Wisconsin DOT looks to replace retired cycling leader

Cycling supporters hope to have some input on the Wisconsin Department of Transportation's plans to replace one of the country's bicycle leaders.

Kevin Hardman, executive director of the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin, said recent retiree Tom Huber left behind big shoes to fill.

"He's very diligent and intelligent and with great modesty has pushed forward bicycling in Wisconsin," Hardman said of the former bicycle and pedestrian coordinator for the DOT. Huber had been the coordinator since the position was created in 1992.

Hardman said the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin has asked that the DOT work with them and the bicycle community to appoint a new leader.

Wisconsin's support of bicycling shows. In 2011, the League of American Bicyclists acknowledged Wisconsin's attention to bicyclists, designating it as third in the nation for bike-friendly states.

The ranking is based on legislation, programs and policies, infrastructure, education and encouragement, evaluation and planning, and enforcement categories.

Hardman said Wisconsin has some of the best rural road networks in the country, and a high percentage of roads have paved shoulders, which predate the position of the bicycle and pedestrian coordinator. However, the crowning touch for Wisconsin bicyclists and pedestrians was the Complete Streets legislation passed in 2009.

The legislation, which requires the department to consider cyclist and pedestrian needs when planning for new construction or reconstruction, was one of the first passed in the country, Hardman said.

Huber, he added, should get a lot of credit for the law in Wisconsin.

The state DOT will fill the federally required position, although there's no timetable for a hiring date for the position yet, said Aileen Switzer of the department's Bureau of Planning and Economic Development.

Until the position is filled, Switzer said, several different departments will be handling Huber's duties, including her, people in product development and the State Patrol office.

The position's duties include providing feedback to other entities' plans for bicyclists and pedestrians, providing technical guidance and coordinating with the project development group, among other tasks.

"It's an important part of the transportation system," she said.

In addition, Huber had a presence on national research committees, Switzer said.

Dave Schlabowske, director of communications for the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin, praised Huber for the way he worked, saying that his positive, constructive attitude, helped others in the DOT see the importance of change.

Schlabowske said he isn't concerned about how the Department of Transportation will handle the duties of position until it's filled, saying that the state has competent and thoughtful regional bicycle and pedestrian coordinators.

"I think the current staffing at the regional level is very good," he said. Schlabowske worked closely with Huber as the Milwaukee's bicycle and pedestrian coordinator for the past six years.

Switzer agreed with Schlabowske, adding that a few of the regional coordinators have offered to help out while the state coordinator's position is empty.

Hardman also said that it's critical to fill Huber's position to preserve Wisconsin's bike friendliness.

In the past year, Wisconsin dropped from second to third place on the league's rankings. While it's not a major drop, it's still a concern to Hardman.

"We can't maintain what we've got if we don't have a strong leader in office," Hardman said.