Biking
Badger State Trail Bridge
McKee Rd construction is completed, and the region’s newest bicycle network feature is open! The Badger State Trail, closed between the Bike Roundabout and Sub-Zero Parkway for much of 2020, was re-opened on September 30th, 2020 featuring a new overpass bridge above McKee Rd. The new bridge, stretching 121 feet and crossing McKee Rd just a half-mile east of the Military Ridge State Trail bridge, was constructed by Wheeler Structures and is now Fitchburg’s third major bicycle bridge, along with the Military Ridge overpass and another bridge taking Capital City Trail users over Fish Hatchery Rd. near Hatchery Hill. This new bridge replaces a flashing beacon that cyclists and pedestrians previously relied on to indicate their presence to oncoming motor vehicles, enhancing safety by reducing interactions between vehicles on McKee Rd and non-vehicular traffic on this major state trail.
https://www.facebook.com/FitchburgWI/posts/1717381361758057
Maps, Plans, and Additional Information
Fitchburg maintains a large network of paved paths, paved shoulders, bike lanes, and designated bike routes to support biking as an integral transportation mode within and throughout the city.
Fitchburg Bike Map
In April 2010, a Fitchburg bike map was developed, and updated in 2013 and 2019, as a collaborative effort between the City of Fitchburg and the Fitchburg Chamber of Commerce. It is pocket-size and chock-full of valuable information to enhance your biking experience in Fitchburg! Hard copies of the map are available at City Hall and the Fitchburg Chamber office.
Online Bike Maps
The "paved paths" and Fitchburg bike map linked above are static maps, created in 2015 and 2019, respectively. For the most up-to-date representation of bicycle infrastructure in Fitchburg and the surrounding areas, see the following online maps maintained by Fitchburg, Madison, and Dane County staff:
- Fitchburg GIS web map
- Dane County Bicycle network (ArcGIS online map)
- Low-Stress Bike Route Finder (ArcGIS online map)
- Bike Map, west Dane County (PDF map)
- Bike Map, east Dane County (PDF map)
Fitchburg Family Fun Bike Rides
Want to find some fun bike rides for your family to enjoy in Fitchburg? Click on the I Love to Bike Family Fun Map to discover 4 recommended bike rides that your family will love! This brochure was produced as a collaboration between the Healthy Kids Collaborative, Pacific Cycle, and the Wisconsin Bike Federation to get families excited about biking in their community! Check out this cool resource and get your family pumped about being active and excited to explore a variety of bike rides throughout the City! The bike rides vary in length and complexity, so pick the one that is perfect for you and your family!
Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan
The current 2017 Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan was adopted in March 2017 as an update to the 2008 Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. The Primary goals of the Bike and Pedestrian Plan are to:- Expand options for walking and biking in Fitchburg
- Connect bicycle and pedestrian facilities to local and regional facilities and neighboring communities
- Improve networks and intersections to increase safety and comfort for all users
- Invest in bicycle and pedestrian amenities and enhancements
- Engage with residents, businesses, employers, and city employees to educate, promote and encourage biking and walking in Fitchburg
Road Construction and Impacts on Bicycle Network
For a full listing of streets projects that are underway, visit Engineering & Construction page. Alternate routes for bike-related closures can be found using the online map linked above, as well as the following resources from the Madison Area Transportation Planning Board:
- Dane County Bicycle network (ArcGIS online map)
- Low-Stress Bike Route Finder (ArcGIS online map)
- Bike Map, west Dane County (PDF map)
- Bike Map, east Dane County (PDF map)
Quarry Ridge Mountain Bike Trail emergency markers
The Quarry Ridge Mountain Bike Trail is an excellent location for getting outside, enjoying some fresh air and exercise, and improving your single-track riding whether you're just getting started or have more advanced skills. Activity on the trail has increased with more people looking to get outside during the pandemic, so Fitchburg Parks and Public Works staff have placed new emergency location markers around the trails. The markers are geotagged for faster location identification in an emergency; if you have need to contact any emergency assistance while at Quarry Ridge, look for one of the new markers to more quickly relay your position.