Oak Leaf Trail Speed Limit

On Tuesday, September 29th the Milwaukee County Parks and Culture Committee passed an ordinance to institute a 15 mph speed limit on the Oak Leaf Trail (OLT) on a vote of 6-1.

There is no financial penalty laid out with this policy. The Committee and Parks Department unanimously agreed they would prefer an educational outreach over fines. The sheriff’s department commented that they have no interest in sitting on random trail segments and “lasering cyclists.”

Bike Fed staff had the opportunity to talk to Parks staff about the proposed 15 mph speed limit proposal. After hearing from many trail users, we expressed concerns about the trail-wide blanket proposal, as opposed to addressing areas of congestion and concern on the trail, as well as the uncertain enforcement strategy. 

Bike Fed Assistant Director Jake Newborn spoke at the committee meeting and acknowledged that there are reckless or dangerous riders on the trail – and that this reflects poorly on all of us as cyclists and trail users. But, that bad behavior isn’t limited to cyclists: off leash dog walkers, people walking or running 3-4 abreast and taking up trail, or trail users with headphones who don’t move over when a cyclist slows down and alerts them of an attempt to pass, are also causing safety concerns for legal bike riders on the trail.

The Bike Fed applauds the Parks Department for not recommending a ban on legal e-bikes on County Trails. While increased usage of all types of e-devices has caused real and perceived problems, not only on the OLT but in many communities across the state and country, e-bikes have increased ridership and allowed seniors and individuals with mobility challenges to stay active. The Bike Fed is currently working with state legislators to clarify the “out of class electric vehicle” issues and clear up rules and statewide laws regarding e-devices, and where and how they can operate, which should provide guidance and a framework for local municipalities. We agree that unlawful high speed e-devices should not be allowed on the trails. 

The OLT is a multi-use trail meant for all ages and abilities. In some areas, such as the path through the South Shore Park beer garden, 15 mph may be too high a speed limit due to the high traffic of pedestrians. Other concerns around the proposed speed limit involve trail usage and enforcement, particularly:

1.  The potential for disproportionate enforcement targeting lower-income individuals and people of color.

• Lack of enforcement is acknowledged in the ordinance and not within the ability of Park Rangers and County Sheriffs given budget and staffing constraints. Our concern lies in when it would be enforced and upon whom.
• It is noted in Parks Dept report slides that data shows lower income residents may rely on e-devices as driving or transit alternatives.

2. Lack of empirical crash data presented to justify broad speed restrictions.

• County-owned roads require significant safety issues to be present to address changes in road design that keep riders safe, but no data is being presented on this reasoning to add a broad based speed limit.

3. Not all bikes have a speedometer. 

• Those who do not intend to exceed the speed limit may not be able to judge how fast they are going and may unintentionally be in violation of the ordinance.

As an alternative to the speed limit.  Newborn suggests:

1.  The Committee considers wording such as ‘reasonable and prudent’ speed standards over blanket hard limitations. Under Wisconsin Statute § 346.57(2), a reasonable and prudent speed means you must never drive faster than is safe for current road, weather, and traffic conditions, regardless of the posted speed limit.

Key Rules of Wisconsin’s Basic Speed Law

• Adjust for Conditions: You must slow down for hazards like ice, snow, heavy rain, fog, sharp curves, hills, or construction zones. [1]
• Tickets Below the Limit: An officer can ticket you for driving an unreasonable speed even if you are traveling under the posted speed limit if conditions demand an even slower speed.
• Maintain Control: You must keep your car under enough control to avoid hitting any person, vehicle, or object on the road. [1]
• Required Slowdowns: State law specifically requires reduced speeds when approaching intersections, railway crossings, hillcrests, narrow/winding roads, and pedestrians or workers. [1]

2.  Collaborative Trail Safety Initiatives including:

• Experiential site visits to evaluate speed dynamics with County Supervisors and possibly the public. For example, Supervisors ride various speeds, on e-bikes and “acoustic bikes” with and without speedometers to experience what feels like a prudent and reasonable speed.
• Collect speed data of current users of the trail.
• Accelerate Parks Department plans for infrastructure improvements like trail widening, marking, and signage.
• Put emphasis on education and outreach over punitive measures.  Parks only very recently added “Bikers, please slow down signs.” Has there been an evaluation on the impact of signage?

Bike Fed staff has been present on the Oak Leaf Trail for the past 2 weeks doing trailside engagement and outreach on trail etiquette and safety reminders. We are eager to collaborate and support the Parks Department in their goal to improve the condition of our trail system, as well as increase access and equity for all trail users. We also commend the County’s acceptance of a Vision Zero policy, and support the updated Trail Network Plans being proposed.

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Next Steps:

Do you have an opinion on the speed limit or a proposed solution? 
This ordinance will go before the full board on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
Contact your county supervisor and give them your opinion TODAY!

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REMINDER TO ALL RIDERS ON THE TRAIL:

• ALERT OTHER USERS TO YOUR PRESENCE via bell or voice. Use “Passing” instead of  “on your left” is a relatively new practice we are suggesting to avoid pedestrians thinking they should move left.
• SLOW DOWN when passing!
• SIGNAL all turns and COMMUNICATE intentions. 
• SCAN BEFORE MOVING OVER, or use a mirror, to pass or avoid hazards.
• Always slow down and YIELD to on road traffic and stop if necessary at road crossings. Usually trail crossings are at mid-block and may or may not be marked crosswalks or have poor sight lines.