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.
BUYING A BIKE
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.
LOANING A BIKE
- • The Red Bikes Project started in 1996 with the intent of making bicycle transportation on Madison's isthmus free for all. The Budget Bicycle Center now has over 300 bicycles to lend. Each year in the spring Budget Bicycle Center Used Bikes at 930 Regent Street begins checking out Red Bikes for the season.
Rules:
- • You must present a valid credit card to use for the deposit. ($60 per bike, $20 per lock)
- • The Red Bike must be returned by November 21, 2009.
- • You must bring the bike in for maintenance when necessary. (no charge)
- • If you return the Red Bike and lock by the due date, your deposit will be returned to you.
- •
That's it! Bikes are currently available. Come in to Budget Bicycle Center at 930 Regent Street and an employee will be happy to find you a properly sized free Red Bike.
PROTECTING YOUR BIKE
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:
- • A Four-Year Bicycle Registration costs only $10.00 and is a good way to help protect your important means of transportation, recreation and exercise.
- • How to Register:
- • You Can Register or Renew online at www.madisonpay.com
- • You Can Register By Mail. Click here to download a printable Registration form or call (608)266-4474 to request an application be mailed.
- • You Can Register In Person: If you need a registration immediately, you may register your bicycle in person at any Madison store selling bicycles, or at the Treasurer's Office in the City County Building, 210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Room 107
BICYCLE SAFETY
- 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.
BIKE PATHS
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.