Bikers go over the Hoan and directly to jail
For two bikers, a critical mass ride over the Hoan Bridge last week ended in the booking room of the Milwaukee County Jail.
Based on the sheriff's reports, anywhere from 50 to 150 bikers participated in the ride over the two-mile bridge, which is off limits to pedestrians and nonmotorized traffic. The outing was billed as a ride to protest "Gov. Scott Walker's Anti-Bicycling Agenda," and blocked traffic in both southbound lanes of I-794 about 6 p.m. on May 5.
Responding to a host of 9-1-1 calls, deputies caught and ticketed four of the participants. They booked one of them in the jail for resisting, and another to confirm his identity.
That was Juan Serrano, 23, from Covina Calif., who reportedly told the deputy: "I was supporting my friends who were protesting Luke Skywalker or something."
The others who were ticketed include: Samarah Hagagi, 19, of Kansas City, Mo., Caitlin Hamer, 21, of Milwaukee, and Donald Sanborn, 22, of Wauwatosa.
Their tickets carry fines of $178.
Hagagi also picked up the citation for resisting because she wouldn't stop for the deputy, according to the sheriff's report.
The ride was organized through the Milwaukee Bicycle Community, an informal advocacy group that shares information about group rides on the website www.mkebke.com.
Steve Roche helps run the site, and joined the group on the Hoan.
Their purpose was to generate attention and a spark a discussion about the merits of installing a lane for bicycles and pedestrians on the Hoan, he said.
In the decades since it opened, a number of cycling advocates and public officials have argued that the Hoan should be opened to non-motorists as a connection between Downtown Milwaukee and the south side neighborhoods and suburbs. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation rejected the idea, and proposed an alternate route using surface streets.
132 Comments for "Bikers go over the Hoan and directly to jail"
If I have to do your job, the prices to maintain your presses will go up. Ha, ha.
But seriously. when you take into account all of the bike lanes added in every major city, paid for by Federal tax money, the costs are in the billions. You're not only saddling the taxpayers with the costs to maintain that lane, you're removing a lane that could handle more cars and commerce. There are many hidden costs associated with those lanes. I think if you use them you should pay for them. When I drive my car or buy your paper, there are fuel taxes covering a good portion of our roads, bikes pay for nothing. If you want that lane, pay for it.
jimtherepublican May 12, 2011 1:28 PM
ljastroch May 12, 2011 1:31 PM
2 steps forward, and 10 steps backwards.
I agree with the policy that's been in-place for years, no bicycles on the Hoan Bridge. Seems much safer that way.
While I'm here, and the subject involves the Hoan - again - tear it down, move the piles of sand, industrial lots and the like to any of the vacant lots on the west side, and convert our lakefront city property to shops, restaurants and the like. Showcase our beautiful city the way it should be.
No? Leave the eyesores right where they are, and keep pouring money into a crumbling bridge that will need more repairs again soon, and "pass the buck" along to future generations?
Ok, that sounds good.
GregJennings85 May 12, 2011 1:33 PM
udaman621 May 12, 2011 1:33 PM
udaman621 May 12, 2011 1:35 PM
I ride the bus daily to/from my downtown night time job and I sometimes take the bus elsewhere, too. Are the racks used on each and every bus I'm on? No, but there are times both slots in the racks are in use, especially on my way to work at night.
From my experience, I find the bike racks getting far more use than the wheelchair lifts and wheelchair parking area on the bus. I have nothing against those in chairs using the bus, but one chair takes up three or four seats. A bike rack costs less than the wheelchair lift and takes away no seats. Yes accommodations for those in wheelchairs are required by law. I see no reason why those who use bicycles should also not be accommodated.
JRWOakCreek May 12, 2011 1:36 PM
For people complaining about biking of 1st Street: The Oak Leaf Trail is well posted, and goes along 2nd Street through Walkers point and gets you through to Downtown with no problems. I've taken it and wouldn't have any problems taking my kids on it. I have no understanding why people would bike on 1st street when the Oak Leaf Trail follows 2nd street (which is less populated).
http://city.milwaukee.gov/maps4460.htm
intheview May 12, 2011 1:37 PM
May 12, 2011 1:39 PM
udaman621 May 12, 2011 1:39 PM
AceOSpades May 12, 2011 1:42 PM
ljastroch May 12, 2011 1:42 PM