Biking

Fitchburg is a Bike-Friendly Community

The City of Fitchburg is proud to have been designated a Bicycle-Friendly Community by the League of American Cyclists, in recognition of its bike-centric approach to planning and construction, an extensive network of bike trails and paths, and the community's strong culture of cycling. Fitchburg is one of 23 bicycle-friendly communities in the state of Wisconsin, and the city's bike network connects riders to numerous bicycle-friendly universities and businesses in Fitchburg and the surrounding area. Fitchburg's initial designation was as a Bronze community, in 2012, with its designation increased to Silver in 2015 and confirmed in two successive renewals in 2019 and 2023.

As of 2024, Fitchburg's civic campus is also recognized as a Gold Bicycle-Friendly Business, one of a state-leading 20 Bicycle-Friendly Businesses in Fitchburg (as of January 2025), and one of just 3 designees in Fitchburg at the Gold or Platinum level.

Report: 2024 Economic Impact of Bicycle in Wisconsin

This report highlights the economic impacts of bicycling in Wisconsin, measured at $5.36 billion of economic output in 2022 alone. These economic benefits include jobs related to cycling, economic spending, taxes paid, and health and environmental benefits.

The document was prepared for the Governor's Bicycling Coordinating Council by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Bureau of Planning and Economic Development.

Fitchburg Sustainability Bike Tour

On May 22, 2021, as part of National Bike Month, City of Fitchburg staff and Bike Fitchburg led a tour of some of the sustainability initiatives across Fitchburg. We had a great outing, getting fresh air and exercise while learning about municipal solar projects (and residential solar opportunities), city stormwater management, urban green space, and alternative transportation options that all play a role in city sustainability considerations.

See Fitchburg Star's photos from the event online:

https://www.fitchburgstar.com/news/community/city-hosts-sustainability-bike-tour/article_23c4463d-ffdd-5faf-b6bc-6df5152560e4.html

Maps, Routes, and Additional Information

Fitchburg maintains a large network of paved paths, paved shoulders, bike lanes, and designated bike routes to support biking as an integral transportation mode within and throughout the city.

Fitchburg Bike Map

Get the latest Fitchburg bike map from the Fitchburg Chamber Visitor + Business Bureau now! The map was originally created in 2010 and has been updated three times, in 2013, 2018, and 2023, as a collaborative effort between the City of Fitchburg and the Fitchburg Chamber. It is pocket-size and chock-full of valuable information to enhance your biking experience in Fitchburg! Hard copies of the map are available at City Hall and the Fitchburg Chamber office (Fitchburg Agora 1st floor, 5500 E Cheryl Pkwy).

Online Bike Maps

The "paved paths" and Fitchburg bike map linked above are static maps, created in 2015 and 2019, respectively. For the most up-to-date representation of bicycle infrastructure in Fitchburg and the surrounding areas, see the following online maps maintained by Fitchburg, Madison, and Greater Madison MPO:

Fitchburg GIS web map (click the playground icon at the top right to show Parks options, then select the checkboxes for what you'd like to display on the map)
OpenStreetMap - Fitchburg (community-edited map with data on bike parking and other infrastructure)
Dane County Bicycle network (ArcGIS online map, legend found by clicking on the upper-right icon with three shapes next to horizontal lines)
Low-Stress Bike Route Finder (ArcGIS online map)
Dane County Bike Map, lower resolution (PDF map)
Dane County Bike Map, higher resolution (PDF map)
Mapa Para Andar en Bicicleta del condado de Dane - Referencias (PDF)

Fitchburg Family Fun Bike Rides

Want to find some fun bike rides for your family to enjoy in Fitchburg? Click on the I Love to Bike Family Fun Map to discover 4 recommended bike rides that your family will love! This brochure was produced as a collaboration between the Healthy Kids Collaborative, Pacific Cycle, and the Wisconsin Bike Federation to get families excited about biking in their community! Check out this cool resource and get your family pumped about being active and excited to explore a variety of bike rides throughout the City! The bike rides vary in length and complexity, so pick the one that is perfect for you and your family! Alternatively, choose one of these suggested bike routes from the Fitchburg Chamber Visitor + Business Bureau and get to know Fitchburg better on two wheels!

Fitchburg has become a biking destination for riders of all ages and abilities. Designated a Silver Level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists, Fitchburg features three mountain bike trails and five recreational trails, three of which are state trails. While you’re on two wheels in Fitchburg, veer off the trails to visit the eateries and local events, like the Fitchburg Farmers Market and Concerts at McKee, all easily accessible by well-kept paths and bike lanes.

¿Quieres encontrar paseos en bicicleta divertidos para que tu familia disfrute en Fitchburg? Haz clic en el ¡Amo andar en bici! mapa de diversión familiar para descubrir 4 paseos en bicicleta recomendados que le encantarán a tu familia. Este folleto se produjo como una colaboración entre Healthy Kids Collaborative, Pacific Cycle y Wisconsin Bike Federation para que las familias se entusiasmen con el ciclismo en su comunidad. ¡Consulta este fantástico recurso y anima a tu familia a estar activa y emocionada por explorar una variedad de paseos en bicicleta por toda la ciudad! Los paseos en bicicleta varían en duración y complejidad, así que elige el que sea perfecto para ti y tu familia. Como alternativa, elija una de estas rutas en bicicleta sugeridas por la Cámara de Comercio y Oficina de Turismo de Fitchburg y conozca mejor Fitchburg sobre dos ruedas.

Fitchburg se ha convertido en un destino ideal para ciclistas de todas las edades y niveles. Designada como Comunidad Amiga de la Bicicleta de Nivel Plata por la Liga de Ciclistas Estadounidenses, Fitchburg cuenta con tres senderos para ciclismo de montaña y cinco senderos recreativos, tres de los cuales son senderos estatales. Mientras recorre Fitchburg en bicicleta, aproveche para visitar los restaurantes y eventos locales, como el Mercado de Agricultores de Fitchburg y los Conciertos en McKee, todos fácilmente accesibles a través de senderos y carriles bici en excelente estado.

Road Construction and Impacts on Bicycle Network

See the link in the left sidebar for current projects impacting the bike network in Fitchburg. For a full listing of street projects that are underway, visit the Engineering & Construction page. Alternate routes for bike-related closures can be found using the online maps linked above, as well as the following resource from the Madison Area Transportation Planning Board: MATPB Other Projects

Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs)

What is an RRFB?

A Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon, or RRFB, is a pedestrian-activated warning device that consists of yellow LED rectangular flashing lights that draw attention to the crossing and provide information to approaching traffic that a bicyclist or pedestrian is trying to cross the street. Once the RRFB is activated, the rectangular-shaped beacons will begin to flash in an alternating, irregular pattern that is similar to emergency flashers on police vehicles.

What are the safety benefits of an RRFB?

RRFBs are low-cost safety improvements that have been proven to enhance pedestrian safety at uncontrolled, mid-block crosswalk locations. The top three benefits of an RRFB are:

1. Improved "yield to pedestrian" compliance from motorists,
2. Increased visibility and awareness of pedestrians and bicyclists who wish to cross the street, and
3. Clearly communicates with approaching motorists that there may be someone in the marked crosswalk when the beacons are flashing, reducing the threat of a rear-end crash for motorists who are yielding to a path user.

Learn more about RRFBs

Quarry Ridge Mountain Bike Trail emergency markers

The Quarry Ridge Mountain Bike Trail is an excellent location for getting outside, enjoying some fresh air and exercise, and improving your single-track riding whether you're just getting started or have more advanced skills. Activity on the trail has increased with more people looking to get outside during the pandemic, so Fitchburg Parks and Public Works staff have placed new emergency location markers around the trails. The markers are geotagged for faster location identification in an emergency; if you have need to contact any emergency assistance while at Quarry Ridge, look for one of the new markers to more quickly relay your position.