Wisconsin Bike Fed

Wisconsin Bike Fed
Name	Wisconsin Bike Fed
Type	Nonprofit organization
Founded	1992
Headquarters	Madison, Wisconsin
Area served	Wisconsin
Focus	Bicycle advocacy, safety, transportation

Wisconsin Bike Fed The Wisconsin Bike Fed is a statewide nonprofit advocacy organization based in Madison, Wisconsin that promotes cycling, bicycle safety, and active transportation across Wisconsin communities. It works with municipal governments such as Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Eau Claire; partners with statewide entities like the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and regional coalitions; and engages with national organizations including League of American Bicyclists and PeopleForBikes. The organization connects local clubs such as Madison Bicycling Club and events like Bike to Work Day to broader policy and safety initiatives.

History

Founded in 1992 amid growing interest in non-motorized transportation and urban planning, the organization emerged alongside national movements including the rails-to-trails movement and advocacy by groups like Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. Early work intersected with campaigns around the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 and local Complete Streets planning in cities like Appleton and La Crosse. Over decades the organization expanded programs during periods of federal investment such as the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century and coordinated responses to state-level legislation in the Wisconsin State Legislature. Collaborations with universities including the University of Wisconsin–Madison informed research and outreach.

Mission and Programs

The organization's mission centers on promoting bicycling for transportation, recreation, and health. Core programs address infrastructure projects funded through mechanisms like the Transportation Alternatives Program and involve technical assistance for municipalities including Milwaukee County and Dane County. Programs include bicycle-friendly community design modeled on criteria from the League of American Bicyclists, promotion campaigns tied to National Bike Month, and partnerships with public health entities such as Wisconsin Department of Health Services and academic partners like University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.

Advocacy and Policy

Advocacy focuses on state and local policy, engaging with the Wisconsin State Legislature, county boards, and city councils in places like Kenosha and Sheboygan. Policy work covers Complete Streets ordinances, bike lane standards referencing the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, and funding streams like the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program. The organization has lobbied on issues intersecting with federal agencies including the Federal Highway Administration and has provided testimony to legislative committees and collaborated with coalitions such as Transportation for America.

Education and Safety Initiatives

Education initiatives include helmet safety campaigns aligned with standards from the American Academy of Pediatrics and training programs modeled on curricula like Bikeability and Safe Routes to School. The organization partners with school districts in cities such as West Allis and Sun Prairie and nonprofits like Safe Kids Worldwide to deliver bike rodeos and educator workshops. Safety advocacy references research from institutions including Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to shape messaging and programming.

Events and Community Engagement

Community engagement features statewide events, ride series, and partnerships with festivals and municipalities. The organization supports community rides in locales such as Madison Commonweal Theatre area routes, collaborates with destination events like Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference town celebrations, and coordinates volunteer-led initiatives similar to those run by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. Outreach includes advocacy days at the Wisconsin State Capitol and participation in regional conferences like those organized by Active Transportation Alliance and American Public Transportation Association.

Organizational Structure and Funding

Structured as a nonprofit board-governed organization, its governance reflects models used by groups including Sierra Club and National Audubon Society. Funding sources include membership dues, grants from foundations such as the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, project contracts with agencies like the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, and corporate sponsorships comparable to those from cycling industry partners like Trek Bicycle Corporation and Specialized Bicycle Components. The organization employs staff with expertise in planning, policy, and education and utilizes volunteers drawn from local cycling clubs including Madison Bicycling Club.

Impact and Recognition

The organization has been recognized in statewide planning efforts and cited by media outlets such as the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and Wisconsin State Journal for influencing bicycle infrastructure investments in places like Milwaukee and Madison. It has contributed to communities earning designations from the League of American Bicyclists and has been involved in projects funded through federal programs administered by the Federal Highway Administration. Partnerships with academic researchers at University of Wisconsin–Madison and public health entities have linked its programs to outcomes in active transportation and injury prevention.

Category:Cycling organizations in the United States Category:Non-profit organizations based in Wisconsin