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2022 Bike Week in Sun Prairie
May as National Bike Month
Did you know that May is National Bike Month? This is a celebration of biking as transportation, as recreation, as essential to our well-being and everyday lives. May is also when the National Bike Challenge kicks off, and the challenge continues through September. In 2022, Bike to Work Week goes from May 16 to 22, with Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 20, 2022. 40% of all trips in the U.S. are less than two miles, making bicycling a feasible and fun way to get around.
In 2021, the League of American Bicyclists launched National Ride A Bike Day to take place on the first Sunday of every May. In its second year, National Ride A Bike Day was held on May 1, 2022. You can read more about National Ride A Bike Day by clicking here.
The City of Sun Prairie was awarded Bronze status by the League of American Bicyclists in 2019. To review the details of this status and access the scorecard, please click on the League's logo.
Feel free to explore the Awards Database which highlights other Wisconsin Communities.
What is Bike Week in Sun Prairie?
There are a variety of different events, initiatives, tools, and more that we want to highlight so you can be involved. Check them out below!
Activities and Events!
Sun Prairie Moves, a grassroots organization of cycling enthusiasts, parents, and other interested community members who want to improve the bicycling experience in Sun Prairie, are hosting different activities for you to get involved in.
MAY
| National Bike to Work Week | U.S. Pedal your way to healthy living and safer transportation this Bike to Work Week | Monday, May 16 to Sunday, May 22 |
| National Bike to Workday Commuter Station | Friday, May 20 | |
| Bike to Farmers Market in Sun Prairie | Saturday, May 21 | |
| National Ride of Silence | Ride and honor those that have been injured or who have died in biking accidents | Saturday, May 21 |
JUNE
| Wisconsin Bike Week | From Commuter Stations to community rides, workshops, and even overnight camping trips, Wisconsin Bike Week is your chance for anyone to promote the best of their community by bike. | Saturday, June 4 to Saturday, June 11 |
| SP Moves Brats, Brews, and Bikes Ride Wednesday, June 8, 2022 | Volunteer to gather prize donations, coordinate food and drinks, be route leaders. - sign up here | Wednesday, June 8 |
| Colonial Club Strawberry Fest Bike Parking | Volunteer to set up and monitor bike parking - sign up here | Saturday, June 18 |
JULY AND AUGUST
| Wednesday Night Bike Ride (WNBR) | Join us for an evening bike ride! | Wednesday, July 6 |
| Pedal the Prairie 100 Mile Challenge | Join the Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department and pedal 100 miles throughout Sun Prairie and beyond. sign up link coming via SPPRF | Friday, July 1 to Sunday, August 31 |
Local Bicycle Routes
We know that bicycles are a form of transportation and enhance the wellness of all who live, work, and play in Sun Prairie. Below is a digital version of the local bicycle route map.
For a print copy, you can pick that up at any of the following locations:
- City Hall (300 East Main Street)
- Chamber of Commerce (109 East Main Street)
- Westside Community Services Building Parks and Recreation Department (2598 West Main Street)
For more information, please visit Trail & Bicycle Route Information - Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation & Forestry (cityofsunprairie.com)
Sustainability and Transportation
Cycling is considered to be one of the most sustainable modes of transportation. It causes virtually no damage to the environment, serves as a great way to be active, and is very cost effective. When considering where sustainability and transportation intersect, here are some great options to keep in mind:
RoundTrip
RoundTrip connects you to affordable, convenient alternatives to driving alone in the Madison region. RoundTrip makes it easy to explore your options, access incentives like Emergency Ride Home, and hit the road or bike path with other like-minded commuters.
EPA Fuel Savings Calculator
Use this tool to calculate annual fuel costs! It works by offering the combined fuel economy which is a weighted average of City and Highway MPG values that is calculated by weighting the City value by 55% and the Highway value by 45%. Click here to access it.
Bicycle Benefits
This program works in partnership with organizations and businesses to promote bicycling by receiving a Bicycle Benefits sticker, affixing it to your bicycle helmet, and receive discounts from participating business. Currently Sun Prairie has several business participating in this program, and those interested in offering benefits to their customers can learn more here.
Sun Prairie Bike Week Proclamation
On Tuesday, May 3, Mayor Esser proclaimed May 16 to 22 as Bike Week in Sun Prairie! He presented the proclamation to Sun Prairie Moves, a grassroots organization of cycling enthusiasts, parents, and other interested community members who want to improve the bicycling experience in Sun Prairie. To view the proclamation, click here.
Safety and Cycling
A safe environment for cyclist is essential and all members of the community play a role in ensuring there is safety for everyone. Keep scrolling to look at the different efforts and resources available on this topic.
The City of Sun Prairie | Pedestrian Safety Task Force
The Pedestrian Safety Task Force is led by the City’s Director of Public Works/City Engineer and has representatives from the following areas: Engineering, Public Works, Sun Prairie Utilities, Neighborhood Navigators, Police Department, Fire Department and Building Inspection. This task force study and produce recommendations that will enhance pedestrian safety throughout our community. Task force recommendations are be presented to the Public Works Committee for review and consideration.
The need for both a task force and adjusted speed limit arose as a result of multiple fatalities involving drivers and pedestrians occurring in the past year. On Tuesday, March 2nd at the City Council meeting, City Administrator Aaron Oppenheimer announced the formation of a staff level task force focused on enhancing pedestrian safety in Sun Prairie. There is no end date to the work of the task force as pedestrian safety enhancements requires ongoing planning and action.
To learn more about the task force and the Vision Zero lens applied to the work being done, go to the Hub Site.
Safe Biking Practices
The graphic below highlights essential bike practices for safety recommended by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT). Be sure to review and share with others!
Bike Checklist
It's always helpful to know your bike and have a safety checklist to review for safety standards. WisDOT has provided a bike safety checklist to help you stay on top of the needs of your bike and ensure you are doing your part to be a safe biker. You can check that out here.
Wisconsin Biking Resources
There are a great deal of biking-specific resources that can be found by visiting the League of American Bicyclist webpage. To review information on bike shops, clubs, advocacy organizations, classes, and more, click here.
Interested in learning what the building blocks are for a bicycle friendly community? The League has provided a great resource with helpful metrics on getting started, making progress, and setting the standard. Check out the graphic!