Gov. Walker willing to listen on Hoan Bridge bike lane
Barring a strong push from the Legislature, the decision on whether to add a bike and pedestrian lane on the Daniel Hoan Memorial Bridge ultimately rests with Gov. Scott Walker, via his authority over the Department of Transportation and its top directors.
For decades, Walker has been solidly against the idea, as a state legislator, Milwaukee County executive and gubernatorial candidate.
Asked to weigh in again this week, Walker's spokesman responded by email: "Governor Walker has expressed his opposition to the cost of constructing a bike path in the past."
The steadfast opposition would suggest the bike lane feasibility study now being done by consulting firms hired by the DOT is an exercise in futility and a waste of money.
Still, the director of the department's southeast region and the two project managers on the upcoming Hoan reconstruction spent much of Tuesday evening listening to cyclists make their case for the addition of a bike and pedestrian accommodation. Were they just enjoying an evening in Bay View?
With the question phrased in that context, Walker's spokesman responded further:
"The agency is studying the feasibility/costs associated with this project to present the Governor with all of the facts and thoughts from the community. The Governor has been opposed to this project in the past. That doesn’t preclude him from listening to others in the community, evaluating their input, and making a final decision with their input considered."
17 Comments for "Gov. Walker willing to listen on Hoan Bridge bike lane"
Gregg1561 Aug 31, 2011 6:18 PM
Gregg1561 Aug 31, 2011 6:36 PM