BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN NETWORK
Photo: SEWRPC Staff
The ability to support biking and walking is an important component of improving quality of life and achieving healthy, vibrant communities. Recognizing the benefits of encouraging active transportation, the bicycle and pedestrian facilities element of VISION 2050 recommends a well-connected bicycle and pedestrian network that improves access to activity centers, neighborhoods, and other destinations in the Region. In the sections below, review the key recommendations related to the Region's bicycle and pedestrian network as well as a summary of recent progress towards achieving these recommendations. Then, explore relevant metrics the Commission monitors using the following interactive maps and charts.
WHAT VISION 2050 RECOMMENDS:
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Expanding the on-street bike network, including enhanced bike facilities (e.g., protected or buffered bike lanes) in key regional corridors
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Expanding off-street paths to provide a well-connected network
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Providing sidewalks in areas of existing or planned urban development
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Minimizing crashes involving bicyclists and pedestrians
HOW ARE WE DOING?
Activity since VISION 2050 was originally adopted in 2016
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â–² Expansion of the on-street, off-street, and enhanced bike facility networks
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â–² Bike share expansion
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â–¼ Total crashes involving pedestrians has increased slightly
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â–² Total crashes involving bicyclists has decreased slightly
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â–¼ Crashes involving pedestrians resulting in a fatality or serious injury has increased
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â–² Crashes involving bicyclists resulting in a fatality or serious injury has decreased
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EXISTING BICYCLE NETWORK
Existing Bicycle Network in Southeastern Wisconsin: 2019
Source: SEWRPC
NONMOTORIZED COUNTS
Since 2015, the Commission has partnered with Milwaukee County, Ozaukee County, the City of Milwaukee, and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) to count bicycles and pedestrians at permanent and short-term locations primarily along the long-distance off-street paths in Southeastern Wisconsin. The purpose of this regional nonmotorized count program is to better understand volumes and volume trends on the regional off-street path system. The count data are characterized by area type (urban, suburban, rural), weekly volume trends that indicate utilitarian and recreational use, changes in volume by season, temperature, and weather conditions. More information about the regional nonmotorized count program can be found on SEWRPC's website.
Permanent and Short-Term Nonmotorized Counts
in Southeastern Wisconsin: 2015-2019
Source: City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Ozaukee County, WisDOT, and SEWRPC
BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN SAFETY
Total Number of Vehicular Crashes Involving Bicycles or Pedestrians as Reported in the Region: 1994-2018
Between 1994 and 2018, the number of vehicular crashes involving bicycles and pedestrians significantly decreased by about 55% and 43%, respectively.
Source: SEWRPC
Total Number of Vehicular Crashes Involving Bicycles or Pedestrians Resulting in a Fatality or a Serious Injury as Reported in the Region: 1994-2018
The number of vehicular crashes in the Region resulting in a bicycle or pedestrian fatality or serious injury decreased between 1994 and 2014 by 72% and 62%, respectively.
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Since 2014, the number of crashes resulting in a bicycle fatality or serious injury has decreased by an additional 10%, while the number of crashes resulting in a pedestrian fatality or serious injury has increased by 31%.
Source: SEWRPC