On April 30, 1988, the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin was established as an all volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for bicycle riders around the state.
In the Beginning
It took a few years of communications, meetings and working through details to gain support, determine goals, and draft the bylaws that ultimately established the organization in 1988, thanks to a team of eight from varied communities and perspectives – Jeannette Deloya, Bruce Germond, William Hauda, Ann Kaeemerle, Susan Kavulich, Arthur Ross, and Douglas & Susan Kowalski.
William Hauda was the League of American Wheelmen (now League of American Bicyclists) State Legislative Representative at the time, and also served as Executive Director and Board President of the Bicycle Federation in the early years. According to Hauda, “Bicycle advocacy in Wisconsin was largely nonexistent and badly fragmented in 1986. A few individuals and bicycle club representatives did what they could do to promote cycling at the local level, but there was no coordinated statewide effort. Wisconsin needed a formal umbrella organization to bring together local cyclists, clubs, dealers and manufacturers so that they could more effectively protect and promote the interests of cyclists.”
The Journey
As cyclists from around the state, we can all be grateful for the efforts to create the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin, now Wisconsin Bike Fed, and for the progress that has been made throughout the years including successful efforts for 1995 Assembly Bill 96, signed by Governor Tommy Thompson, which ten became law as 1995 Wisconsin Act 138, granting bicyclists for the first time the same rights as motorists, as well as the 3-foot law that passed in the last decade.
Today
With a staff of full- and part-time employees along with seasonal staff (including LCIs), a board of directors, and wonderful volunteers, the Wisconsin Bike Fed continues to look out for all cyclists by:
- Advocating at the state and national level for bike-friendly laws and budgets.
- Partnering with communities on trail and street projects that ensure safe access and travel.
- Teaching kids how to safely ride a bike and navigate their neighborhoods.
- Engaging with a Council of Advocates representing WI counties on local issues and needs.
- Creating special events like Ride Across Wisconsin and Santa Cycle Rampage.
- Interacting with organizations such bike shops, businesses, communities, and advocacy/non-profit groups that share common goals.
Learn More
- History and Origins of the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin
- The Name Change Transition Years of 2009-2013
- Bike Fed Leadership Over the Years
Continue the Legacy
- Deep gratitude to all of our supporters over the years who keep the wheels rolling! Please consider supporting our work with a thoughtful gift that may provide benefits. Donate Today.
- Volunteers help drive our programming and mission through events, education, advocacy work, and more. Learn more about volunteer opportunities and sign up to help.
- The WisconsinBikeFed.org website is filled with information on advocacy, programming, education, membership, giving, merchandise, volunteering, events, and bike stories. Check back often!
- To keep up to date on Wisconsin cycling news while being counted as one of our supporters, we invite you to subscribe to the the free weekly e-newsletter from the bottom of any webpage, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky.
Wisconsin Bike Fed Mission
The Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin Educational Foundation, Inc. (AKA Wisconsin Bike Fed) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that cultivates, motivates, and unites residents, communities, businesses, and political leaders to move bicycling forward in Wisconsin through education, legislation, and involvement.
The Wisconsin Bike Fed is the only statewide organization that advocates for better bicycling for everyone who rides a bike in Wisconsin, with thousands of individuals, organizations, businesses, and communities who support our work.