Wisconsin Bike Federation - Action Alert
Please take a minute to advocate for bicycling across the state
Hello Cycling and Trails Enthusiasts!
Within the next week, the Joint Committee on Finance in the Wisconsin State Legislature will be voting to decide on the final transportation budget within the 2023-2025 state budget. Major items included in the transportation budget are:
A proposed $18.2 million annual allocation of federal Transportation Alternatives Program dollars.
A proposed $1.2 million-dollar annual “matching fund” for communities under 5,000 that will aid them in fully funding bike, pedestrian, and safety projects.
We need you to let your legislators know that these provisions MUST be kept in the budget.
Tell members of the state legislature that this funding is necessary for the overall benefit of communities across the state. When advocating in Madison, we at the Bike Fed have repeatedly heard that legislators simply aren’t hearing from people back home that biking infrastructure, access, and safety are important to them. While we as cycling enthusiasts know the importance of these things for each and every Wisconsin community, not every legislator does.
We want a budget that takes full advantage of these funds to help create a more connected Wisconsin.
According to the League of American Bicyclists, Wisconsin ranks near the bottom of state spending on trails, walking, and biking. The Department of Transportation has proposed $18.2 million annually for the Transportation Alternatives Program over the next two years, which would nearly triple funding for projects around the state without using state tax dollars. These investments would help communities across the state create more trails and walking and biking networks to allow people to access jobs and schools or simply enjoy the outdoors.
Please let your legislator know that supporting issues important to cyclists – whether they be based in the biennial budget, infrastructure advancements, bills related to safety and access, or more – are important to you, a constituent and voter.
Not convinced to write a letter yet? Everyone who writes a letter to their legislator is eligible to enter our prize-drawing for 3 Trek/Bike Fed gift baskets.
Write your letter to your state legislator NOW!
Questions? Collin@WisconsinBikeFed.org