'We hear it from our riders': Bublr Bikes advocates for protected bike lanes to help curb reckless driving

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A local nonprofit is looking to protect cyclists and curb reckless driving.

Bublr Bikes, Milwaukee bike share program, is advocating for more protected bike lanes to be added on the streets of Milwaukee.

"We hear it from our riders, and the research shows that protected bike infrastructure is really effective at addressing reckless driving," said James Davies, executive director of Bublr Bikes.

Protected bike lanes, according to the city of Milwaukee's websites, are physical dividers to separate people biking from people driving and walking. These exclusive bike lanes combine the user experience of a trail with the on-street design of a traditional bike lane. A variety of dividers can be used to separate people biking from people driving, including concrete curbs, planters, posts, or even parked cars.

Nearly 2,900 people use bikes in Milwaukee to commute.

"People that use it (Bublr Bikes) to get to work, and there are people that use it to get to school," said Davies.

Davies believes adding protected lanes to city streets will boost the safety of not only cyclists but motorists as well.

"Had a barrier, it would sort of narrow what you feel as a travel lane, and without anything else, people just feel that and naturally go slower," said Davies.

The 2023 city budget included $500,000 in special funds that are part of Mayor Johnson’s goal of making Milwaukee a more bike-friendly city, something Davies said is a step in the right direction.

"I don’t think there is like a silver bullet, but I think something that should definitely be in the mix is building out this protected bike infrastructure."

There are some leaders who question whether or not protected bike lanes could work in the city.

CBS 58 reached out to those leaders, but they were unavailable for comment.