Bike enthusiasts hope Wisconsin lawmakers pump up projects

By Chuck Quirmbach, Wisconsin Public Radio 

MADISON (WPR) Bicycle groups are keeping their gloved fingers crossed that an increase in money for bike projects will stay in the proposed state budget.

Governor Doyle proposed steering more federal funds to setting up bike lanes, paths and signs in the state. The legislature's Joint Finance Committee added another $5-million over the next two years for local bike programs.

Kevin Hardman, head of the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin, says that would be the first big batch of state funds for bicycling infrastructure. He says the money would start making up for recent years when the state fell short of federal recommendations on how much to spend on biking.

But with the state budget traveling down a road of red ink, Hardman is looking over his shoulder a bit, in case budget cutters in the assembly, senate or governor's office are catching up to what joint finance approved.

The Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin has declared this week “Bike to Work Week” in Madison and Milwaukee, with several events planned . Some other cities had special rides last month.

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Information from Wisconsin Public Radio, www.wpr.org