Dane County: Best for Biking

Biking is a big part of our quality of life and a way for people to get out and enjoy our lakes and countryside. Just this summer, the League of American Bicyclists has awarded Dane County one of its top awards, recognizing it as one of the top counties for biking. Dane County is one of only seven counties in the entire country to earn this designation.

There are over 645 miles of bike lanes and trails in Dane County. Over the past several years, we have invested millions in new off-road trails and efforts to make on-road biking safer.

Just this spring we started construction of the Lower Yahara River Trail, a waterfront path that has the longest bike and pedestrian bridge of any project in Wisconsin. This trail will connect Lake Farm county park with McFarland and eventually will wind its way down the Yahara river to Stoughton. Planning will soon get under way on the Glacial Drumlin Trail, and a new North Mendota Trail to help provide safer cycling.

A grant program I started in 2011 has awarded $3.2 million in county funds to local municipalities for bike projects. These grants expand bike trail interconnectivity, create destination-oriented regional bike trails, and improve bike safety.

Late last year, we opened the Brigham Trail, a hard surface multi-use trail in the Town of Blue Mounds. The off-road trail is approximately 1.5 miles long and extends from the Military Ridge State Trail to Brigham County Park and also includes a connection to the Cave of the Mounds, a National Natural Landmark.

We are excited to be recognized for our work to strategically grow and connect Dane County bike trails. While you are enjoying the weather this summer check out our parks department website for up-to-date information on bike trails.

Posted in Newsletter.