Bicycle Friendly Community

Sheboygan County, WI | Bronze Level

Community Highlights: In 2006, Sheboygan County was chosen as one of four communities in the US to receive federal funding to build out its bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. Sheboygan was chosen for the unique challenges it possesses, including more rural communities and an auto-orientated culture. However, three decades before this, Sheboygan was an early community to develop an off-road multi-use path adjacent to a state highway. This path was innovate for its time, and was the first spark to ignite the non-motorized movement. The federal funding helped solidify and make present the old and deep-rooted interest in bicycling for Sheboygan. Additionally, roughly $8 million in non-federal money has been leveraged as well to address gaps in the existing bicycle network. Ultimately, a comprehensive trail system will allow Sheboygan to be the bicycle hub of Wisconsin, connecting Chicago to Green Bay via nearly all off-road bike routes. However, the community did not invest only financially in its bicycle-related projects, but there has also been a great deal of personal involvement and dedication from area residents. From those first time commuters during Bike and Walk to Work Week to the generous Bike and Walking School Bus volunteers, Sheboygan County is a community whose residents are enthusiastic about and dedicated to bicycling. These excellent and long-lasting partnerships between decision-makers and area residents ensure that a cultural shift towards biking as a viable means of transportation will last long into the future.

Most Significant Recent Accomplishment: Sheboygan County has invested heavily in its first ever rails-to-trails project. This project converts an unsightly and abandoned rail corridor in the heart of the City to an off-road multi-use path. This project stands out not only because of the large investment it requires, but because of the collaboration required to make it work. Funding comes from two federal grants, and County and City funding. Numerous public meetings and involvement from several public entities are helping make the rails-to-trails project a success. Engineering is nearly complete and the project is set for construction in 2012.

Most Compelling Community Statistic: Sheboygan County performs bicycle and pedestrian counts at several locations around the County. The most current data shows that bicycle usage increased almost 23 percent between 2007 and 2010 at the eight count locations.