Wisconsin Improves State Ranking – More Work to Be Done

Once ranked the second most bike-friendly state in the Nation, Wisconsin enjoyed a place in the top ten until 2017 when we became the only state in the country to repeal our Complete Streets policy. In 2022, Wisconsin fell all the way to number 29 – due in large part to being 49th out of 50 states on what we spend on infrastructure for people who bike and walk.

This year’s report card shows a glimmer of hope for Wisconsin, as we moved up two spots to 27th in state rankings. Since the establishment of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), Wisconsin has stepped up our investment in bicycling and pedestrian infrastructure – moving from a dismal 49th in our spending to 31st out of 50 states. In practical terms, we currently spend $1.18 per capita on biking and walking versus $.85 per capita in 2022.  This is still far below the national average of 2% of our state’s federal transportation dollars. Wisconsin has only achieved this level of investment once since 2010.

In another bright spot for Wisconsin, WisDOT has adopted Facilities Development Manual 11-46 on Bicycle and Pedestrian Elements Affecting Complete Streets to implement Complete Streets as an agency. The adopted policy requires that projects must give due consideration to establishing bicycle accommodations and pedestrian facilities on all modernization and most rehabilitation projects. While this is progress, the current suggested policy still provides far less support for Complete Streets than the law that was repealed in 2017.

WisDOT also made significant progress on the State’s Active Transportation Plan which will replace the state-wide bike plan created in 1998 during the Thompson Administration. Look for this to be published in 2025.

In 2024, Wisconsin also received $210 million in Federal Redistribution Funds. $44 million of these dollars were for programs that benefit cyclists including: Transportation Alternatives, Carbon Reduction and Climate Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funds. These Federal Redistribution funds also provided an additional $14 million to the Department of Natural Resources, through the Recreation Trail Program, to address deferred maintenance issues on trails across the state. 

The Bicycle Friendly Survey reveals an alarming trend – preliminary estimates indicate 1,149 bicyclists were killed in 2023, the highest number ever recorded. Nationally, and here in Wisconsin, roads owned by state Departments of Transportation account for more bicyclist deaths than any other type of roadway – mostly due to higher speed limits. According to the LAB:

“Creating a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone starts with leadership at the state level,” said Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists. “In the states at the top of the list, we see places where advocates, lawmakers, and decision makers are united in their belief that better bicycling benefits everyone. This year’s rankings celebrate the progress some states have made, but the record number of bicyclist deaths is a stark reminder that more must be done to protect people who bike.”

You can check out how Wisconsin compares to other states here. While we are pleased to have made some progress over the past two years, much remains to be done to reclaim a spot in the top ten most bike-friendly states.  With Wisconsin’s proud tradition as an outdoor recreation mecca, strong bicycle manufacturing heritage and the spirit of our committed cycling community, we deserve nothing less.