In response to the recent letter criticizing road cyclists in the Verona area, I would like to offer some clarity and a reminder of both the law and the shared responsibilities we all carry as members of a community.
First, Wisconsin law is unequivocal on this matter. Wisconsin Statute § 346.02(4)(a) states that every person riding a bicycle upon a roadway is granted all the rights and is subject to all the duties applicable to the driver of a motor vehicle. Cyclists are not merely permitted on public roads. They are protected by law as rightful users of them.
The suggestion that cyclists are clogging lanes or traveling in circles to no destination implies that their presence is optional or frivolous. But cycling, whether done for exercise, transportation, or leisure, is a valid and valuable use of public infrastructure. Roads do not exist solely for the convenience of cars. They are public spaces, paid for by all of us, and meant to support many forms of transit.
Yes, there are a few cyclists who behave irresponsibly, just as there are drivers who tailgate, text behind the wheel, or fail to yield. But most cyclists in our area ride with care, follow the law, and signal their movements. They do not deserve to be villainized for the actions of a few. The frustrations some drivers feel do not justify stripping others of their legal rights or access to safe roads.
It is also misleading to claim that bike paths eliminate the need for cyclists on roads. Paths rarely offer continuous, uninterrupted routes, nor do they always serve the areas where cyclists need or want to ride. Bike paths are a complement, not a substitute, for safe, bike-accessible roads.
Rather than push cyclists off public streets, we should be advocating for better infrastructure for all, including protected bike lanes, driver education on sharing the road, and city planning that promotes safe multimodal transportation. This benefits not only cyclists but also drivers and pedestrians by reducing congestion, improving health outcomes, and cutting emissions.
If someone feels inconvenienced by sharing the road with a cyclist, it may be time for a perspective shift. Just as we were all taught to share on the playground, we must extend that same principle to our streets. Roads are not the private domain of motor vehicles.
So to the original letter writer, the reality is that cyclists have every right to be on the road, and that is not going to change. Whether people bike for exercise, fun, or to get around, they are part of the community just like drivers. It is time to get comfortable with sharing the road.
Trevor Bass
Verona