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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. Nothing gets accomplished by complaining in these comments sections. If you truly want to make a difference and voice your desire for cycling and equality on the roads, go to the Bike Fed of WI Bike Summit on April 19 and tell your representatives how you feel. More info here:
    http://www.bfw.org/advocacy/index.php?category_id=4329

    eboogie13 Apr 07, 2011 10:14 AM

  2. I think the Dems should flee the state until there are bike lanes on the Hoan.

    Daus77 Apr 07, 2011 10:22 AM

  3. I'm a big bike proponent, but seriously how many people would use this bike lane per day? I'm guessing it would be less than 20. People should focus on a bike/pedestrian only path at street level.

    DrewH Apr 07, 2011 10:40 AM

  4. I'm an avid cyclist and I don't like the idea of a bike lane on a FREEWAY. Maybe if they had the space, add a track along the side of it, but the cost would be out of control. I agree with Walker on this one. Their are plenty of other avenue's to cross the river with little cost to the state.

    Sparky101 Apr 07, 2011 10:43 AM

  5. @ geitz - yes, you can put bike lanes on highway bridges like this one.
    They do it all over the Puget Sound/Seattle area in Washington State.
    The lanes are about the width of a sidewalk, a little wider to
    accommodate two-way traffic, and fences off with a cement guard rail at
    the bottom and fencing at the top. I'm a conservative Walker fan, and an
    avid biker so you can bet I will be emailing him about this one - as anyone
    who wants to see this happen should. Much better chance of impacting
    the situation than commenting here!

    FallsIndians Apr 07, 2011 10:55 AM

  6. Of course there won't be a bike lane. "Union thugs" ride bikes, right?

    Expatriate Apr 07, 2011 11:52 AM

  7. I agree with FallsIndiana. I now live in Oregon, a quite "forward" looking
    state compared to what my dear old Wisconsin used to be. The bridge
    that crosses Interstate 5 from Portland to Vancouver Washington has a
    separate bike/pedestrian lane (see below). I'm sure for a 300 million
    dollar project, adding one to Hoan would be a minimal cost.

    Here's a photo :

    http://farm1.static.flickr.com/198/443701527_7675c3a6cd.jpg

    dirt farmer Apr 07, 2011 12:01 PM

  8. I'd love it - and then continue the lane along the Lake Parkway all the way to Cudahy. Yes, it would be next to a freeway, but it's a slow one with stop lights.

    alba Apr 07, 2011 12:03 PM

  9. DrewH, do you honestly believe less than 20 people a day would use this? I guess it shows you hang out with a different crowd. On nice days, 100's of people will use this a day. The connections from the south side to east side that people have mentioned are not very good for bikes and that is why people don't use them. If there was a bike lane on the Hoan bridge it would be much safer with the cement separation, than riding on city streets. The view would be amazing and people (fit people, of which Milwaukee has many) would love to cross the bridge and enjoy the view. The hill up and down is not that steep as some people have tried to say, especially for someone who actually cares about their healthy and fitness level. This should be a huge priority for Milwaukee.

    MU82 Apr 07, 2011 12:14 PM

  10. Most of the concerns regarding a bike/ped lane has already been addressed, so rather than correct the negative ( but, perhaps, understandable), knee jerk reactions, I'll simply suggest the following link to those who are truly interested in learning more:
    www.bikethehoan.com
    My first thought was how great it would be if one could walk from Bay View to Summerfest. Great view, and no parking hassles!

    milwpov Apr 07, 2011 12:39 PM

  11. DrewH, do you honestly believe less than 20 people a day would use this? I guess it shows you hang out with a different crowd. On nice days, 100's of people will use this a day.
    --------------

    First off, how many "nice days" are there in Wisconsin? Secondly, that's a really long and steep hill going up the Hoan. Only the most in shape of cyclist would do it day in and day out. And if it's windy? Forget it.

    I'd be all for it if this was a "street level" bridge like 6th street viaduct or North Ave.

    DrewH Apr 07, 2011 12:46 PM

  12. dirt farmer - I agree with FallsIndiana. I now live in Oregon, a quite "forward" looking
    state compared to what my dear old Wisconsin used to be. The bridge
    that crosses Interstate 5 from Portland to Vancouver Washington has a
    separate bike/pedestrian lane (see below). I'm sure for a 300 million
    dollar project, adding one to Hoan would be a minimal cost.

    ---------------------------------

    I like the idea of adding bike lanes all over the city and state, but only after the state / city / county get their fiscal house in order. I want it to be a pay as you go scenerio, not borrrowing more money or raising taxes to make it happen.

    Sparky101 Apr 07, 2011 1:42 PM

  13. DrewH, do you honestly believe less than 20 people a day would use this? I guess it shows you hang out with a different crowd. On nice days, 100's of people will use this a day.
    --------------

    First off, how many "nice days" are there in Wisconsin? Secondly, that's a really long and steep hill going up the Hoan. Only the most in shape of cyclist would do it day in and day out. And if it's windy? Forget it.

    I'd be all for it if this was a "street level" bridge like 6th street viaduct or North Ave.

    ---------------------------

    Actually I agree with this, I can't see the average joe riding up and over this bridge on a regular basis for only 5 to 6 months of the year. A street level bridge with a bike lane makes much more sense. Also, most avid in shape cyclists ride out and away from the city due to traffic, so where do you go once off the bridge unless your commuting. Back to square one, the average joe won't handle that climb very well. Better to spend the money out of the city where the cyclists are.

    Sparky101 Apr 07, 2011 1:45 PM

  14. It looks like a lot of out of shape people are posting on this blog. The bridge is not steep and there are about 9 months of the year that people would bike and run over this bridge. There are people in this city that care about their fitness and don't go to a gym just because it is below 50 degrees. Linking the east side lakefront that everyone bikes and runs on and the southside lakefront that also gets utilized, is a no brainer. It WILL get used, and often.

    MU82 Apr 07, 2011 2:16 PM

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