Barb Connolly-Blick’s Legacy

Barb Connolly-Blick’s lifelong love of biking, and commitment to the Wisconsin Bike Fed and the cycling community, is both meaningful and inspirational. In addition to all she did as a team member and mentor to thousands of youth, we were deeply humbled to learn upon her passing that Barb had included Bike Fed in her estate plans. Her beloved husband Jonathan Blick has since shared a thoughtful gift in her memory to honor her wishes, and create a legacy for what was important to her. Barb is the first member of the Bike Fed’s Century Club.

To give you an idea of what Barb and her dedication has meant to so many, Assistant Director Jake Newborn shares his thoughts and invited her family to share their unique insight on how she lived her life and why including Bike Fed in her estate plans was important to her.

Jake Newborn’s tribute to Barb

Barb Connolly-Blick was a beloved mom, wife, longtime Bike Fed staff, Milwaukee Public School teacher,  and overall lover of going by bike. She lost her battle with peritoneal mesothelioma in fall of 2025. In her final will and testament she left the Bike Fed a generous sum of money to continue supporting our youth-serving programs even after her passing. Barb meant a lot to her “Bike Fed family” and impacted and inspired many of us through the years.

Barb gave so much more of herself to the Bike Fed than she ever received in payment for working summer bike camps. Her final gift, plus donations received from those who loved her and donated in her memory, demonstrate her commitment and kindness to provide opportunities to the next generation and pass on her love of biking to so many more. We are deeply honored to accept her generous donation and promise to put it to good use, continuing to educate and inspire the next generation of riders to hop on a bike and hit the town.

Husband Jonathan Blick reflects on what Bike Fed and Barb’s work has meant to the family over the years

The Blicks go by bike. From grocery runs to family vacations to music and events around Milwaukee and beyond, that childhood spirit of hopping on your bike and taking off for the day never faded in our family. That same spirit likely inspired Barb’s commitment as a Safe Routes to School instructor. The Bike Fed’s work to advocate for safer, more accessible cycling has made these riding experiences possible for us and for so many others. Because we live on Milwaukee’s west side, the Hank Aaron State Trail opening in 2006, as well as recent infrastructure improvements on Walnut Street, have made riding across the city safer and more enjoyable. 

Son Sam Blick expresses what inspired Barb to include Bike Fed in her estate plans

Seeing people out on bikes, and especially seeing kids riding, never ceased to bring a smile to Barb’s face. In her 13 years as a Safe Routes to School instructor she saw bikes spark joy, confidence and creativity for thousands of kids through healthy, outdoor fun. We have no doubt she believes every kid deserves that experience and trusts the Bike Fed will continue impacting Wisconsin’s youth through Safe Routes to School programming. When kids want safer streets, everyone wants safer streets. 

Sam’s wife Natalie also expressed gratitude for Barb’s inspiration: “It really meant a lot that she helped me train for Team Phoenix. I was never comfortable with riding my bike on the streets and Barb taught me and helped build my confidence!”

Daughter Eleanor Blick shares her insight with those who may consider planned giving with the Bike Fed 

Investments in better biking and walking last generations. It’s not just about bike lanes, paths and programs, it’s about the outdoor experiences the Bike Fed’s work makes possible for kids and adults alike. Safe routes around town lead to healthier, more connected communities. This work strengthens communities across Wisconsin. 

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Upon her passing, many friends and family thoughtfully donated memorial gifts in Barb’s honor. These donations have been used to create a “Barb Connolly-Blick Memorial Fund” that will offer scholarships to defray the cost of education and camp opportunities for local youth.

If you would like to contribute to the memorial fund in Barb’s name, please visit our donation page and check the “Dedicate my donation” box, then type “Barb Connolly-Blick” in the “Honoree Name” field.

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