Bicycle Links

On this page you will find links to information on all things bicycle related.

General:
The Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin This is the homepage for the statewide bicycle advocacy group

Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation Bike Info Here you can find information about state bike facilities, state statutes that relate to bicycling, the state bike plan 2020 and downloadable bike maps for the entire state by county.

League of American Bicyclists Link to the national advocacy group.

All photos on this page by Richard Beauchamp

Bike commuting:

BikeWinter A website dedicated to the joys of cycling through slush.  This has a calendar of fun winter cycling events (like the Santa Cycle Rampage) for Milwaukee, Madison and Chicago.

Milwaukee Bike to Work website The local pages for the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin has lots of up-to-date information about bike to work week events and ongoing issues.

Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin Commuter Guide This is the state advocacy groups pages on bicycle commuting and is filled lots of information specific to our state.

Icebiker home page What to do when it gets cold outside. This site includes everything from reviews of studded tires for bicycles to what to do about cold toes.

Commuter Guides For Employers:
Commuter Connections: a regional network of transportation organizations coordinated by the
Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. Designed to provide
D.C. area employers with information on commuter options, to encourage
their employees to make smart choices about how to travel to work.
Commuter Connections also helps employers establish commuting benefits
and assistance programs.

Baltimore Employers Guide: A detailed PDF file that includes suggested company intranet
promotional email, registration forms, flyers and may other helpful
tools to start a bike commuter program.

Self-Propelled City: A nice website with tons of information for employers about
benefits and encouragement strategies for bike commuting programs.

One Pager: Maine's simple one page employer commuting guide hits all the main topics succinctly.

Madison Employer Guide: Another large PDF filled with ready to use resources for employers.

 

Paved Trails:
Name a trail and he's ridden it, mapped it and photographed it.  Craig Holl has a very comprehensive website of area trails.

Another comprehensive site is Wisconsin Bike Routes with many interesting routes mapped and a number of nice older maps and guides.

Oak Leaf Trail: 106 miles of linked off-street trails, parkway drives and municipal streets link 16 communitees and many parks.

Ozaukee Interurban Trail: Just north of Milwaukee, this recently paved picturesque 30 mile trail features a covered bridge and is being improved on a regular basis.

Beerline Trail: Not all paved yet, this trail is ridable most of the distance and parallels Milwaukee's new condo developments and the river.

Hank Aaron State Trail Find out information about what promises to be one of Milwaukee's most important off-street bike paths, many sections of which are complete.


Mountain biking:
There is currently only one legal public trail designated for mountain biking in Milwaukee County.  It is the Alpha Trail trail in Franklin.  It connects to the mountain bike trails at Crystal Ridge Ski Hill along the Root River to make a very challenging and fun series of looped trails with some serious elevation changes.  Check with Metro Mountain Bikers below for info about the summer Wednesday night time trial series at Crystal Ridge.

Milwaukee Metro Mountain Bikers Milwaukee Chapter of Wisconsin Off-Road Bicycle Association (WORBA), working to open more and better trails for all to use. Organizers of Metro 12 Hour Challenge (WEMS Race), Metro Time Trial Series & classes for kids as well as numerous trail days and social rides. Monthly meetings on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at Benno`s, 74th and Greenfield Ave. in West Allis at 8 PM .

Southern Kettle Moraine: Two connected trail systems in the beautiful rolling hills of the state forest offer everything from day-long epic rides to short beginner loops.  Call the LaGrange General Store (a great place for lunch and bike supplies) for conditions.

Information about various Milwaukee area mountain bike clubs can be found at Clubmtb.com.

Dirt Women Mt. Bike Group The `Dirt Women` is a group of beginner to intermediate riders. Anyone can join. This group schedules off road rides, road rides, and social rides.

Area Racing:

Milwaukee BMX racing:  An ABA track built by local racers at Crystal Ridge Ski Hill in Franklin, WI.  Milwaukee BMX is a registerred non-profit.

Wisconsin Cycling Association: Road, 'Cross, etc.

American Bicycle Racing: Wisconsin and northern Illinois road, time trial, indoor time trial, etc.

Washington Park Velodrome: Track racing at it's finest in Kenosha

Milwaukee Road Cycling Clubs: These bike clubs offer rides for all abilities as well as off-season social gatherings. Check out the Cream City Cycle Club, Bay View Bicycle Club and the Spring City Spinners websites for ride schedules and calendars of meetings.

Other links:
University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Bicycling Interest Group The UWM Biking Interest Group was created to promote biking as a commuter option for UWM faculty and staff, and to advocate for campus policies and facilities that support bike commuters.

International Federation of Bike Messengers Info for those who ride for work instead of to work.

Sheldon Brown's links page Oh my, this has got to be one of the most complete list of links going.