocacy with state and city officials paid off.
Feb 7th, 2014Her Third Drunk Driving Kills Elderly Biker
The plague of drunk driving threatens all of us, but legislators won't toughen the laws.
Jan 31st, 2014The Ultimate Winter Commuter Bike
More progress -- and more tips for bikers -- in my eternal quest for the perfect winter bike.
Jan 24th, 2014Arrest Those Who Bike in Winter, Mayor Says
Comments from Watertown, NY official raise serious issues about how bikers are treated, including in Wisconsin.
Jan 17th, 2014Why I’m Boycotting the Farmers Market
Though the state signed an MOU promising to snow plow the bike trail leading to the Winter Farmers Market, they aren't doing it.
Jan 10th, 2014Winter Weather Warmers
My winter commute tricks will help you bicycle comfortably in the cold.
Jan 3rd, 201413-time Loser Kills 61-Year-Old Bicyclist
James R. Erdmann Jr, who had 13 previous traffic violations, is arrested in hit-and-run of bicyclist.
Dec 27th, 2013How To Avoid Getting Ticketed or Towed in Snowstorm
All the cars making short trips in the city make snowplowing difficult. Try walking or biking.
Dec 20th, 2013We’re Driving Less, Cycling More
Milwaukee ranked 2nd and Madison 3rd in national decline of driving, while biking rose 280%.
Dec 13th, 2013The History and Future of Santa Rampage
Could event become a victim of its own success? Organizers consider changes in format.
Dec 6th, 2013Santa Cycle Rampage Rocks Out
The English Beat flew in from Britain to play and the turnout was great.
Dec 5th, 2013The Sheer Endurance of Steel
For nearly a century most bikes were made of steel, which still has advantages over aluminum.
Nov 29th, 2013New West Allis Trail Coming
Saturday is the ribbon cutting for bike/pedestrian trail from 124th east into the heart of West Allis.
Nov 22nd, 2013The Sacrifice of Our Veterans
We can admire those bicyclists who do endurance races, but the bravery of our veterans puts all that into sober perspective.
Nov 15th, 2013The Joys of BikeShare
As more cities add BikeShare, I no longer need pack a folding bike. Travel for bikers is so much easier now.
Nov 8th, 2013The Sheer Beauty of Bicycling
Yes, it's cheaper and healthier to ride a bike. But it also connects you to nature and a world of sensations.
Nov 1st, 2013Ghost Bike with a Message
Friends and family honor fallen cyclist Tom Van Hoof
Oct 25th, 2013Why We Love the Door County Century Ride
It's a fall classic, four bike rides with great scenery, great food and beer. Lots of Milwaukeeans joined in the fun.
Oct 18th, 2013Public Hearings Set for Vulnerable Users Bill
The bill provides protection for pedestrians, bikers, farmers and others who are more vulnerable in accidents with cars.
Oct 15th, 2013Grand Opening of KK River Bike Trail!
Celebration Saturday of newest part of trail whose origins go back more than a decade.
Oct 11th, 2013Bicyclists Vs. Motorcycle Group
Law defining bicyclists and pedestrians as "vulnerable users" who need more protection from motorists is opposed by the motorcycle lobby.
Sep 20th, 2013Is Safety on Rural Roads a Problem?
Are rural roads less safe than urban streets for bicyclists? A fatal crash in Seymour raises questions.
Sep 6th, 2013Bikers Banned From State Trails At Night
From 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. bikers on any state trails can be fined $175. Why?
Aug 30th, 2013One Year in Jail for Killing Bicyclist?
Young woman who was texting while driving and killed bicyclist must do 500 hours community service. Is that fair?
Aug 23rd, 2013Trail to Close During Zoo Interchange Reconstruction
WisDOT will hold a public meeting on the multi-year closure of a portion of the Hank Aaron State Trail.
Aug 16th, 2013Biking the Rail Trails
Our hardy team took the train to Twin Cities, than bicycled back to Milwaukee, for great adventure.
Aug 9th, 2013The Decline of Bike Crashes
The ratio of bicyclists killed by motorists is actually declining. But more safety measures could still improve the numbers.
Aug 2nd, 2013The Tragic Death of Tom Van Hoof
A well-known and much-loved member of the bicycling community was killed in a crash with a motorist on Mill Road.
Jul 26th, 2013A Little Ride on the Beach
Riding south from Port Washington along the Lake Michigan beach made for a great Sunday expedition.
Jul 19th, 2013Bikes Can’t Lose in Cities
They're cheaper, require less spending by cities than on cars, and are often faster. Expect ever-more bicyclists in Milwaukee.
Jul 12th, 2013Texting 20-Year-Old Convicted of Homicide
The bicyclist was killed. The crash has lessons for both automobile drivers and bicyclists.
Jul 5th, 2013The Joys of Jogging?
For the first time in 15 years, I jogged to work rather than biking. It made me see how tough on the muscles it must be for first-time bikers.
Jun 28th, 2013See the World with a Folding Bike
I packed my $65 folding bike on the Amtrak, got off in Chicago and cycled everywhere.
Jun 21st, 2013No Charges in Fatal New Berlin Crash
Waukesha DA says teen pedaled into road without stopping.
Jun 14th, 2013Fourth Bicyclist This Year Killed
Meanwhile the law continues to offer little protection for bicyclists and pedestrians.
Jun 7th, 2013Fatal Crashes Remind us to Drive and Bike Carefully
Crashes that took the lives of Stephen Rader and Brittany Barnstable remind Wisconsinites to be extra vigilant around vulnerable users of the road.
May 31st, 2013Wisconsin Declines in National Bike Rankings
Since 2010, we've dropped from 2nd most bike-friendly state to 8th place. State funding cuts are main reason.
May 24th, 2013New Bike Trails Coming to Milwaukee
Three Bridges Park and the extension of the KK bike trail will bring excitement -- and great biking opportunities -- to the city.
May 17th, 2013How Bike Messengers Break the Laws
Everyone, including police, tolerate it because law firms and other customers need their documents delivered as quickly as possible.
May 10th, 2013Scofflaws Defend Themselves
Bicyclists and motorists who break the laws defend themselves. Are they right?
May 3rd, 2013The Worst Law Breakers on the Road
Autos, pedestrians and bicyclists all break the laws, but studies show automobile drivers do it the most.
Apr 26th, 2013Bicycle Lobbyists Hit the State Capitol
More than 100 advocates met with legislators and pushed for pro-bicycle policies. Will it have an impact?
Apr 19th, 2013Year’s First Fatality, Bicyclist Hit by SUV
Bicyclists continue to be killed by negligent drivers, which is why Wisconsin needs a Vulnerable User Law.
Apr 12th, 2013Fun Exhibition for Milwaukee Bikeshare
Poster art by a nationally known illustrator and cycling enthusiast helps raise money for Bike Share program.
Mar 29th, 2013How to Deliver 500,000 Packages
Breakaway Bicycle Couriers, celebrating its 15th anniversary, has had a huge impact on local bike culture.
Mar 22nd, 2013Will Chicago’s Bike-Friendly Policies Steal Jobs from Seattle?
New high-tech companies and their workers want bike-friendly cities, and Chicago is out to beat Portland and Seattle in that regard.
Mar 15th, 2013Feast or Famine
The quickly changeable March weather is a test. Some days everyone is biking. Other days almost no one.
Mar 8th, 2013Three Novels About Bicyclists
Cycling novels are on the rise. Three good reads I can recommend.
Mar 1st, 2013Bigger State Pie, But Smaller Slice for Bikes
Gov. Walker grabs $38 million in federal money meant for bikes to hike his highways budget even higher.
Feb 22nd, 2013You Bike When It’s 5 Below?!
Here's the best clothing and gear to wear in polar weather. But you might get tired of people asking you about it.
Feb 15th, 2013A Fiscal Shell Game
Legislators will likely transfer $500 million from the general fund to the transportation fund, yet bicycle funding will still get cut.
Feb 8th, 2013The Problem with Icy Trails
The city and county do a much better job of plowing and clearing streets than bike trails. That won't change until bikers start complaining.
Feb 1st, 2013Will City Get Bike-share Program?
Midwest Bikeshare has one-third of the money it needs to install 25 bikeshare stations with 250 bikes.
Jan 25th, 2013A Primer on Transportation Funding
Want to get wonky with me? Here's a rundown of how the government bicycle programs actually work.
Jan 18th, 2013Big Cuts in Bicycle Funding Likely
Federal and state funding for bicycle transit could be slashed by as much as 50 percent.
Jan 11th, 2013700 Santas Can’t Be Wrong
The 12th annual Santa Cycle Rampage sets a new record for attendance.
Dec 21st, 2012New Bridge to the Valley
The bike and pedestrian bridge will connect Mitchell Park to Hank Aaron trail and Menomonee Valley.
Dec 14th, 2012New Route to Winter Farmers Market
Take the Hank Aaron Trail right to the gate of the farmers market at State Fair Park.
Dec 7th, 2012All I Want For Christmas
Why I like to get and give my gifts from local companies.
Nov 30th, 2012Sidewalk Cycling Can Kill
Motorists don't see bicyclists on sidewalks, which can lead to accidents at intersections. What is the solution?
Nov 9th, 2012Death By Auto
Bicyclists are getting killed by negligent drivers. A proposed law could address the problem.
Nov 2nd, 2012Hauling Pecks and Pounds by Bike
Cargo bikes can move just about anything, including groceries.
Aug 14th, 2012