Informational signs proposed for bike paths
11:04 PM 10/28/03
Dean Mosiman City government reporter

The spandex and spokes set may soon see stylish signs across Madison showing everything from the best shortcuts to the nearest cheeseburger. <

It would be like cruising the Interstate with the assurance signs will point to a gas pump or motel. <

In an emerging partnership, the city, the Bike Federation of Wisconsin, Trek Bicycles, and Boelter Designs are proposing a unique system of kiosks for the city bike-path system that would provide information on paths and area landmarks, businesses, and even bike-path etiquette. <

The partners hope to put up about 20 signs next spring. <

"Madison is always cited in national magazines as being bike friendly, but this will take Madison to another level," Mayor Dave Cieslewicz said. "On Madison's bike paths, not only could you leave your map at home, you would always know where to find the nearest park or restaurant. <

The city's Pedestrian, Bicycle and Motor Vehicle Commission heard a presentation on the proposed system Tuesday night. <

The sign system would be a neat complement to the city's growing bike-path system, which features about 30 miles of paths and 100 miles of routes, pedestrian-bicycle coordinator Arthur Ross said. <

"It helps put things together for people at a place where they need information the most, out on the trails," he said. <

Ross said he hasn't found signs with such detail anywhere in the nation. <

The city has created an enviable path system, largely because the public has demanded it, and the signs will help people enjoy the system more, said Marjorie Ward, executive director of Bicycle Federation Wisconsin. . <

The signs initially may carry basic information about trails and landmarks, such as the Capitol or UW-Madison, and perhaps etiquette for cyclists, in-line skaters, joggers and walkers, Ward said. The references to restaurants and other businesses would probably come later, she said. <

The bulk of the cost will be borne by the private sector, and the city will likely cover maintenance, Ward said. The sponsors will also be seeking input from cyclists, neighborhoods and others. <

"It's such a fantastic public-private partnership," she said. "It's a great project." <