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Bike lane on the Hoan Bridge? Gov. Walker still says 'no'

Posted by Tom Held of the Journal Sentinel on April 7, 2011

cycling

News that the state will move ahead with a $300 million makeover on the Hoan Bridge energized bicyclists who see the project as an opportunity to fulfill their desire for a high-level bike lane.

Dave Schlabowske detailed the history of the bike lane drive on his Over the Bars blog and noted the time to strike is now.

"Outside of waiting for peak oil to clear the roads of motor vehicles, if we are ever going to see a path for bicyclists and pedestrians on the Daniel Webster Hoan Memorial Bridge, it is going to have to happen with this project," Schlabowske wrote. "Governor Walker is right on target describing the bridge as a 'landmark.'

... Like every other landmark bridge in the country, the Hoan should be open to people on foot and bicycle."

Schlabowske, the bike and pedestrian coordinator for Milwaukee, wrote that city officials plan to press the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to consider a bike and pedestrian lane in their early planning.

The challenge, though, will be to sway Walker.

With the authority to appoint the secretary of the Department of Transportation, the governor has the final word on major highway projects in the state.

And when it comes to a bike lane on the Hoan, Walker's word has been 'no.'

He opposed a bike lane on the bridge as Milwaukee County Executive, maintained that posture during his campaign, and has not wavered.

His spokesman issued this statement on Wednesday: "His stance on this issue since January hasn’t changed. Governor Walker supports allowing cyclists (for events like Miller Light Ride for the Arts) to use the bridge during the time it is shut down to traffic.  He does not support adding a bike lane on the Hoan Bridge."

40 Comments for "Bike lane on the Hoan Bridge? Gov. Walker still says 'no'"

  1. It looks like a lot of out of shape people are posting on this blog.
    ---------------

    No, I'm not. But I am smart.

    DrewH Apr 07, 2011 2:43 PM

  2. To sparky101, it is much safer riding a bike on the bike paths on the east side and southside lakefront than it is to go away from the city and ride on the country roads. The majority of people killed while riding their bikes have been on country roads. Imagine being able to ride from Lake Park near Shorewood, all the way along the lakefront to where it hooks up with Oak Creek Parkway. This will be a huge boost to the Milwaukee area and will encourage fitness minded individuals to bike in to work, thus taking more vehicles off of the roads and freeways.

    MU82 Apr 07, 2011 2:48 PM

  3. I promise you drewh, you are anything but smart. We have a chance to do what many major cities are doing to help the image of the city and to decrease traffic and increase the opportunity for safer fitness opportunities. I honestly have not heard one good argument against this bike path, except for money. I understand that money is an issue, but by creating more biking opportunities, you decrease the wear and tear on the roads. In the long run, this is a benefit to everyone, not just the many bikers and runners that would utitilize this opportunity.

    MU82 Apr 07, 2011 2:55 PM

  4. If we are going to spend this much money for a makeover that is expected to last 30-50 years, we should invest wisely. A wise choice would be to add the bike/ped lane.

    milwpov Apr 07, 2011 3:01 PM

  5. you just have to remember that republicans can't deal with people that aren't just like them. They drive minivans and suv's everywhere and think everyone should.

    Get off your bike and drive.

    What a simple minded fool we elected to rule Wisconsin. . . Wisconsin Republicans . . . just as crooked as Ohio's, only dumber.

    Chucksa Apr 07, 2011 4:38 PM

  6. I'm a very avid bicyclist and bike commuter and I think this is dumb. As
    Geitz and Sparky101 point out there are other avenues to downtown that
    cost nothing to build. In fact if you take the Hank Aaron Trail to
    downtown you already know that.

    imaccman Apr 07, 2011 5:26 PM

  7. I'm curious about the plan but I would take the $ and spend it making other streets more bike friendly. I bike to work on the route the bridge takes along KK and it's just fine with the existing lane there. The fact remains, much much more needs to be done to accommodate non car modes of transit.

    12>4 Apr 07, 2011 7:13 PM

  8. The reconstruction is a waste of money. This thing should be at-grade
    with a drawbridge. And a bike lane.

    Tyrell Track Master Apr 08, 2011 5:22 PM

  9. Responding to the first comment in this article: "It's a real landmark all right, right in there with the garbage mounds for waste management." So I question why somebody would want to build condos there? (Sarcasm)

    Comments on the questions on the funding for this project, EVERYONE is paying for it through their gasoline tax. I would like to thank everyone. (The truth) at least our governor is not stealing from the Transportation Fund to balance the budget.

    I would really like to know where the bicyclists would want their path. (The truth) What type of barrier would they want between their bicycle path and traffic traveling at 55 mph. (Really I would like to know)

    The roadway is only 49 feet between the parapets. Three traffic lanes take up 36 feet, and by federal standards, roadway shoulders are required to be a certain width. If you build a 10 foot wide bicycle path (another federal standards that must be met for a two-way bicycle path) and a 18 inch wide barrier, that only leaves 2-9 inch shoulders. The outside and bicycle really has to be 54 inches high. (4'6") This would block the view of Lake Michigan for everyone. What should be sacrificed? Bicyclists or drivers?

    Please let me know your ideas. (Really)

    mikerichards523 Apr 11, 2011 12:15 AM

  10. Why do cyclists that crave exercise demand others pay millions of dollars for the SHORTEST route possible?

    Mucho Apr 11, 2011 8:54 AM

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