Speaker numbers apply only to this recording. Names come from transcript evidence. “Possibly” marks uncertain attribution.
The Fitchburg Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission met on June 3, 2026, to discuss a range of topics including sidewalk riding ordinance revisions, bicycle-friendly community status, school bike education programs, and updates on infrastructure projects. The commission welcomed new member Josh Olson. The meeting featured a presentation from the All Kids Bike program and included updates from council and staff.
Commissioners deliberated on a proposed ordinance to allow bicycle riding on sidewalks, which is currently prohibited by state statute unless a municipality passes an ordinance. The discussion focused on balancing safety, enforcement, and clarity. A draft term sheet was reviewed. Key points included:
The commission discussed progress toward the next Bicycle Friendly Community application, due in about one year. Staff and members noted improvements since the last submission, including the B-cycle bike share launch, increased events, and more bicycle-friendly businesses. Weaknesses include low commuter ridership data (0.7% from ACS) and need for better demographic and recreational ridership data. Ideas included conducting a community survey, using trail pass data from the DNR, and getting B-cycle ridership data (6,600 rides recorded). Commissioner Steve Arnold reported that after analysis, Fitchburg currently has the highest number of active Bicycle Friendly Business awardees in the nation, though the League of American Bicyclists is re-evaluating grace periods. The commission plans to refine data collection and consider a conference call with the League.
Ryan, representing the All Kids Bike Foundation, presented the Strider bike education program targeting kindergarten PE. The program aims to teach every child to ride a bike, providing bikes, curriculum, and teacher training for less than $10 per child over ten years. The program is in nearly 2,000 schools nationally but none in Wisconsin to date. The commission discussed implementing the program in Fitchburg's three school districts (Madison, Verona, Oregon). Verona already has a similar program; interest was noted for Leopold Elementary (MMSD) and possibly Oregon and Eagle School. Next steps include reaching out to school principals and engaging the Bike Fitchburg group to champion the program with schools and find funding through grants, crowdfunding, and local sponsors.
Hi, I'm Jeremy Crosby, and I'm Nick Boucher. We're your hosts for the program that's all about your city, Talking Fitchburg. Every weekday, we pull together the news, events, and information you need to stay on top of what's happening in the city of Fitchburg. Find Talking Fitchburg on Cable TV, Roku, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, and our live stream on the web. Plus, you can find all our headlines and stories on Facebook, YouTube, and our video on demand service. This is your city. Keep up with Talking Fitchburg and the issues affecting you and your neighbors. Visit Fitchburg WI.gov on your computer or mobile device and select the big notify me button on the left. Enter your email and/or phone number, whichever is best for you to get notifications. Scroll down the list and select all the topics you're interested in to receive email or text messages about. You'll be notified every time one of your topics is updated. Sign up for Notify Me. One more way to keep up with your Fitchburg government. No, I've been took out. Oh at least that's what they told the funding commission. All right, and along with 7:30, I'll call this meeting of High School and Pedestrian Commission reporter. First thing I'm on our minutes. Second. Kelly seconds. Any discussion on the minutes? No. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Aye. Opposed name. Item number three is public appearances for non-agenda items. So I see no one online and entering in the room. We'll move on to agenda item number four, which is commission introductions. So we have a new member with us. So if you want to just take a minute to introduce yourself, and then maybe we can kind of quickly go around the room and online. Sure. Hello, I'm Josh Olson, new member. Recently moved to Fitchburg, uh almost a year, I guess, in September. Um excited to be here. I think a lot of focus for me uh in my own personal life has been advocating for safe infrastructure when it comes to uh pedestrians and bikers. Um kind of an all modes user, so uh lots of experience and uh excited to see what I can do here. Oh well now that you're good morning, I'm Mark Hamilton. I've been at Fitchburg since 1992 and on this committee for several years. So nice to meet you. Welcome. Thank you. Hi. Hi, I'm Ellie Jenser. I lived in Fitchburg since 1996, been on the committee a few years.