Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Streetsblog

Too-Broke-for-Bike-Lanes Wisconsin Building Pricey New DOT Headquarters

The culture war against biking and walking continues in Wisconsin under the guise of fiscal conservatism.

Te Wisconsin DOT's current headquarters. The state is going to spend $200 million for a new building but it supposedly can't afford bike lanes. Photo: Google Maps
Wisconsin DOT's current headquarters. The state is going to spend $200 million for a new DOT building but it supposedly can't afford bike lanes. Photo: Google Maps
false

James Rowen at the Political Environment relays the news that state lawmakers are preparing to put the kibosh on funding for walking and biking trails. That's in addition to a proposal to nix the state's complete streets policy. Rowen writes:

There is apparently a move underway by GOP legislators to insert language in the budget that would end the use of state funding, or federal funding passed through the state to localities, for various pedestrian and bike projects and trails.

Legislators who do not represent big cities often do not appreciate the extent of non-vehicle commuting and recreation. These legislators 'thinking' is: if localities want these facilities, they have to pay 100% of the cost -- though state-imposed spending caps make that outcome difficult-to-impossible, and no such one-dimensional approach is required when a street or highway expansion is planned.

Walker's budget already repeals the Complete Streets Act, which called for the addition of bike lanes or sidewalks on street projects above a certain expenditure level; the potential prohibition of spending on separate bike or pedestrian trails extends this one-sided 'transportation' model in Wisconsin.

In case there was any confusion about where the state government's priorities lie, Rowen also reports that the retrograde highway builders at Wisconsin DOT are in line to get a new, $200 million headquarters:

Scott Walker and his GOP legislative/budget-writing water carriers are cutting programs, raising state park entrance and camping fees, erasing bike trails and sidewalks from road projects, firing DNR scientists and refusing federal funds to help poor people obtain health insurance -- all in the name of fiscal restraint also termed "crap" by a GOP legislator -- but, by God, there shall be a new, $200 million palace built on Madison's West side for state transportation officials and their client road-builders who write politicians nice checks.

And to make sure this new WisDOT facility is built, GOP legislators are adding to the budget a provision that exempts the project from City of Madison zoning codes.

Elsewhere on the Network today: Mobilizing the Region reports that New Jersey's most dangerous street is in line for some much-needed improvements. And Greater Greater Washington says canceling Maryland's Purple Line would cost more than it would save.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

ALERT: GOP Moves to ‘Permanently’ Cut Reconnecting Communities Funding

The House Transportation Committee wants to slash funding for one of America's most critical equity-focused grant programs — unless advocates speak out and get them to reverse course.

April 30, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines: Duffy on Day 100 Edition

"Good Day New York" co-host Curt Menefee doesn't buy Sean Duffy's arguments against congestion pricing. Plus more news.

April 30, 2025

Arboricide! City Quietly Axes Street Tree Requests

Here's a tree-mendous piece of bad news. Not to mention, the agency closed out requests on Earth Day of all days.

April 30, 2025

Council Member Yusef Salaam Throws Support Behind Albany Push To Rein In Speeding Drivers

Council Member Yusef Salaam is using his lived experience to move towards the ultimate North Star of street safety: holding repeatedly reckless drivers accountable.

April 30, 2025

Council Pols Fume as NYPD Disputes Report of Racial Bias in Traffic Enforcement

"Like stop-and-frisk, the NYPD uses traffic stops as a tool to harass and humiliate Black and brown men and these stops often spiral into police brutality," said one expert.

April 29, 2025
See all posts