Madison Friends of International Students

BIKES

Bicycling is a great way to get around in Madison. Madison has many bike trails (see BIKE PATHS) and paths which are marked with signs indicating "Bike Routes." Many busy streets have separate lanes for bicycles only. They will be marked with signs or white diamonds painted on the street. Some main streets with bike lanes include University Ave, Dayton St., and Park St.

If you have any questions concerning Bicycling in Madison, you can call the Madison City Transportation Pedestrian and Bicycle Program Office at 266-6225.

You can buy new or used bikes from the many bicycle dealers in town. The largest dealers in the campus and downtown Madison areas are Budget Bicycle Center (New bikes: 1230 Regent St., 251-8413; used bikes: 930 Regent St., 251-1663) and Williamson Bicycle Works at 601 Williamson St., 255-5292, stop@willybikes.com, http://www.willybikes.com/, and Yellow Jersey, 419 State St..257-4737, http://www.yellowjersey.org/ Most bike dealers also rent out bikes.
If you are looking for a used bike, also check bulletin boards and the classified section in local newspapers.

Budget Bicycle Center, 930 Regent St, runs the Red Bikes Project. You can loan bikes for a $40 deposit for the bike and a $20 deposit for a lock. See http://dir.civc.wisc.edu/view.asp?cat=15&cat1=135#1097 for more information.

According to University Police, 1 in every 50 bikes is stolen. The best way to prevent your bike from being stolen is to lock it up everywhere you leave it. A U-shaped lock is much stronger and recommended rather than a cable and lock combination. Always lock your bike to a permanent, anchored object. Use bike racks whenever possible, and do not lock your bike to trees or handrails.

BIKE REGISTRATION:

Madison City Ordinance requires that all bicycles be registered. Failure to do so could result in a fine. For about $8, you can register your bike for four years. If your bike is registered and gets stolen, there is a greater chance you can get your bike back. Bike registration forms are available at

• the Service Desk in Memorial Union
• bike stores
• Campus Information and Visitors Center (CIVC), Red Gym, 716 Langdon Street, 263-2400
• Via internet: http://www.ci.madison.wi.us/transp/bicycle.html

For more information, contact the University's Bicycle and Pedestrian coordinator at 263-1034, http://www.fpm.wisc.edu/tdm/

• Wear a helmet. Helmets save lives. About 75% of people who die in bike accidents die from head injuries.
• When riding on the street, ride in single file on the right side of the road. Obey all traffic laws, signs, and signals.
• Pedestrians always have the right-of-way.
• Always ride with traffic. Bike lanes go one way only, in the same direction as adjacent traffic, unless signed otherwise.
• When riding after dark, use a light and a 2½ inch reflector. Also, it is a good idea to wear light colored clothing so cars can see you easier.

You can pick up a map of bike paths at any Madison public library or on campus at the Transportation Information Place at the Memorial Union and at the Campus Information and Visitor Center at the Red Gym. There are paths around Lake Monona, along Lake Mendota, along Lake Wingra, through Vilas Park Zoo and the Arboretum. The Southwest Trail starts near the Stadium and joins the Military Ridge State Trail which goes from Verona to Dodgeville.