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

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

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'"

I have to agree. You give bike riders a lane and they will take the bridge.
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MD Rock Apr 07, 2011 8:13 AM
Of course he says "no". He really could not be any more anti-bicycle.
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okiefo Apr 07, 2011 8:15 AM
This is silly. The most/only frustrating part of living in Bayview is the lack of a decent connection to downtown via bike. What is wrong with sectioning off a lane so people can enjoy a nice commute to work? It costs very little, takes up about 4 feet of space, and takes a partition. This is just frustrating that he is spending $300 mil on this bridge and not adding the one thing that so many desire. This is just foolishness. And MD Rock....get a life. While we are huffing and puffing, you are stopping at McDs to feed your omentum and increasing your girth, while wasting valuable fossil fuels, damaging the environment, and increasing health care costs. Maybe not you, but the proverbial "you". I am sick of the demonization of bikers who are generally good people trying to do a bit of good to offset the destruction by people like you.
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Convinced of the Hex Apr 07, 2011 8:38 AM
Can you even have a bike lane on a freeway?
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Geitz Apr 07, 2011 8:39 AM
In this economy that request wasn't very sustainable. Everyone is well
aware that the Koch brothers ride in the fanciest limo that money can buy
not on any bicycles. LOL
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nflnfl13 Apr 07, 2011 8:45 AM
I don't use the Hoan bridge (i haven't even seen it), and I heard two other people don't use it either. One other person said she uses it only once a year. Therefore, the HOAN bridge is a BOONDOGGLE. The state is broke, we can't afford it. Besides, bikes are for poor people who can't afford gas and cars, and I don't like poor people in my state. (/endsarcasm)
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yellingatclouds Apr 07, 2011 8:46 AM
As much as I like bike lanes, this sounds to me like it's just about winning something, given that there's alternative routes nearby.
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Geitz Apr 07, 2011 8:48 AM
The bicyclists of the state didn't donate enough to Walker's campaign, so of course he's shutting them out now.
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chuckiehackson20 Apr 07, 2011 8:58 AM
While there will be an actual cost to do create a segregated bike lane the benefit will be that more people may get off the couch to go for a ride and enjoy the incredible view (and fresh air) from 150 feet up in the air. Sharing the bridge will create some compromises no doubt but the return on this investment will be with us for years to come. When Walker is out and the new gov is in this may become a reality and I welcome it with my legs a-churning...
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mikeinmke Apr 07, 2011 9:06 AM
If we're going to have a bridge that's largely for show, why not make it a
true attraction for bikers/pedestrians? Segregate a lane and make this
happen.

This is a no-brainer really, and a sad microcosm of Walker's anti-
anything-but-cars transportation ideology.
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PANTHERfan Apr 07, 2011 9:33 AM
It's not just about bike lanes or a commute by bike.

PANTHERfan got it totally right. This bridge is, by definition, a waste of money, so we might as well put it to good use and extend the lakefront entertainment across the bridge, not just for bicyclists, but for pedestrians as well.

I can't imagine standing at the pinnacle and looking out over our beautiful lake, or at the unique vantage point it brings to our city.

The Hoan Bridge is so wide and so slow anyway. There is surely room for safety, usefulness, and entertainment for all types of road users. Either build it up for everybody or just tear it down.
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littletinyfish Apr 07, 2011 10:07 AM
I'm a taxpayer and I want a bike/ped lane on the Hoan!!!
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The RTS Apr 07, 2011 10:08 AM