/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

    1,621 Subscribers

    12

    Dane County Airport Bike Parking

    Has anyone parked their bike at the airport for any length of time before? I know an employee at the airport that bikes there, but I don't know where the bike rack is or how safe it would be to lock a ~$700 bike there for a week or so. I could use my nice chain lock and u-lock and probably my crappy cable lock too.

    8 Comments
    2024/10/29
    15:21 UTC

    5

    Any good / reasonably safe way(s) to get from Middleton to the Cap City Trail

    Hello:

    I'm looking for (relatively) good / safe way(s) to bike from Middleton (University + Parmenter Street area) to pick up the Cap City Trail. Any suggestions? Thanks.

    8 Comments
    2024/10/25
    13:14 UTC

    6

    A 200k mixed surface route out of Madison, on a beautiful fall day

    0 Comments
    2024/10/21
    23:38 UTC

    4

    1 day route for a visitor

    Visiting Madison in about a week and planning to ride about ~50mi. Looking for a good route that's scenic and shows off the best of the area, and was considering a combination of these loops:

    https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48206345

    https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48152749

    https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39304897

    Any other suggestions/advice would be greatly appreciated

    Thanks!

    10 Comments
    2024/10/17
    19:24 UTC

    13

    Segoe cycle track and Sheboygan buffered bike lanes video

    7 Comments
    2024/10/08
    12:41 UTC

    4

    Anyone have a Surly Ogre?

    Considering buying a Surly Ogre for in town pickup truck duty and commuting year round. Anyone here in Madison own a M or L size they’d be open to showing off a bit? Would love to try out for general sizing before I buy through a local shop but none carry it in stock!

    3 Comments
    2024/10/02
    17:53 UTC

    22

    West Waubesa Trail now open (video)

    0 Comments
    2024/09/23
    12:51 UTC

    14

    Video of the Olin Park detour

    1 Comment
    2024/09/11
    12:02 UTC

    6

    Planning a road in the park where a bike corridor plan already exists. Sign the petition, tell them no!

    Bikes, soccer, and community gardens are a much safer and more desirable amenity in Sycamore Park. Ask the Common Council to remove the Nakoosa Trail Extension from the Northeast Area Plan.

    Additionally, email allalders@cityofmadison.com to provide more feedback.

    Come ride the new trail at Sycamore Park...it is very fun.

    Let 'em know you say 'no thank you' to cars in the park by signing this petition.

    https://www.change.org/p/urge-the-common-council-to-amend-the-northeast-area-plan-in-madison

    6 Comments
    2024/08/31
    04:34 UTC

    3

    Biking outside Of the 608 that's similar

    I feel that I've conquered most of the bike paths around the area this summer. I'm looking for something similar to cap city trail/lake loop and bike paths outside of the Madison area. Does anyone have any recommendations for other places to go and ride. Can be far away or nearby distance wise.

    8 Comments
    2024/08/15
    17:20 UTC

    6

    Selling my door county century registration

    Sorry if this isnt the best place for this (hapy to hear where else I could go with this) but I injured myself and cannot ride the door county century and am trying to find someone to sell my ticket to :(.

    6 Comments
    2024/07/23
    18:07 UTC

    12

    I did an overnight trip to Beaver Dam in late April. Video from the (very windy) adventure

    0 Comments
    2024/07/01
    12:17 UTC

    4

    Lost tail light between Segoe and Lacy Rd (along SW commuter path)

    Hi all!

    I imagine this is quite the shot in the dark, but I lost my planet bike usb tail light (super flash model) on a ride out past Lacy on the SW commuter path just an hour or so ago. My route ran from S. Hill Dr. And Segoe (last time I recall having it) and Lacy along the commuter path (when I realized I didn’t have it anymore).

    I took the same route home and couldn’t find it… Would gladly buy someone a drink if they happen to find it and want to give it back lol.

    All the best and safe riding to you all!

    0 Comments
    2024/06/29
    20:29 UTC

    6

    Bike shop that services IGHs?

    Hello. Are there any bike shops in the area, preferably on the west side, that service internal gear hubs? I'm looking for a place that will re-lubricate my Shimano Nexus 7 speed. Thanks in advance.

    3 Comments
    2024/06/27
    00:47 UTC

    7

    Any regularly scheduled / recurring rides locally for sloooow riders?

    I enjoy cycling...but I'm simply not at the level of fitness to sustain a 15+ mph pace... honestly I'm more around 10 or so. Do I have any options for local rides? or am I out of luck?

    4 Comments
    2024/05/24
    00:49 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

    14

    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.

    7 Comments
    2024/04/25
    01:05 UTC

    24

    "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

    7

    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?

    2 Comments
    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

    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

    5

    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

    22

    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

    16

    Suspect arrested and confessed to stringing the wire across the path

    1 Comment
    2023/04/06
    03:28 UTC

    7

    Madison Bike Center is having a closing sale

    0 Comments
    2023/03/30
    13:39 UTC

    6

    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

    13

    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

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