Bicycle boulevard coming to Riverwest in 2020

The City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works has received federal funding to design and construct two intersecting bicycle boulevards on North Fratney St. and E. Wright St.

Bicycle boulevards, also known as neighborways or calm streets, are designed to create low-stress, bicycle-friendly environments through the use of signs, pavement markings, speed bumps and traffic circles. As a result, the neighborhood becomes safer and more attractive for bicyclists. As a case study in Barkeley, California pointed out, bicycle boulevards can also attract homeowners and businesses who want direct connectivity to them.

The project will construct approximately 2.1 miles of bicycle boulevard along Fratney St. from Keefe Ave. to Meinecke Ave., and along Wright St. from Palmer St. to the Oak Leaf Trail connection near Gordon Place.

Final plans are expected to be completed by Fall of 2019, and construction will begin by Summer of 2020.

N. Fratney St. and E. Wright St. were chosen for their proximity to several busy streets. Both streets already have relatively low traffic. According to the DPW, less than 150 cars per hour drive down Wright and less than 75 cars drive down Fratney during their busiest hours. The addition of the bicycle boulevards to these streets would offer a comfortable alternative to riding along a busy street like North Ave.

The first public meeting for the project will take place on March 29^th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at The Vibe at Riverworks Development Center located at 528 E. Concordia Ave. The event is an open house, and all are welcome to stop in at any time between those hours. The DPW is asking for suggestions as to what the neighborhood would like to see on their bicycle boulevards.