Trail Additions and Updates

Lots of projects are underway to help you leave the stress over gasoline prices to others. Some of the projects we have the lowdown on are:

• The stretch from the new Boyd Bridge over the Eau Claire River, west to Hastings Way should be completed by the middle of June.
• The section from the "S" bridge to Dewey Street is planned for late summer completion. 
• The section under the Farwell Street by the new Chamber building should be completed by the end of the May.  And, the connection between Farwell Street and Barstow Street will be constructed during the summer and hopefully completed by early fall. 
• Two other sections of off-road separated trails will be built by late fall. 
• A section of trail will extend from the Hastings Way overpass, east to the new Birch Street/Galloway intersection and then into Altoona.
• Lastly, a trail running along the south side of Truax Boulevard from Hwy. 12 (Clairemont Avenue) to 14th Street will be built.

No use delaying any longer… Get out and walk/ride!

BPAC Update

The City has a proposed description of the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee  (BPAC) as it would look and operate in Eau Claire. A committee of 10 people would include representatives from the bicycling, walking, schools, seniors, and disabled communities. Other interested persons would bring the group to 10 members. Some of the key things the group will work on are: development of a pedestrian/sidewalk master plan and advising City Council about citizen concerns regarding bicycle and pedestrian transportation matters.The City is looking for comments on this proposal so if you’d like to comment on the full document, e-mail bhndrsn@charter.net and put “BPAC Proposal” in the subject line. We will send you the goods. Information about joining the BPAC will be available at City Hall. The first meeting may occur as early as July.

New path under the CVTC Ped Bridge

Students attending the Chippewa Valley Technical College – Clairemont Campus have worn a path walking from their parking spots to class. In response to your obvious desire to travel this way, the City is planning to build a paved path on the South side of Clairemont Ave from Stein Blvd. to University Ave. Of course the real benefit is that you don’t have to be a student at CVTC to use this nifty new path. Construction plans call for placing a tunnel under the south end of the pedestrian bridge and paving a 10 foot blacktop trail. The Eau Claire City Council approved the project and construction should be completed before classes begin in the fall.The preliminary design of the sidewalk/trail system is shown on the south side of Hwy. 12.   An underpass would be installed with a plaza on top with a ADA ramp from the sidewalk back up to the plaza approach to the bridge.

CORBA Off-Road Biking News

The Chippewa Off-Road Bike Association has been busy.  They now have 21 paid members (including three businesses) and have submitted two grant proposals to purchase trail building tools. CORBA is working with the Friends of the Hickory Ridge Trail to build single-track mountain bike trails in Chippewa County on the Hickory Ridge Ski trail system. There is about one mile of trail completed so far.  Work also continues at Lowes Creek County Park, with the addition of four new trail sections.  June 3rd is National Trails Day and CORBA will be working with Eau Claire County Parks and Forest Department on hosting a trail workday event that day.  Please check their website www.worba.org/corba for further information. The next trail workday at Lowes Creek will be May 13th at 9 a.m, Everyone is welcome!

Bike To Work (and School) Week

We are looking forward to using Bike to Work Week to promote bicycling as an alternative and preferred method for commuting around town.  The week (May 15 – May 19) will be promoted using local media outlets. May 16th will be designated “Bike to Work Day.” Eau Claire is working in conjunction with the City of Altoona to promote a Bike to Work Day.  Altoona Parks & Recreation has been working hard to put together some events during the morning. Eau Claire will once again focus on a noon-time event. Keep your eyes and ears open for more information on celebrating Bike to Work Week!“Bike to School Day” will occur on Thursday, May 18th. Many opportunities exist to help kids be better riders. Bike rodeos were planned for many Eau Claire Schools in May, including one coming up at Putnam Heights May 17. (Rodeos were already held at Locust Lane on May 5 and at Longfellow, May 8.) If your child does not attend one of these schools they can come to the Doll and Pet Parade on Water Street May 13.

Break your Bike for Easy Travel

Some of our readers will go to any length to be able to take their bike with them on vacation. Motivated by a desire to visit far-off lands with few roads and many destinations obtainable only by bike, Steve Thon (who really paid attention in shop class) has devised a way to “break” down a mountain bike to fit into a piece of luggage that needs no special attention when boarding the plane. Utilizing a case designed for a bass drum and electrical conduit, Steve willfully applied a hacksaw to the steel frame of his mountain bike. Thon, of Chippewa Falls, described his motivation; “Renting a reliable bike can be difficult in remote areas, plus, where I travel, bikes with ‘little’ wheels (collapsible) are of little use to me.”  Airline restrictions can lead to charges of  more than $100 to transport a bicycle. By using a case designed for a 25-inch drum, Steve and his companion were able to check their bikes without any additional cost – though the contents did raise some eyebrows at the security checkpoint.

If you think you would like to replicate Steve’s effort, he’s more than willing to offer his advice. Besides a willingness to tinker, you will need a steel framed bike ($75) the drum case (another $75), some conduit ($10), clamps ($5) and some other odds and ends for assembly. Letting the air out of the tires makes for a snug fit in the case and you need to plan 45 minutes for re-assembly once you reach your destination. But having your own bike at your disposal (free of rental costs) may well be worth it. As Thon observed, “Having our bikes in Vieques made us feel more like part of the community.” Thon can be reached at thonsf@yahoo.com with questions about building your own “break bike.”

Porterville... What, you missed it?

About 5 miles southwest of Eau Claire on the Chippewa Trail there's a historic marker for Porterville, a once-thriving lumber town of 1,200 inhabitants. The town's three mills closed in 1907, when all the trees were cut down. Since the one-industry community no longer had a purpose, the townfolks dismantled their homes for the lumber and moved their churches to other communities. Today, the only trace that the town ever existed is the marker along the bike trail; Porterville Road, which the trail crosses a short distance from the marker; and a long, thin island down the center of the river, created as debris collected in a row of pilings that were used to help direct logs into the mills.

Bicyclists will pedal from Madison to Illinois on new trail
By Lee Berquist lberquist@journalsentinel.com
Feb. 23, 2006

Madison - The Department of Natural Resources has moved forward with plans for a 40-mile bike trail that will run from Madison's south side to the Illinois line. State officials said Wednesday that the Badger State Trail is one of the most important trail projects in the past decade, in part because it will link one of the fastest growing regions of the state to rural areas. (more)

Even though Milwaukee doesn't have bike racks on its buses, or a cycling path on the Hoan Bridge, the League of American Cyclists considers the place a bicycle-friendly community. The bronze award issued earlier this week is the city's first from the national cycling organization. It suggests that Milwaukee is friendly, not loving, toward cyclists. Certainly, the relationship is growing. (more)

Madison walks its way onto another "best of" list
By Samara Kalk Derby (Capital Times)
March 9, 2006

For most in the bike-ped community, it's like winning a Golden Globe and then getting nominated for an Oscar. First, Madison was named the top cycling city of its size in the March issue of Bicycling magazine. Now, it's being rated the third-best walking city - behind only Portland, Ore. and Colorado Springs, Colo. (more)

After-Dark Bicycle Rallies
By Johanna Jainchill
April 14, 2006 – appeared in the New York Times

CONVENTIONAL wisdom says that when the sun goes down it is time to leave the local park. But riders at the Central Park Moonlight Rides in New York are far from conventional. At 10 p.m. on the first Friday of every month, they pass up urban night life to enjoy the tranquillity of an automobile-free park and a perspective on nature accessible at night. (more)

Bicyclist & Pedestrian Times is published in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, bi-monthly or as there is news.
Submission Guidelines: We would love to hear from you. Send us your suggestions, opinions, news, features, artwork and photographic submissions. Please submit by e-mail and include your name, phone number and address.
E-mail to: bhndrsn@charter.net
Phone: (715) 831-9912
Executive Editor:  Brad Henderson
Copy Editor:  Kathy Tank
Photographers: Kathy Tank, David Tank
Webmaster: David Tank
Circulation/Subscription Manager:  Jeremy Gragert jgragert@gmail.com
Contributors: Todd Heinz, Turner Howard, Laura Plummer, Drew Brandenburg, Eric Johnson, David Tank

Bicyclists will pedal from Madison to Illinois on new trail

By LEE BERGQUIST
lbergquist@journalsentinel.com
Feb. 23, 2006

Madison - The Department of Natural Resources has moved forward with plans for a 40-mile bike trail that will run from Madison's south side to the Illinois line.

State officials said Wednesday that the Badger State Trail is one of the most important trail projects in the past decade, in part because it will link one of the fastest growing regions of the state to rural areas.

The trail is expected to draw up to 175,000 users annually. It will run south through Belleville, then east of New Glarus and past Monroe to the Illinois border and the Jane Addams Trail. The new trail will also link to the Cheese Country Trail, which heads west of Monroe.

For Madison-area cyclists, state recreation planners envision that the new trail will be used by commuters going from Fitchburg and other southern suburbs into bike-friendly Madison.

The March issue of Bicycling magazine ranked Madison the best cycling city in the 200,000 to 500,000 population range, outpacing Tucson, Albuquerque, Minneapolis and Anchorage.

The magazine credited Madison for its pro-biking culture and more than 30 years of building bike paths.
The Badger State Trail follows the corridor of the former Illinois Central Gulf Railroad, which operated passenger trains on the line until the 1960s and hauled freight until 1976.

Thus far, state officials have spent $600,000 on bridge repairs and brush removal. All told, $4.7 million will be spent on the project, including possible federal transportation dollars.

The six miles of trails closest to Madison will be paved, and the remaining 34 miles will be covered with crushed limestone.
The master plan for the trail was approved by the Natural Resources Board at its monthly meeting.

The DNR believes the project will be completed in 2007, said Peter Biermeier, section chief of external relations and planning.
Snowmobile use will be permitted on most of the southern section of the trail when snow exceeds 6 inches. ATVs will be allowed for 11 miles between Monroe and Monticello in Green County in winter when the trail is frozen and covered with less than 6 inches of snow.

"The big news out of this is ATVs," Biermeier said. Because of controversy over the noise of the vehicles, ATVs will be allowed on a three-year trial basis.

The Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin opposes any motorized use of the trail, saying ATVs are incompatible with quiet sports such as cycling, hiking and inline skating.

Another potential controversy is the possible construction of an electric transmission line along the trail.

Local opposition has already formed over a possible line by American Transmission Co. that would follow the trail corridor in Dane County. But Mark Williamson, vice president of major projects for ATC, said it was premature to say whether the company will select the trail as a possible power line route.

By Tom Held (Milwaukee Journal)
April 26, 2006

Even though Milwaukee doesn't have bike racks on its buses, or a cycling path on the Hoan Bridge, the League of American Cyclists considers the place a bicycle-friendly community.

The bronze award issued earlier this week is the city's first from the national cycling organization. It suggests that Milwaukee is friendly, not loving, toward cyclists. Certainly, the relationship is growing.

"We just felt that Milwaukee has made a good effort," said Elizabeth Preston, spokeswoman for the league.

Those who judged the city's affections for cyclists noted signs of commitment in the marsupial bridge under the Holton St. viaduct, new miles of painted bike lanes and Mayor Tom Barrett's participation in Bike to Work Week.

And Milwaukee has a great role model to follow: Madison. The league saw enough love for cyclist's in the state capital to award Madison gold status.

On the isthmus, cyclists are treated to way-finding signs on the paths, a stellar safe-routes-to-schools program and great enforcement of cycling laws, Preston explained.

The bicycle-friendly designations are issued in May and October, and last for two years.

Madison walks its way onto another "best of" list
By Samara Kalk Derby (Capital Times)
March 9, 2006

For most in the bike-ped community, it's like winning a Golden Globe and then getting nominated for an Oscar.

First, Madison was named the top cycling city of its size in the March issue of Bicycling magazine. Now, it's being rated the third-best walking city - behind only Portland, Ore. and Colorado Springs, Colo.

The American Podiatric Medical Association and Prevention magazine announced the best walking cities in the U.S. for 2006. The list was published in the April issue of Prevention.

Factors included the percentage of active walkers, the total amount of parkland, the number of adults who play golf, the percentage of people who own dogs and the number of residents who walk to work.

The ranking is a great indicator of health, said Ald. Robbie Webber, a bike and pedestrian advocate who sits on the city's pedestrian/bicycle/motor vehicle commission.

Madison has built a community that makes it easy to walk and bike, she said. People can walk to rent a video and easily get to school or work by foot or bike, she said. "That's good - good for everybody's health."

Walking also helps build community and strengthens local businesses, Webber added. "When people walk they get to know their neighbors, get to know their community. It's easier to stop and talk to people when you are walking."

Madison's most visible pedestrian, Marco Kunin, wondered if the ranking was an honor or dishonor. Kunin, 50, had just returned to his Bassett Street residence late Wednesday after walking to and from South Towne to see a film. His return trip was perilous since it was raining hard and Industrial Drive was flooded, forcing him to wade in shin-high water.

"I'm terrified every day," said Kunin, who received his driver's license at age 16 but has never used a car. Cars are not only hostile to pedestrians, but they are ruining the environment, he noted. "I have to get in the mind of every driver who is in killing distance of me. You can't trust them," said Kunin, a cinema and rock club fixture who is better known as Marco Pogo. "Pedestrians have to look both ways. I want drivers to look both ways."

After-Dark Bicycle Rallies
By Johanna Jainchill
April 14, 2006 – appeared in the New York Times

CONVENTIONAL wisdom says that when the sun goes down it is time to leave the local park. But riders at the Central Park Moonlight Rides in New York are far from conventional. At 10 p.m. on the first Friday of every month, they pass up urban night life to enjoy the tranquillity of an automobile-free park and a perspective on nature accessible at night. (more)

"There are no beeping horns, no traffic — it's just quiet," said Bill DiPaloa, a ride organizer. "You probably wouldn't go alone, but you are with these people, and then you end up at this beautiful, serene place."

This is one of a handful of nighttime bike rides around the country that take place when cars — the biker's nemeses — are most easily avoided. Some rides are illuminated by moonlight, some only with the cyclists' headlights and others by the lamps of otherwise abandoned city streets.

Mr. DiPaloa is a founder of the 20-year-old environmental group Time's Up, which started the ride to offer people an antidote to less wholesome nighttime activities — drinking and spending money at bars and clubs — and to promote contact with nature.

The group organizes night rides in parks and over bridges. The riders stop at times — for example, for turtle sightings against the backdrop of city lights. The rides are short and moderately paced. (They also lack the confrontational nature of night rides organized by Critical Mass, a group that deliberately challenges the hegemony of the automobile.)

Across the country, in Los Angeles, a city as storied for its traffic as for its tinsel, bicycles take over the boulevards one night a month. The Midnight Ridazz was started by a woman who found night cycling exhilarating and invited others along. Now as many as 800 show up on the second Friday of each month for themed rides through the streets of Los Angeles. Prom Night brings out tuxedo-clad cyclists; the Dead Celebrities tour takes riders to sites of the deaths of famous people including Biggie Smalls and Janis Joplin. The Strip Club ride's focus is obvious.

Each ride's theme is announced several days in advance by e-mail (a popular way to get on the list is through Yahoo Groups) and flyers, but the actual route is kept secret until the beginning of the ride; the cyclists always meet at Echo Park and Sunset Boulevard at 9:30 p.m. "L.A. was hungry for something like this," said Marisa Bell, one of the founders. "The streets are empty, and the world is our oyster."

Other midnight rides are organized as annual events. In Boston, the Back Bay Midnight Pedalers will hold its 18th Boston by Bike at Night in August. The ride starts at midnight downtown, watches the sun rise and ends at Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park. The tour hits the city's many historic sites when the hour and darkness offer riders freedom on otherwise crowded and narrow city streets.

On Antelope Island, the largest island in the Great Salt Lake, a 22-mile ride is held around the time of the full moon in July. Riders share moonlit white beaches with its rich wildlife, including bison and antelope. A seven-mile causeway connects the island and the shore.

And for those who want to do good for their bodies and their communities at the same time, night rides in Lenexa, Kan., and Woodlands, Tex., raise money for local charities. Lenexa's Midnight Bike Ride will mark its 11th year in July, when nearly 1,000 riders are expected to ride 9.5 or 12.5 miles through Old Lenexa and nearby for the Optimist Club, a charity for children. In Woodlands, the Midnight Bike Cruise in August raises money for the Montgomery County Food Bank. This will be its eighth year; it has previously attracted more than 1,000 riders for 10- and 20-mile routes.

"The difference is, you have a totally different perspective on the things you are riding past," said Jan Huff Soper of Lenexa, a ride organizer. "It's a peaceful kind of ride."

NEW YORK Meet at the southwest corner (Columbus Circle) of Central Park.
What: Central Park Moonlight Ride, 212-802-8222.
When: 10 p.m. on the first Friday of every month.

LOS ANGELES Meet at Echo Park and Sunset Boulevard.
What: Midnight Ridazz Bike Ride.
When: 9:30 p.m., second Friday of every month; (ride at 10 p.m.)

BOSTON: Meet in front of Trinity Church in Copley Square, Back Bay.
What: Midnight Pedalers Boston by Bike at Night, 617-522-0259.
When: 11:30 p.m. Aug. 19.

LENEXA, KAN.
What: Old Town Lenexa Midnight Bike Ride, 913-541-0209.
When: July 15

ANTELOPE ISLAND STATE PARK, UTAH
What: Annual Antelope by Moonlight bike ride, 801-451-3286.
When: 10 p.m. July 7

WOODLANDS, TEX. Start at Panther Creek Shopping Center.
What: Midnight Bike Cruise, 936-718-2469.
When: 11:59 p.m. Aug. 12 (preride activities begin 10 p.m.).