Support East North Ave. Businesses By Bike During Construction

Bike Fed is appreciative and excited about the work the East Side BID has done to support a safer and more enjoyable E. North Ave for all users. Over the past 2 years there were temporary measures like plastic bollards and planters, but those are now being replaced by a fresh pavement, new lines, and more solid concrete barriers. It is a key corridor of activity in the city of Milwaukee. A vibrant and thriving community relies on patrons and residents in the area to access it safely and by means other than a personal automobile. Over and over across the country we see revived districts and corridors when traffic calming is implemented and streets are designed for people, not just parking.

We spoke with Joey Wisniewski, Board Chair of the East Side BID, about how active transportation users can support the businesses and community along E. North Ave as construction takes place, how to enjoy the improved connections, and what the BID hopes to achieve in their vision for the East Side. 

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Wisconsin Bike Fed (WBF): When did the process to make this complete street design change start? How long will the E. North Ave project take from start to finish? 

Joey Wisniewski (JW): Initially, the BID identified bicycle/pedestrian safety and accessibility as a priority in our 2021 strategic plan. Discussions began with DPW, DCD, and our traffic design team (GRAEF) over 2 years ago. Figuring out funding was a challenge. Because of a few key redevelopments in the area, we were able to establish a Tax Increment District (TID) to keep a portion of the new tax revenue generated in the district for infrastructure repairs and improvements. After much planning and public input, we started construction on September 16th We hope to have construction wrapped up in 8-10 weeks. 

WBF: What prompted ESBID to want to explore these changes?

JW: We requested input from the neighborhood before embarking on our latest strategic plan. Bicycle/pedestrian safety and increased accessibility were identified as primary goals. That process made it pretty easy to say “Alright, we know what the neighborhood wants.” In addition to the public input, the corridor is on Milwaukee’s High Injury Network. We knew the neighborhood needed (and wanted) to change the safety mentality if we wanted to welcome more guests, neighbors, and customers in the area. 

WBF: Was it difficult to get BID members and the local business community on board? 

JW: Yes and no. Some folks were in 100% support and understood the physical and economic benefits. Other folks cherish parking and automobile travel above all else. To assuage fears we proved data available about the safety improvement elements. First and foremost: the new street design will literally save lives. Many businesses related to the improved economic data protected bike lanes are shown to bring. Ultimately, people agreed that the status quo was not acceptable. And, to change the status quo, we needed to fix how the street functions. 

WBF: Is there a message you have for other BIDs who are curious or thinking of similar plans?

JW: First thing to do is to start talking about it OFTEN. If your neighborhood wants things like we’re doing, pass a resolution making bike/ped safety a priority or add bike/ped safety to your strategic plan goals. Then, collect data to define why it is important for your district. Bring the facts and goals to elected officials and municipal departments. From there you should be able to determine next steps and start talking to constituents to build positive momentum.

WBF: How can active transportation users support business not only now during construction; but in the future? 

JW: Great question! This will be a difficult 8-10 weeks ahead for our district businesses. We are humbly BEGGING the Wisconsin Bike Fed membership to visit and support area businesses as much as they can. We know traffic and accessibility will be a challenge, BUT there is so much to do on E. North Ave! Food, drink, movies, live music, experiences, coffee, fitness, pet activities… If you’re driving, car detour routes are posted on the MKE DPW project page: engage.milwaukee.gov/north

WBF: Does ESBID track or have any data about how people get to the businesses/shop/events?

JW: Not yet, but we’re working on it. Like many nonprofits, we have limited bandwidth with a board of caring volunteers. As a community, we know data is important. That’s not something we’ve been able to tackle yet, but we will.  When the protected bike lanes are installed, collecting more data is a priority. 

WBF: And communities are not just about the business in them, it’s about the people who live there and play there and go to school there. How does the ESBID hope this project will impact the non business community?

JW: The East Side community has always been vibrant, diverse, and fun. If not for our residents, visitors, students, and friends, North Ave wouldn’t be what it is. We have a very wide range of constituents in the area. One thing we all tend to agree on is that we want a safe neighborhood. Shortening pedestrian crossing distances, protecting bike lanes, and slowing traffic increase safety on the East Side. 

WBF: Thanks for keeping us updated on the new safety installations in your district. Is there anything else we should know?

JW: Yes! If you’re cruising on the Oak Leaf Trail, stop in the neighborhood! There are 3 entry points to the Oak Leaf Trail in our district. Stop up on North Ave. and hang out for a while! We’d love to have you – during construction and always! 

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