Bikeways Project taking shape in Wis.
The identification of a network of long-distance bicycle routes throughout Wisconsin is underway, coordinated by the Department of Natural Resources and the Wisconsin Bike Fed.
The goal of the Bikeways Project is to create a system of interstate bike routes that link urban, suburban and rural areas across the state. The DNR held a series of open houses in Madison, Milwaukee, Appleton, Wausau and Eau Claire in May and hired Toole Design Group as a consultant on the project.
A “bikeway,” as defined by the project planners, is a road, street or path designated for bicycle travel but may be shared with other modes of transportation.
This project will develop recommendations and guidelines for identifying, designating and signing intrastate bikeways that will connect with the interstate U.S. Bike Route, a network of long-distance bicycle routes across the country. The project will identify the best routes within the U.S. Bike Route-identified corridors.
“Wisconsin has some of the best roads and trails for bicycling of any state in the country,” said Brigit Brown, DNR state trails coordinator. “By tying together the best of what exists today, everything from short to moderate to long distance bicycle route opportunities can be greatly enhanced and we are excited to hear from state bicyclists how this can take form.”
For more information, search the DNR website, dnr.wi.gov, for keyword “bikeway.”