/r/BikingMad

Photograph via snooOG

This subreddit is for the Madison area's cycling community. Madison, Wisconsin primarily, but we accept wayward visitors from Madison, Alabama's cycling community too. We encourage questions, discussion, and input from cyclists of all ages and abilities.


A COMMUNITY OF BICYCLISTS

Local Bike Shops


Bicycling Resources

Rules for road riding in Wisconsin. Read 'em.

  • Bike Madison

  • The City of Madison's Bicycle Information Page


    Other Local Subreddits

    /r/madisonwi, /r/wisconsin, /r/paddlewisconsin


    GET INVOLVED

    Advocacy Organizations

    Madison Committees

    • City Council - City Council meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month. The council gives the last stamp of approval for city spending projects, including streets projects and new bikeway construction. Council approved items then go to the Mayor for approval. In the event of a Mayoral veto, the council can override the veto with a 2/3's margin.

    • Transportation Policy and Planning Board - Usually meets the 1st Monday of each month. This committee examines policy around local transportation and transportation planning for the City of Madison.

    • Transportation Commission - Usually meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of every month. This committee is the first to approve specific roadway/bikeway geometrics, which then heads to the Board of Public Works, and finally to Common Council for final approval.

    • Board of Public Works - This board meets the 1st Wednesday of each month, and is generally the lead on street reconstruction projects, and has some say over how streets are reconstructed, including whether or not quality bike infrastructure is included (or more frequently not) with street reconstruction projects.

    Dane County Committees

    • County Board - The County Board has final approval over all county spending projects, including bike trails, acquisition of parkland, shoulders on county highways, and other such things.

    • Park Commission - This committee oversees County Parks projects, which include many of the Dane County maintained bike trails including both the Upper and Lower Yahara River Trails, the Capital City State Trail, and others.

    • Public Works and Transportation Committee - This committee mainly oversees public works projects for Dane County, but they also see such items of interest as jurisdictional transfers (e.g. the disputes between Dane County and Madison over maintenance of Cottage Grove Rd. and Buckeye Rd.) and road reconstruction projects.


    Is anything missing? Is anything out of date? Please message the moderator and the sidebar will be updated!

    /r/BikingMad

    1,502 Subscribers

    4

    RAGBRAI Groups Based in Madison?

    Are there any RAGBRAI groups based in Madison?

    6 Comments
    2024/05/07
    04:15 UTC

    3

    Snowkraft MTB trails in Door County

    I’m visiting door county in May, and I’m looking to ride some single track. I saw on Trailforks that there are some trails near Sturgeon Bay called Snowkraft. Google says they are permanently closed but they have recent photos on instagram

    Anyone know if these trails are accessible, and how to access them?

    1 Comment
    2024/04/27
    16:29 UTC

    12

    Is anyone else getting yelled at on the southwest commuter path?

    I don't go very vast (never over 15 mph when it is crowded). Today was the worst: I rang my bell before passing this guy on the left. As I am passing him he swerved right towards me (honestly it seemed intentional), but didn't make contact. I yelled woah and continued passing him. He caught up to me at the light on charter and just started arguing with me. When I pointed out that it probably wasn't safe to ride with earbuds since he couldn't hear my bell he just went off and swore at meI know I probably shouldn't have responded or engaged at all. He then took off before the light changed to green and wouldn't let me pass (I didn't try very hard, I was just trying to avoid him at this point).

    In a prior incident I was passing a woman on an e-bike and something similar happened, but wasn't that close. She said I needed to call out, I told her I did, and she proceeded to lecture me from Monroe street to the belt-line overpass.

    The fact this has happened to me the past 2 times I used the bike path makes me think maybe it is me? Is 15 too fast? Maybe my bell isn't loud enough? Maybe I just have a face that ticks people off? Both of them appeared to be in the boomer age range.

    6 Comments
    2024/04/25
    01:05 UTC

    25

    "Bicyclist killed in crash on Madison’s east side"

    Devastating news. Stay safe, everyone! Please always wear a helmet, assume every driver is an idiot who doesn't see you, and avoid the fast 30+ MPH roads with unprotected bike lanes as much as possible. My heart goes out to any of this bicyclist's loved ones

    https://www.wmtv15news.com/2024/03/16/bicyclist-killed-crash-madisons-east-side/?outputType=amp

    7 Comments
    2024/03/19
    19:59 UTC

    8

    Route idea: Darlington to Madison and back

    This warm weather has me thinking of biking and summer plans, and I figured this sub might appreciate a route idea a friend and I have tried out and plan to try out again.

    A few years ago, we noticed that Military Ridge, Badger State, and Cheese Country trails form an almost perfect 130 mile loop through the Driftless Area out of Madison, and decided to try bike-packing for the first time. We decided to take it very easy and spread it out over 3 days - starting out of Darlington, we headed north and camped at Blue Mounds, then the next night made to Madison and down to New Glarus Woods for another night. A rain storm unfortunately had us call it quits early!

    We both live in Madison now - which makes a different idea more practical. Still heading out of Darlington, one could do half the loop one day, sleep at home, and return to the car the next day even at a pretty leisurely pace. I'm hopeful it will make for a fun weekend trip.

    Only a few caveats - the Cheese Country Trail was a bit rough for us the first trip, as it's also used by ATVs and can be a little rugged in spots; the tunnel on Badger State of course is still closed; and the stretch from Mineral Point and Dodgeville is on the road and I think on the highway for a bit. Other than that, it's smooth sailing and beautiful views of the countryside. Some of you who are more in shape and dedicated than we are could probably do it in a day!

    3 Comments
    2024/02/27
    16:41 UTC

    10

    In memory of Norman Moore

    Norm organized and led many group rides in the Madison area and also multi-day events in Wisconsin and Minnesota. He also worked at several Madison area bike shops, most recently Motorless Motion.

    He recently passed away and I wanted to share his obit here: https://www.gundersonfh.com/obituaries/Norman-Paul-Moore?obId=30659025

    Services are on Monday and the details are in the link above.

    3 Comments
    2024/02/09
    15:15 UTC

    1

    What size bike is the trek 7000?

    I’m about to buy a trek 7000 bike and wanted to double check what size the wheels were. I’m a little new to biking and don’t really know where to find this sort of thing. I’ve looked a few places but haven’t found a definitive answer, but I think it’s a 29. Does anyone know for sure?

    1 Comment
    2024/01/31
    22:44 UTC

    7

    Best route to Chicago and stops along the way?

    Hey all, I'm curious if anyone has taken a ride from Madison to Chicago or the suburbs and what routes you found to be relatively safe and comfortable. I'm looking into taking this ride this summer, likely with one stop about midway for an overnight. Right now I'm zeroing in on the Glacial drumlin to MKE (Any hotels that would be friendly to storing my bike there?) and then a mix of trails and roads down to the city. I'm curious if there are any different routes that might go down around Rockford with any stops or your experience if you've done something similar. Cheers!

    11 Comments
    2024/01/28
    20:57 UTC

    10

    Bike Ride Groups Similar to Monday40

    Why did the Monday 40 bike ride group end? I liked going to it and it seemed like it didn’t need a leader to keep it going since it had critical mass and was simple. Is anyone going to start a new group like that or keep it going?

    What other bike groups would be most similar to that group? I liked the distance, pace, and casualness. I was going to check out Bombay and the week night group at Slow Roll when it warms up.

    12 Comments
    2024/01/04
    01:46 UTC

    1

    Here you can post about all sorts of trails anywhere

    Feel free to post anything to do with biking or trails

    2 Comments
    2023/10/08
    20:05 UTC

    7

    road biking routes (gpx would be nice) 40-80 miles (in/around Madison) or to get to Milwaukee

    Hello,
    any suggestions routes (gpx) for road biking (paved road) from Madison for someone who likes endurance (like 30-60 mile rides)?

    2 requests in particular:

    1)Ideal destination with good view, restaurant, something nature-wise and a loopt that gets you back to the city?
    2)one-way trip to Milwaukee (I know there is one using an unpaved trail but I dont trust that with my race/road bike tires).

    Thanks!!!

    7 Comments
    2023/06/27
    12:24 UTC

    20

    Is there a group ride list for Madison?

    I'd love a more central spot to find rides. If it doesnt exist, I volunteer as tribute to get it going!

    12 Comments
    2023/05/02
    03:31 UTC

    15

    Suspect arrested and confessed to stringing the wire across the path

    1 Comment
    2023/04/06
    03:28 UTC

    8

    Madison Bike Center is having a closing sale

    0 Comments
    2023/03/30
    13:39 UTC

    5

    Best bike fit for bikepacking bike ?

    hey all, anxious to begin the bikepacking season and want to get off to the best start. looking for recommendations for a professional bike fit in Madison for my bikepacking bike. thanks!

    0 Comments
    2023/03/23
    16:25 UTC

    11

    If I roll into town on a visit, where can I shower?

    Free or paid, considering all safe options. Bike parking during the shower is an adjacent issue, especially considering saddlebags and belongings.

    8 Comments
    2023/01/14
    06:45 UTC

    0

    Please sign this petition!

    We need people to sign this petition to protect bike safety in Madison:

    https://chng.it/gjrxvvtF

    5 Comments
    2022/12/21
    18:19 UTC

    2

    Winter Biking Q&A/Community Forum recording

    1 Comment
    2022/11/29
    14:34 UTC

    5

    As seen in NYC-bike riding the Madison Marathon as soon as the streets are closed

    3 Comments
    2022/11/12
    03:02 UTC

    9

    "You cyclists don't follow the traffic laws" (x-post from r/montreal)

    3 Comments
    2022/10/27
    20:29 UTC

    8

    Overweight, out of shape, & want to bike

    Where to start?

    I just want to move my body and not be out of breath all the dang time.

    I bought a secondhand Trek bike over the summer, and it’s been sitting in my garage ever since. This weekend I plan to take it to REI, since I’m a member there, for a tune-up. I know it’s gonna be cold soon, but that’s when I thrive. There was absolutely no chance that I would try when it’s hot and sweaty out.

    Anyway, I guess I’m just looking for encouragement to just…do the thing. I’ve been “thinking about it” and “going to do it” for a while.

    Also if anyone has any tips re: padded shorts, comfy seats, etc., that would be much appreciated. Thank you!

    6 Comments
    2022/10/22
    03:50 UTC

    2

    Advice on how to change registration for Badger Challenge?

    Hello! I'm signed up to do the 50k for the Badger Challenge tomorrow, and I want to change to the 100k. A few people I met on a group ride earlier this week said it was possible to switch, but I can't figure out how to do it without basically registering again from scratch. Any advice? Thanks in advance!

    3 Comments
    2022/09/24
    21:15 UTC

    10

    Anybody recognize this belt drive Giant?

    1 Comment
    2022/09/13
    00:38 UTC

    2

    Messed up registration for Bike the Barns

    Is there a way to transfer a registration from another rider, or do a late registration? It's the ride I do with my friends each year to end the season, and I messed up the registration deadline.

    2 Comments
    2022/09/12
    21:28 UTC

    10

    MTB passing etiquette

    I'm a longtime roadie getting more into mountain biking. I rode at Camrock for this first time this weekend. There were quite a lot of people and I was curious what is passing etiquette on single/double track. Should a slower rider stop and allow a faster rider through? Or should the fast rider chill and pass the slower rider when there is an opportunity? How close is too close to a rider in front of you?

    Since I ride road I'm a reasonably strong rider but my MTB skills are trash, so I'm good on straights and climbs but slow on corners, roots, and rocks. As I learn I want to be sure I'm not being a jerk and I don't really know the etiquette yet.

    Thanks!

    7 Comments
    2022/09/06
    17:05 UTC

    17

    Bike riders on the Southwest Bike Path, be alert!

    1 Comment
    2022/08/29
    16:08 UTC

    4

    Madison Ironman

    Hi, I've never watched the ironman but was thinking of catching at least some of the bike parts. Any advice on where best to watch and park? or I could park within some miles and ride my bike to viewing locations too. thanks ahead of time.

    4 Comments
    2022/08/29
    01:59 UTC

    16

    Ghost bike dedication for Will Cummings, Wed (8/16), 5:30pm. Corner of Pflaum and Mustang.

    1 Comment
    2022/08/16
    20:57 UTC

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