Fox Cities Greenways News

Bike/Pedestrian Mini-Series for elected officials.

2012-01-24T21:11:00.000-06:00

Fox Cities Greenways is planning to hold three early morning educational programs dealing with the subject of making biking and walking in the Fox Cities easier and safer, and justified by the community. The first program kicks off Friday, January 27 at 7:30am at Atlas Coffee Mill and continues the next two Fridays, concluding February 10, 2012.

Registration and refreshments (coffee, tea, scones, fruit, and juices) begin at 7:00am. The cost for each participant is $25 for all three programs, or $10 individually. Space is limited, so early registration is suggested.

January 27th “Why bicycle and pedestrian access is important in your community” Jack Zabrowski, Bike/Pedestrian Coordinator in LaCrosse County. Jack will discuss how the LaCrosse area became a nationally recognized “Bike Friendly Community,” and what it’s meant to the local area.

February 3rd “Healthy Communities begin with Safe Trails: A look at the Fox Cities L.I.F.E. Study and how it translates to your community.” Margie Weiss, PhD and President of Weiss Health Group. Margie will share the findings of the latest “Leading Indicators for Excellence” Study as it relates to healthy lifestyles and safe routes for biking and walking.

February 10th “Developing and Implementing A Bike/Pedestrian Plan” Green Bay City Planner Nick Sparocio has seen the contentious Military Avenue renovation go from something bikers and pedestrians feared to bike/ped friendly. He will show officials how to get community support for your bike/ped plan.

Please call Dave Muench at (920)422-1789 with questions.

Print and mail in Registraton form

Time to Weigh in with Congress on Complete Streets

2011-12-13T18:17:00.000-06:00

On Wednesday morning, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will consider an amendment offered by Alaska Senator Mark Begich to provide safe and adequate accommodations for all users in all federally-funded street projects. This means safer roads for everyone, including those who walk, bicycle, ride transit, or drive cars.

We need you to voice your support TODAY for the Senator Begich amendment to S. 1950 on “safety for motorized and nonmotorized users.”

This is the first time in over six years that our federal representatives will take a vote on Complete Streets language—take action now!

Go to the Safe Routes to School website to find out how you can help make a difference.

Register now for 2011's Biggest Bicycle Bash

2011-10-31T17:17:00.002-05:00

The Saris gala will benefit the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin, November 11th in Madison. This is to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the first US Cycling Team to compete in the Tour de France. Find more information: http://www.sariscyclinggroup.com/index.php/2010-saris-gala.html

Important Meetings Trail Advocates Should Attend

2011-10-15T08:41:00.000-05:00

Monday, October 17 at 6 pm at Menasha City Hall - Last March Menasha was awarded a $300,000 grant to complete a connecting segment to our system from the end of Province Terrace (by the new fire ... station & Natures Way) to the corner of Plank and Oneida where the Friendship Trail currently ends. Because of the matching requirements, 4 aldermen voted to reject these funds which would eliminate any hope of ever completing the trail or providing connectivity to the entire community.

This project will not add to property tax rates, and will likely help reduce rates as people like to live within easy access to trails increasing home values and new construction. This trail will also provide access for a day care to bring children safely to the conservancy increasing the marketability of their daycare center with that much more for the children there to do. Furthermore, it will provide the ONLY safe access from the east side to the older parts of the city, library, and pool. Right now everyone east of Oneida street has a very difficult time getting to the rest of the community unless they drive there.

There will be a second vote on this item October 17 so all our Menasha trail advocates need to attend this meeting or call their alderman to voice their support.

More informtion is at Mayor Don Merkes' facebook

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Monday, October 17 at 7 pm - City of Neenah Town Hall Meeting - At risk is a section of trail along Lakeshore Avenue by Kimberly Point Park. Some residents are strongly opposing an off-street bike/ped trail proposed for the 2012 road reconstruction project. The meeting is a 1 hour open forum for any comments on any subject and it would be a good place for the trail issue to be discussed. You do not need to pre-register. Just show up and give your opinion and testimony as to why we need a trail on Lakeshore.

The council meeting is immediately after the town hall meeting and trail supporters intend to present a petition in support of this trail. The council will decide whether to fund a trail or not in the next 30 days, so this is a very important time to impress on the council that the trail is not just a safety issue, not just a neighborhood issue, but a regional issue as the area is heavily used by people from all over the valley. The chance to finally complete this missing link of the city pedestrian trail plan may not present itself again so this is the time to make your voices heard.

Plan now to attend the "Boomer" Bike Expo at Gardens of the Fox Cities

2011-09-29T06:47:00.000-05:00

The Appleton Parks and Recreation Dept. is hosting a "Boomer" Bike Expo at the Gardens of the Fox Cities in Appleton Memorial Park, Tue., Oct. 4, (was postponed from Sept. 27)10:00 a.m. - Noon. Cost: Free, but register by calling 832-3917. Try out different types of bikes from Wheel & Sprocket, get a free bike safety check, talk about the new bike paths and learn about trails. Receive a bottle of water and trail mix for attending. More information at www.appleton.org.

Mark your calendar and plan to attend the September 10th Bike Fest event!

2011-08-29T21:11:00.000-05:00

Celebrate cycling in the Fox Valley with Kimberly-Clark and the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin at "Fed Fest" on September 10th from 1-5 PM at the Appleton City Park pavillion.

Join us for a celebration, a bike ride, and food!

Additional information at http://www.bfw.org/. Registering online is appreciated so we can plan for refreshments.

Family friendly 5-mile bike ride at Heckrodt Wetland Preserve August 21

2011-08-07T11:39:00.000-05:00

Bring the family out to enjoy an information and fun "Bird by Bike" ride. For more info, click here:
Bird by Bike ride

Bike safety and bike laws will be taught in a special "Confident Cycling Class & Ride" on Sunday 7/17

2011-07-15T06:37:00.000-05:00

Confident Cycling Class & Ride

Sunday, July 17, 7:00 pm, City Park in Appleton

Come to the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin's FREE Confident Cycling Class & Ride! Whether you are an everyday rider, only ride once in a while, or want to teach your family how to better ride on the road, everyone is sure to learn a few things at this informative class for adults.

Learn:

• How to ride safely and legally in traffic
• Basic bike laws
• How to avoid common crashes
• Practice riding in traffic

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Scott Reilly at scott.reilly@bfw.org

Funding for trails, Safe Routes to School and more are in jeopardy. Your help is needed Today!

2011-07-10T17:19:00.000-05:00

House Transportation Chairman John Mica (R-FL) announced today that his transportation bill will eliminate dedicated funding for bicycling and walking, including Transportation Enhancements, Safe Routes to School and the Recreational Trails Program, and discourage states from choosing to spend their dollars on these activities that are "not in the federal interest." Chairman Mica's statement that these programs remain "eligible" for funding is worthless; without dedicated funding for these three programs, they are effectively eliminated.

Please contact your Senators and Representatives TODAY to tell them that bicycling and walking are a critical part of a safe and equitable transportation system. Ask them to tell Representative Mica and Senators Boxer and Inhofe that a federal transportation bill must continue dedicated funding for bicycling and walking. http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/national/763249

"HAPPY TRAILS" Fun Run/Walk/Bike Event- May 21

2011-03-30T17:06:00.006-05:00

The 1st Annual "Happy Trails" Event will be held on Saturday, May 21, at Telulah Park in Appleton. Registration is from 6:30 - 8 AM. This is a fun family event to showcase our trail system and the new water trail portages on the Fox River. T-shirts, refreshments, and drawings for prizes donated by Recyclist and Run Away Shoes are included in the registration fee. Please note that entry fee is waived for individuals or families who would like to purchase an annual membership in Fox Cities Greenways, Inc. Please download and print registration form at: http://www.focol.org/greenways/HappyTrails2011.pdf.

Download - Map of trails

TRAILS FOR TOMORROW WORKSHOP- May 19

2011-03-30T09:54:00.003-05:00

Please join us for the 2nd Annual Trails for Tomorrow Workshop sponsored by Fox Cities Greenways. It will take place at the Miron Construction Company Corporate Office, 1471 McMahon Rd. Neenah, on Thursday, May 19, 8 AM to 3 PM. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about greenway/trail planning in our area, government programs and policies that affect the way we use trails, and opportunities to promote and support healthy activities and a healthy environment. For more information as to programming, speakers, and registration, please go to: http://www.focol.org/greenways/planning/2011_Greenways_Workshop.pdf. Additional registration information is available at: http://www.focol.org/greenways/workshop.htm

BIKE TO WORK WEEK - MAY 15-21

2011-03-30T08:35:00.007-05:00

Please join us for the following activities during Bike to Work Week 2011!

Sunday, May 15 - Bike to Worship Day

Monday, May 16 - Trail Day. Get yourself one of the newly published trail maps and try a new trail. Maps are available at http://www.foxcitiesgreenways.org/ Get up and Ride Kick Off - Take the Get Up and Ride Challenge, sponsored by the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin, as part of a workplace team or as an individual. Fun, Free, and Healthy! Go to http://www.challenge.bfw.org/ for more information and to sign up.

Tuesday, May 17 - B-BOP Day Think Green. Bike, Bus, or Pool (B-BOP) to work today.

Wednesday, May 18 - Bike with a Buddy

Thursday, May 19 - Bike Safety Day and 2nd Annual Trails for Tomorrow Workshop, Sponsored by Fox Cities Greenways Held at Miron Construction Company Corporate Office at 1471 McMahon Rd., Neenah. For further information and registration please see our events page at http://www.focol.org/greenways/Events.html

Friday, May 20 - Bike to Work Day Ride your bike to work. Encourage your workplace to participate if they aren't already involved.

Saturday, May 21 - First Annual "Happy Trails" Run/Walk/Bike Event, Sponsored by Fox Cities Greenways
On the last day of Bike to Work Week, join Fox Cities Greenways for a fun, family day on the trails! Telulah Park, 1300 East Newberry St, Appleton. Registration begins at 8 AM. This will be a 5K fun run/walk/bike event to introduce participants to our great trail system. Canoe and kayak demonstrations along the new water trail portages will be a highlight. Shirts, refreshments, and drawings for items donated by Recyclist and Run Away Shoes will be included. Registration is accepted on day of event but pre-registration is encouraged and appreciated.

To access registration form: http://www.focol.org/greenways/HappyTrails2011.pdf

Across America By Bicycle

2011-03-30T08:10:00.003-05:00

Saturday, April 16, 11:00 AM, at the Menasha Public Library. Newly retired authors, Alice Honeywell and Bobbi Montgomery, realized their dream of riding 3600 miles across the United States from Oregon to Maine. Come hear their story! This is part of the Fox Cities Book Festival. For more information: http://www.foxcitiesbookfestival.org/.

Nationally Recognized Sports Nutritionist Comes to the Fox Valley

2011-03-29T22:12:00.000-05:00

APPLETON, WI - On Tuesday, April 5th Bob Seebohar, one of the top sport dietitians in the country will be presenting at the Warch Cinema from 7-9pm. The subject of his presentation is Metabolic Efficiency Training and Nutrition Periodization for Endurance Athletes. Bob is being brought to the Fox Cities through the collaboration of three local organizations: Peak Performance Physical Therapy, Your Training Zone, and Lawrence University. Kari Sturtevant, Physical Therapist and owner of Peak Performance, is thrilled to play a role in bringing a nutritionist of this caliber to our community, stating “I understand the important role of nutrition in any athlete’s training program and I am excited that Fox Cities athletes, endurance and otherwise, will be able to learn and ask questions from one of the best.”

Bob is an exercise physiologist and a registered dietitian specializing in sports nutrition. He has years of experience working with athletes of all ages and abilities in improving their health and performance through proper nutrition and training principles. He specializes in teaching athletes, coaches and sport dietitians how to develop a specific nutrition plan based on personal performance goals at any given point in the training year. Bob is a USA Triathlon Certified Expert Coach, a USA Cycling Certified Coach, and an NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.

“There is a great deal of information out there about nutrition for athletes,” states Mike Pierson M.D., owner of Your Training Zone. “Having trained many endurance athletes, I can tell you that it is a combination of a well developed training plan along with a proper nutrition plan from a trusted source that provides athletes the ability to reach their full potential.” On April 5th Bob will explain his approach to sports nutrition as an athlete, coach and a registered dietitian including topics such as:

how to use the latest nutritional research covering carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fluids, electrolytes and supplements in training and racing,

how to use Nutrition Periodization to keep your immune system healthy and support your workouts,

how to develop a specific nutrition plan based on personal performance goals at any given point during the training year, and

how to conserve precious carbohydrates, burn more fat and get to the finish line faster and stronger.

The event will take place on Lawrence University Campus at the Warch Cinema. “WelLU is excited to welcome Bob Seebohar to the Lawrence campus for his nutrition presentation. I believe he offers extremely beneficial nutrition strategies for athletes of all ages and fitness levels, from recreational to competitive. I hope our students and our community take advantage of this unique opportunity,” said Erin Buenzli, Director of Wellness and Recreation at Lawrence University. Admission for the presentation is $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Individuals with a Lawrence ID are admitted free. For more information, visit PeakPerformanceFoxValley.com

Making a Connection: Linking Hilbert, Chilton, and New Holstein by Connecting the Fox River Trail and the Solomon Trail

2011-03-08T00:37:00.002-06:00

Input and feedback is needed to help plan a connection linking the Fox River State Trail and the Solomon Trail. The Calumet County Interurban Trail Steering Commmitttee invites you to participate in one of the following trail planning workshops:

Wednesday, March 30th, 7 PM -8 PM
Town of Chilton Town Hall, N4695 CTH BB, Chilton, WI 53014

Thursday, March 31st, 9 AM-10 AM
Town of New Holstein Town Hall, W1465 Tecumseh Road, New Holstein, WI 53016

Thursday, March 31st, 7 PM-8 PM
Hilbert Community Center, 45 N. 5th Street, Hilbert, WI 54129

Participants will be asked preferences about trails (i.e. types, uses, locations, amenities). The information collected will be used in the development of a conceptual trail plan.

For more information, please contact:
Dena Mleziva - Calumet County Planner
206 Court Street
Chilton, WI 53014
920-849-1442
mleziva.dena@co.calumet.wi.us

Register soon for the Newton Blackmour 5k run/walk on April 9

2011-03-02T22:01:00.000-06:00

On April 9th, 2011, there will be a 5K run/walk held in Black Creek. It will be on the Newton Blackmour State Trail, which is a recreation trail that is used for running, walking, biking, horseback riding, etc. (non motorized vehicles) in the spring, summer and fall. In the winter the trail is also open to snowmobiles. The trail currently runs from the Duck Creek Trail (just east of Seymour) to Hwy 47 in Black Creek (9 miles). When it is completed it will continue through Shiocton to New London (23 miles). The proceeds from the 5K will go to Friends of Newton Blackmour Trail, a non-profit organization, to continue the development of the trail. The 5K is on the events page with a link to the registration print out: http://www.focol.org/greenways/events.html

Also, anyone with questions can email Amber Gloudemans at: gloudemansa@gmail.com or call her at (920) 659-2355.

Fox Cities Viewpoint - from Greenways President Dave Muench

2011-02-08T18:27:00.000-06:00

A phrase I hadn’t thought of for awhile “No man is an island” came to mind as I was thinking about the successes of Fox Cities Greenways. Our successes were enhanced through alliances with other groups. Our alliance with the local YMCA improves our efforts with Activate Fox Cities, a healthy-lifestyle program. Our partnering with Friends of the Fox helps both of us succeed in developing a water trail on the Fox River. Our work in conjunction with East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission makes our Safe Routes to School project much more effective, and East Central Planning makes us look good and function well because of the maps and technical support they provide us. In addition, we help make them look good in the eyes of their funding sources, the local counties and municipalities.

Sure, we could do things by ourselves and take all the glory, but things would not happen as quickly or easily. There is more than enough credit to go around, and that’s fine with us.

This is Dave Muench, President of Fox Cities Greenways, and this is our Fox Cities Viewpoint.

Our newsletter - Greenways Ink for Winter 2010/2011 is now online

2011-01-16T22:21:00.002-06:00

The winter 2010/2011 edition of Greenways Ink, the Fox Cities Greenways newsletter, is now online at http://www.focol.org/greenways/newsletter.html.

In this edition:

Fox Cities Greenways Annual Meeting information. Please join us at Pullmans in Appleton on January 27 at 5:30 to learn more about our accomplishments in the past year and listen to guest speaker Linda Stoll who'll be sharing information about the Fox Cities Paper Trail. If you'd like to attend, please RSVP mgard1937@live.com so we can plan for food and beverages.

A list of local winter trails for snowshoeing & sking.

Trail updates and events including information about our first annual Happy Trails 5K Run/Walk/Ride in May. You'll also find information on what's new with the Fox Wisconsin Heritage Parkway.

FOX CITIES GREENWAYS ANNUAL MEETING AND SOCIAL

2011-01-12T15:46:00.002-06:00

2011 Fox Cities Greenways
Annual Meeting and Social
January 27, Thursday evening

Join us and meet other Valley residents that are interested in land and water trail development. Learn of the 2010 success stories and the plans in progress for 2011.

Place: Pullman's - located in Trolley Square
Located on Olde Oneida Street in Appleton. Overlooking the Fox River.

Time: 5:30 Social and Silent Auction
Yummy Hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. Sodas and water furnished - no charge.

6:30 Short meeting followed by a presentation on the Fox Cities Paper Trail by Linda Stoll

After the meeting, stay and visit with your friends and members of the Greenways Board.
Talk about your ideas for trails in the Fox Cities area.
Pick up your Silent Auction treasures.

This year's annual meeting takes place in a social atmosphere at Pullman's located in Trolley Square.
Free hors d'ouerves and water or soda will be available as well as a cash bar. There will be tables and chairs for relaxing and visiting as well as a meeting area. The silent auction will include items from Jansport, gift certificates, and a canoe paddle with decorative engravings made by a master carver in the north woods of Wisconsin.

President, Dave Muench, will give a short address and we will move swiftly to the speaker.
Our speaker is Linda Stoll. She will speak about the Paper Trail, a topic in which she is well versed, since she is the creator of the idea and was involved in its initial development. Speakers from various cities that touch on the Paper Trail will give short updates on the development and progress of the Paper Trail in their communities. This is the trail that will encircle the perimeter of the Fox Cities, with eventual spokes to a central hub.

The meeting will end with a question and answer session and socialization with other guests and/or the Greenways board. We hope you will attend.

The Dane County Bicycle Association is inviting applications for the 2011 grant cycle.

2010-12-07T22:04:00.000-06:00

Each year DCBA invites proposals from organizations to fund projects that promote bicycling in Wisconsin. DCBA annually awards grants that total approximately $10,000. Most individual awards are range from $500 to $2,500.

Grant applications are due by January 31, 2011 for the upcoming grant cycle. Grants awards will be announced at the February 20, 2011 DCBA Board of Directors meeting.

For nearly 30 years DCBA has provided grants to improve the quality, scope and effectiveness of bicycling education, usage ,and advocacy. DCBA grants have funded a variety of bicycling projects, including sponsoring bicycle events, supporting bicycle advocacy efforts, promoting bicycling for young people, and publishing bicycle touring routes. In recent years, the emphasis has been on funding projects that expand the bicycling community and offer resources and services to lower income individuals and households.

Grant application materials can be found on the DCBA website www.danecountybicycle.org or by contacting Bill Putnam at (608) 770-8242 or bill.putnam@sbcglobal.net

WisDOT Transportation Enhancement and Bicycle and Pedestrian Projects

2010-11-13T07:17:00.000-06:00

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation released a list of bike and pedestrian projects funded through the Local Transportation Enhancements (TE) program for 2011 through 2013. Included in this list are several trail projects in the Fox Cities:

Town of Greenville, $768,700 grant for the development of a bike-pedestrian trail along County CB corridor, linking to the existing CB trail in the Town of Menasha. Considered a major bike-to-work route for more than 4,000 employees working in the vicinity of Outagamie County Regional Airport.

City of Menasha, $301,888 grant for the development of a recreational trail link to state Friendship Trail from the Kwik Trip at U.S. 10/State 114 and Oneida Street north through a city-owned conservancy area to Natures Way and an existing trail along the Province Terrace corridor.

Village of Little Chute, $1.5 million grant for the replacement of the Mill Street lift bridge, providing boating access through two locks and pedestrian-bike access to a new 1.1-mile riverfront trail between Island and Heesakker parks.

East-Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, $120,000 grant for a bicycle and pedestrian plan for the Fox Cities and Oshkosh.

Source: State Department of Transportation. View the complete list of projects in Wisconsin here: www.dot.wisconsin.gov/localgov/docs/te-grants.pdf

Greenways members include biking into travels

2010-10-29T10:25:00.001-05:00

report by Greenways President Dave Muench

When our issue of “Bike Friendly Communities” arrived in the mail, it became a part of planning for our trip to the Pacific Northwest. We already had planned to visit Portland, OR (#3 best biking community) because our friends live there, but included a stop to take on some trails in the Grand Tetons and Jackson Hole. Portland proved to be everything written about it and more. There is a great 3.5 mile loop trail in the downtown along the Willamette River which connected to the downtown and to a 20+ mile rural section which passes an amusement park and nature area. Lots of commuting bikers, but still way too many vehicles (and they have numerous accidents because of the high numbers of both). Seattle had well-marked bike routes and a nice trail along the water connecting to Pikes Market. Like Portland, Seattle has lots of bike parking, indoors and out, and great bike route maps.

Our friends suggested we go to Victoria on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Ferry rides from the mainland are not as frequent from the U.S. in October as they are in summer, but Canada offers many more opportunities. Victoria is well worth the extra effort for bicyclists. The city of about 350,000 is very bicycle friendly, as is the whole island. Motorists are also much more bicycle friendly. My wife, the trail rider, felt comfortable on their city streets. They ride year-round in much of the Pacific Northwest, but especially here. The weather is very temperate and the people are very friendly. Our biggest surprise – motor vehicles have to stop for trail users. Motorists have stop signs and trail users keep on moving.

Two weeks just isn’t enough if you want to really explore several communities on bikes, so we had to pass up Billings, Montana. Too bad. On the day we were passing through, they had their main trail fundraiser - “Ales for Trails.” Beer and biking - what could be better? We did find some gems, like Livingston, Montana. Like a lot of communities we visited, it has trails and is bike friendly. You can see a lot more of a community from a bike than you can in a car.

Please Support - People For Bikes.org

2010-10-08T13:11:00.003-05:00

FCGI just learned about a great new website to support pro-bike policies and spread the joy of bikes! Check out peopleforbikes.org! They're collecting one million names in support of a better world for biking -- one that's safer, more convenient, and more appealing for everyone.

From the site:
Every day, millions of Americans like us ride for their health, for the environment, for their communities, and for the pure joy of bicycling. But until now, only a tiny fraction of riders have stood up to help improve bicycling in America.

Peopleforbikes.org is going to change all that. They're building a national movement with the clout and influence to get things done. That means promoting bike riding on an individual level, but also sending a unified message to our elected leaders, the media, and the public that bicycling should have their full support.

Check out their great new website to take a pledge for biking and learn how you can help:

http://www.peopleforbikes.org

Bike Trails article in Post-Crescent

2010-08-28T08:41:00.002-05:00

Cheryl Anderson, Post-Crescent staff writer, writes about family-friendly trails that provide a wonderful destination in late summer and early fall. Read it here - Article on Bike Trails

Our summer 2010 Greenways Ink newsletter is now online

2010-08-20T21:32:00.000-05:00

Click here to go to our newsletter page to find the summer edition of Greenways Ink. In this edition you'll find updates on the Safe Routes to School program at local schools, our booth at the Appleton Downtown Farmers Market, the program to get bike hitching posts at many Fox Cities businesses, the Fox River Heritage Paddle, Niagara Escarpment Greenway Plans, and various other trail updates, plus much more!!

Little Chute applies for Wisconsin DNR, Department of Transportation grants for improve access to Fox River with bridge, recreation trail

2010-07-20T18:51:00.000-05:00

A 1.1-mile recreational trail is being developed along the Fox River from the Mill Street bridge leading to Island Park on the west end to Heesakker Park near Sanitorium Road on the east end.

Possible bridge and trail construction is targeted for 2011-12, contingent upon grants. The village has applied for a $791,230 state Department of Natural Resources Stewardship grant with matching funding (50-50) for a fixed span bridge from Heesakker Park down to the riverfront. Local share: $395,615, includes $100,000 donation and $295,615 from village's capital improvements program for parks. Read more in the Post Crescent article

Appleton trestle project seeks to link trals, restaurants, shops

2010-07-17T06:41:00.002-05:00

Click this link to view the Post Crescent Article about the project to convert the railroad trestle in Appleton's industrial flats to a trail for walking and biking.

Appleton Encourages riding a bike to work!

2010-06-23T22:17:00.000-05:00

Fox Cities Greenways board member, Tom Walsh, is interviewed by Fox 11 news about riding his bike to work. View the video and read the article at http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/news/appleton-encourages-riding-a-bike-to-work

Dump The Pump Bike To Work Day

2010-06-08T21:28:00.001-05:00

Valley Transit, Appleton Downtown Inc., Appleton Bicycle Shop and Fox Cities Greenways, Inc are excited to combine two great events to celebrate saving money and saving the planet on Thursday, June 17, 2010. This celebration will take place at the Valley Transit Center and Appleton Public Library Parking Lot from 11am to 2pm!

* Live music
* Valley Transit Rack-n-Roll Demonstrations
* Free Bike Safety Check with Appleton Bike Shop
* "Bikes through the Decades" display
* Challenge your co-workers to Tricycle Races
* Customized Commute Routes & Handbook by Fox Cities Greenways, Inc.
* Plus drawings for Downtown Appleton gift certificates, a clock made from bike gears & parts donated by Downtown Designs, Valley Transit travel bags and other great prizes.
* $3 hot dog, chips & soda by Looy's Dogs!

Just Act Natural, Globally Sound Fair Trade and Downtown Designs will all be displaying their recycled, sustainable and/or earth-friendly items!

Find more information here >> http://www.appletondowntown.org/appletondt/home/spec+-+bike+to+work.asp

Bike to Work Week...A Big Thanks!

2010-05-26T17:47:00.000-05:00

As the Bike to Work Week Coordinator for Fox Cities Greenways, I would like to thank all of those rode their bike to work, those who organized events and those who helped with events to celebrate Bike to Work Week. It was gratifying to see how many people used a bike for transportation, left their car at home and enjoyed the great weather we had over the course of the week. Almost everyone regardless of the reason they rode commented it was easier and faster to commute by bike than they originally thought. Each year Bike to Work Week has increased resident awareness that a bicycle is a viable mode of transportation and not just a recreational vehicle. We hope this trend continues. There were many reasons why people used their bike to commute to work whether to improve their individual health and wellness by being more active, others to save the cost of gasoline and others because of the environmental impacts. Regardless of the reason they rode, most everyone made strides toward achieving their personal goal.

It was also very exciting to see sixty nine schools in our region use Bike to School Day to teach proper bicycling and encourage biking to school. Teaching students walking and biking skills can teach children how to be safe while learning and encouraging healthy lifestyle choices. By having students walk and bike to school they have a much greater chance of achieving the recommended sixty minutes of activity each day. While learning about healthy lifestyle choices they also learn judgment, being responsible for themselves and the joys of doing so. If the schools can continue with these programs it gives me hope we can turn the tide on childhood obesity and its related side effects. More and more schools are embracing Safe Routes to School to help kids accomplish these goals. Fox Cities Greenways hopes you will support your local school with their Safe Routes to School program or help them get one started. If you would like more information please contact Fox Cities Greenways. Our entire community will benefit by teaching, encouraging and participating in walking and biking activities.

It is the hope of Fox Cities Greenways that those who biked to work last week will continue to ride to work when they can. If you wanted to try commuting by bicycle but didn’t get the chance to ride to work as part of Bike to Work Week give it a try when you can, you’ll be pleased you did.

Tom Walsh

Bike to Work Week Coordinator

Fox Cities Greenways, Inc.

Bike to School Day

2010-05-20T20:19:00.002-05:00

Good afternoon~

I hope everyone will be able to get out and enjoy the warm weather tomorrow. I just wanted to remind everyone that tomorrow is Bike to School Day. There are a variety of events going on at the schools around the region including bike rodeos, bicycle trains, bike to school day events at the schools, a bicycle stunt show, etc. It is very exciting. We will have a few of East Central's staff out at a few schools tomorrow as well. If you are able to get out tomorrow for Bike to School Day tomorrow please take a few photos of the events that you attend or if there are newspaper articles in local newspapers please send them to us as we will use these to show Renee, the WisDOT SRTS Coordinator.

Fox 11 WLUK interviewed myself and a few students from Richmond Elementary School this morning regarding Bike to School Day. The students did a fantastic job. A huge thank you to Bobbie Schmidt at Richmond Elementary School. Here is the link (it does take a bit to load) http://www.eastcentralsrts.org/btsd/btsd.html.

Have a great afternoon and a Safe Bike to School Day!!!

Best Regards,

Melissa

Melissa Kraemer Badtke

Safe Routes to School Coordinator

East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission

400 Ahnaip Street, Suite 100

Menasha, WI 54952

920.751.4770 ext 6828

Fax: 920.751.4771

Website: www.eastcentralsrts.org

www.eastcentralrpc.org

Fox Cities Viewpoint March 25, 2010

2010-05-14T19:59:00.002-05:00

Seeing several dozen of you sitting in your cars on a nice spring day waiting for your child to get out of school breaks my heart, but it’s really hurting yours and your child’s. It was 60 degrees, a nice day for a walk, for both of you. And most of you could really use the exercise.

Let’s face it. With all the talk about childhood obesity and adult weight problems, driving your kid to and from school should be the last thing on your mind. You and they should be walking or biking. I know, they’re going to scream and cry, but if you do it with them, it’ll go a lot easier. Heck, get the neighbors together and all walk or bike to and from school. It’ll be fun.

Listen. Gas prices are high, and northeast Wisconsin has air quality problems. So keep that vehicle in the driveway, put on a pair of tennis shoes, and start walking. We’ll all be breathing a lot easier and your family will be getting physically fit. You’d like that, wouldn’t you?

This is Dave Muench, President of Fox Cities Greenways, and this is my Fox Cities Viewpoint.

Fox Cities Viewpoint for May 2010

2010-05-14T19:57:00.003-05:00

Last Tuesday the Appleton Park and Recreation Committee held a public meeting to show the draft plans for on-street bike lanes, something long overdue. Bike lanes on city streets will finally show the driving public that bicycles belong there, and will make it safe for riders to do so.

Many of the nation’s ills could be solved by the bicycle, including the extra 11 pounds our 6-11 year olds are carrying, which is about half of the weight increase for adults. Bikes could also help reduce the five billion gallons of gas traffic congestion wastes by idling engines, and the environmental pollution these engines cause. Studies show 50% of all our trips, be they to work, school, running errands, or, in my case, to the tennis courts, are less than 2 miles, which is less than a 15 minute ride. How many Americans are currently using bikes for these trips? Less than 1%.

Bike lanes are a necessary and healthy part of city life. Let’s encourage our elected officials to fund these efforts as soon as possible and make the Fox Cities a complete biking system.

This is Dave Muench, President of Fox Cities Greenways, and this is my Fox Cities Viewpoint.

Bike Hitching Post Purchase Program

2010-03-19T18:21:00.003-05:00

In an effort to promote the continued establishment of a biking infrastructure in the Fox Cities area, the Fox Cities Greenways organization is encouraging the purchase of bicycle hitching posts by area businesses. As an incentive for businesses to participate, Fox Cities Greenways will pay for half of the cost of 20 posts, with dollars coming from a designated account managed by Greenways and donated previously to Kevin Kendall Ride for Trails events.

A hitching post is a device anchored to the pavement that allows a cyclist to lock a bike to the post. Several black hitching posts have been installed along College Avenue in Appleton and all around the Fox Cities over the past few years. The post design being selected for this purchase incentive looks like the one shown in the photo, below.
Once again as spring arrives, several businesses have inquired as to how hitching posts can be purchased. Fox Cities Greenways will help to fund the purchase of several hitching posts. Businesses interested in purchasing a hitching post, should follow the steps below:

1. Hitching posts will be made available to requesting businesses across the Fox Cities communities until April 15 or until the money from the available fund is exhausted.

- The business and Fox Cities Greenways will each pay half the cost of the hitching post device, i.e. $75.
- A business may order up to two posts at this cost.
- If interested, call Dick Kendall at 920-731-4994.

2. Payment must be made prior to ordering the posts in order to secure the discounted price.

3. Business owners can purchase the hitching post for installation on their own property. For those businesses leasing a building property, they will need to confirm that the property owner authorizes the installation of the hitching post, since drilling into the paved surface is necessary.

4. Installation of the hitching post will be the responsibility of the business purchasing the device, but the process is quite simple and not labor intensive. All hardware needed for installation is included as part of the price.

Please call Dick Kendall, Fox Cities Greenways Board Member at 920-731-4994.

FCGI Trails for Tomorrow Workshop

2010-02-24T17:47:00.003-06:00

Save the Date!

Fox Cities Greenways hosts:

“Trails for Tomorrow”

A workshop for those with a passion for trail development

Thursday, May 6, 2010

8:00a – 4:00p

To be held at the Miron Construction Corporate Office

Hwy 10 & Cty CB

Who Should Attend? - Trail Advocates, Community and Political Leaders, Administrators, Community Development, Public Works and Park & Recreation Leaders.

Detailed workshop and registration information will be mailed and available mid-March!

Greenways on the Fox Cities Viewpoint - 2/16/2010

2010-02-18T19:17:00.009-06:00

Fox Cities Greenways President, Dave Muench presented a viewpoint on the Fox Cities Viewpoint for February 16, 2010

Anyone who bikes Wisconsin Avenue west of Richmond Street or tries to cross it without the aid of a traffic light is taking their life in their hands. It’s a four-lane speedway, and the proposed portion east of Richmond Street is going to be the same. When asked about the reason for this the answer given was, “it’s a state highway, and we need to move traffic quickly.”

On June 29, 2009 the Wisconsin Legislature and Governor passed the Complete Streets Law, which is designed to accommodate all forms of transportation. A typical complete street design includes a lane for motor vehicles and a lane for bikes and to accommodate buses. There is a middle turn lane included to keep traffic moving.

No new construction designs are needed to make East Wisconsin an attractive, quiet, business friendly, and bike safe corridor. This section just needs to be striped differently. It’s not too late. Tell your city and state officials you want East Wisconsin to be something to be proud of. We certainly will.

This is Dave Muench, President of Fox Cities Greenways, and this is our Fox Cities Viewpoint.

Bike to Work Week Schedule - May 16 -22, 2010

2010-01-31T17:57:00.005-06:00

The Fox Cities, like many around the country, are celebrating National Bike to Work Week from May 16th to May 22nd. Bike to Work Week is celebrated the third week of May each year throughout the United States. Fox Cities Greenways, the local sponsor for this event, is working with local employers and organizations to introduce and promote bicycling as an alternative to the automobile. Using a bicycle as transportation is an ecological response to energy conservation, heightens the awareness of the ways motorists and bicyclists can share the road safely and to promotes bicycling as a viable fitness and recreation option. This event is for all to participate in, even for those who don’t ride a bike on a regular basis.

The schedule for Bike to Work Week is week is:

Sunday - May 16th Bike to Worship
Bike to church then out to brunch.

Monday – May 17th Trail Day
Take a ride on any of the local trails. We have quite a few in the area to choose from. Maps are available at www.foxcitiesgreenways.org

Tuesday – May 18th B-BOP Day
Think Green. Bike, bus or pool (B-BOP) to work today.

Wednesday – May 19th Bike with a Buddy
Use your bike to go visit with a friend or neighbor. Riding with friends is always fun!

Thursday – May 20th Bike to School/Bike Your Child to School
Remember riding to school when you were a kid? Why not help your kids to develop their own memories by helping them Bike to School. For those schools in the “Safe Routes to School Program” see if you can get your school to have the highest turnout.

Friday – May 21st Bike to Work Day
Save the gas and enjoy the commute. Free showers are available at the YMCA’s around the Fox Cities. Need help getting started? Check out the information available through the Fox Cities Greenways at www.foxcitiesgreenways.org

Saturday – May 22th Family Day
Go for a ride with the family. Take in a movie, go for picnic or use your bike to do something else special with your family.

Bike to Work Week has been celebrated for over 50 years. The League of American Bicyclists sponsored the first event and since then they have continued to support the effort nationwide and have looked to organization such as the Fox Cities Greenways to provide leadership at the local level. If you would like to participate on either an individual or corporate level more information is available from the Fox Cities Greenways at: www.foxcitiesgreenways.org
_____________________________________________

If you would like more information, have any questions or comments, please contact:

Tom Walsh
Bike to Work Week Coordinator
Fox Cities Greenways

Tom.walsh@omnni.com

716-1059

Trail Planning Workshop Scheduled for May

2010-01-25T18:58:00.003-06:00

Fox Cities Greenways will host a one-day “Trails for Tomorrow” workshop at the Miron Construction Office (1471 McMahon Road in Neenah) on Thursday, May 6th. (NOTE: this is a change from the April date announced earlier in the winter edition of the Fox Cities Greenways Ink newsletter).

The purpose of the day long workshop is to encourage the further development and maintenance of connecting trails throughout the Fox Cities and surrounding areas. The event is open to community development, public works, and park and recreation department professionals; elected officials; and trail enthusiasts. The cost will likely be around $45, although the final decision has not been made. A complete brochure explaining the topics to be addressed and the speakers involved will be posted on the Greenways website, released electronically and circulated via U.S. postal mail later in February.

August 25- Noe Road Trail Public Informational Meeting in the Town of Harrison

2009-08-22T00:46:00.002-05:00

The Town of Harrison has been working to develop a bicycle and pedestrian trail along Noe Road and will host a Public Informational meeting on Tuesday, August 25th from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the Harrison Town Hall, W5298 Hwy 114. A brief presentation will be held at 6 PM followed by a question and answer session. The Public Informational meeting will be followed at 7:30 PM by the Town Board meeting, at which the board will make a final decision on pathway placement, design, and acceptance of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) Transportation Enhancements Grant. The pathway would serve approximately 3600 residents and a school district population of approximately 1300 students, providing safety for bicyclists and pedestrians traveling to and from Sunrise School, Woodland School, and Darboy Community Park. All residents are encouraged to attend the meeting to have questions answered and to provide input. If you are unable to attend but would like to make comments, please contact Tracy Flucke, Administrator, at 989-1062 or email tflucke@townofharrison.org Written comments may be sent to the Town Hall prior to the meeting or submitted at the meeting.

Bike Hitching Post Purchasing Program

2009-06-11T09:48:00.010-05:00

Hitching posts will be made available to requesting businesses across the Fox Cities communities until June 19 or until the money from the available fund is exhausted.

The business and Fox Cities Greenways will each pay half the cost of the hitching post device, or approximately $75

A business may order up to two posts at 50% of the cost.

Payment must be made prior to ordering the posts in order to secure the discounted price.

Business owners can purchase the hitching post for installation on theri own property. For those businesses leasing a bulding property, they will need to confirm that the property owner authorizes the installation of the hitching psot, since drilling into the paved surface is necessary.

Hitching posts will be installed by volunteers working with Fox Cities Greenways in cooperation with the business owner.

Please call Dick Kendall, Fox Cities Greenways Board Member at 920-731-4994.

Friends of the Fox hosting Little Lake Butte des Morts Cleanup on May 16th

2009-05-06T09:05:00.003-05:00

Come and join us for a few hours outdoors as we cleanup the shore of Little Lake Butte des Morts!
When: Saturday, May 16th, 10 am – 1 pm
Where: Little Lake Butte des Morts
Meet by the Menasha lock tenders house on Broad St., Menasha
What to bring: Please bring old clothes, gloves, boots, and safety glasses.
Garbage bags, rakes, and shovels, are also needed.
Refreshments provided!
 Please R.S.V.P. by Wednesday, May 13th to Helen Young—920-727-1285 or Candice Mortara – 920-739-0299
For more information: www.friendsofthefox.org

Bike to Work 2009

2009-02-22T14:34:00.001-06:00

We've posted new information about this year's Bike to Work Week. Check it out!

Annual Meeting was Well Attended

2009-01-29T21:43:00.014-06:00

The Annual Meeting of Fox Cities Greenways, held tonight at the Heckrodt Wetland Preserve, was very well attended. Those present found a wide variety of interesting things to do and learn and talk about.

A silent auction, maps and displays from a wide variety of other organizations, the introduction of new and continueing board members, and presentations from several interesting speakers.

Brigit Brown of the Wisconsin DNR State Trail Coordinator, talked about water trails in Wisconsin and presented an award from a multi-state organization to Fox Cities Greenways for excellence in community organization for trails.

Candice Mortara and Pete Hensler, from Friends of the Fox, told us about plans for local water trails, Portage trails, and the Fox Wiscosnin Heritage Parkway.

It was an exciting evening of friendship, reconnections, and sharing of ideas.

FOX CITIES GREENWAYS ANNUAL MEETING - SAVE THE DATE!

2008-10-30T21:32:00.005-05:00

Please plan to join us at Heckrodt Wetland Reserve at 6:30 PM on Thursday, January 29, 2009.

The evening will include:

The opportunity to meet DNR State Trail Coordinator Brigit Brown and learn about water trails in Wisconsin.
An overview of plans for local water trail/ portage trail projects in cooperation with Friends of the Fox.
Updates on area trails (including the Newton Blackmour Wildlife Trail --construction has begun).
Refreshments and great conversation.

Please see our next newsletter edition (due out in January) for more details.

Hope to see you there!

HIGH CLIFF STATE PARK MASTER PLANNING MEETING

2008-10-23T10:37:00.001-05:00

Wednesday, November 12
4 PM to 7 PM
Location: Sherwood Village Community Center
W489 Clifton Road

DNR Staff will be present with information, maps, charts, etc. There will be a presentation and question/answer time. Please attend if you are able. We need to emphasize the importance of inclusion of the Niagara Escarpment, lakeshore areas, and trail corridor in the High Cliff Master Plan.

SARIS Gala - Wisconsin Bicycle Federation Fundraiser

2008-10-09T08:42:00.003-05:00

When:
Friday, October 17, 6:00 - 10:00 PM

Where:
Saris Cycling Group, World Headquarters
5253 Verona Rd
Madison, WI

This year's very special guest:
Tour de France star and Team Garmin-Chipotle rider Christian Vandevelde!

Cost: A minimum donation of $35 gets you fabulous food and beverages, exciting games and contests and bidding on fantastic silent and live auction items and the company of lots of great cycling folks.

Come with Us, Ride the Bus! Are you coming to the Gala from Appleton or Oshkosh? The Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin is teaming up with Wheel & Sprocket to provide a deluxe motor coach package to the Gala! A minimum donation of $50 gets you free round-trip transportation and admission to the Gala. Enjoy free drinks on the bus ride down, hang out with Fox Cities cyclists on the way down, and avoid the hassle of driving.

Motor Coach Pickup from Appleton & Oshkosh: Friday, October 17th
3:15pm at the Appleton Wheel & Sprocket, 3939 W. College Ave. (Off Hwy 41)
3:45 pm at the Oshkosh Wheel & Sprocket, 1451 S. Washburn st. (Off Hwy 41)

Ask about our special VIP Package featuring a private reception with Christian Vande Velde. 2008 will be our finest Saris Gala ever! Not only will you have the opportunity to bid on rare, one-of-a-kind bikes and frames, but we are auctioning off a trip for two to Italy to ride in the Liquigas team car during a stage of the 2009 Giro D'Italia!

For Tickets, Information and Directions, Click Here

Neenah Volkssport

2008-09-16T09:08:00.000-05:00

Walk or bike one of the Neenah Volkssport routes in Neenah on Saturday, Oct. 11.9:00 am start from Express Station on Commercial and Taylor (across from Walgreen's). Learn about Volkssporting routes, events and clubs.

Choose from 3 or 6 miles walks or a 15 mile bike route.

No fee.

Major Changes in Transportation Funding Proposed

2008-08-13T12:25:00.002-05:00

As reauthorization of federal transportation funding approaches, the administration is proposing changes that could eliminate the Recreational Trails Program, Transportation Enhancements, and Scenic Byways funding.

Please go to http://www.americantrails.org/resources/fedfund/peters7-08.html for further information.

American Trails Action Alert

2008-08-13T12:06:00.003-05:00

An alert has been issued regarding the Use and definitions of powered vehicles for ADA accessibility. There is the implication is that this proposed change could allow motorized devices (e.g. all terrain vehicles) to be considered personal mobility devices, which would be subject to accessibility regulations for state and local governments, thus allowing them trail access where they would otherwise be banned. The Dept. of Justice is requesting public input.

This item needs immediate attention as all comments must be received online at Regulations.gov by August 18, 2008.

Look for: Agency: DOJ Document Type: PROPOSED RULES Comments Due: Aug 18, 2008 Docket ID: DOJ-CRT-2008-0016 Document ID: DOJ-CRT-2008-0016-0001

More information is available at http://www.americantrails.org/resources/accessible/powermobilityissue.html

Walk To Win!

2008-08-07T11:22:00.005-05:00

Attention! The Walk to Win Kickoff is in 2 weeks! Let's see if we can top the 12,700 people that participated in 2007.Check out the Walk to Win website or Activate Fox Cities .
It's time to get Activated!!!! A Kick-off Celebration is scheduled for August 21, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at Fritse Park at 899 N. Lake St. in the Town of Menasha. Walk the Trestle Trail Bridge with your friends or family and local dignitaries.
For directions please see: Map

First Annual Fritse Fun Run/Walk/Bike

2008-08-07T11:19:00.002-05:00

The Friends of Fritse are sponsoring this first annual event to benefit the Fritse Park Redevelopment. All events will start and end at Fritse Park. Events are non-competitive and are intended to promote community, fitness and fun!
Fun Run-2.6 miles (street w/hill and trail loop)
Walk-1.6 miles (trestle trail - out and back)
Short Bike-6.2 miles (trail – out & back)
Long Bike-15.6 miles (trail – out & back)

When: Saturday, August 23, 2008; Registration 7:45 – 8:15, event begins @ 8:30 am
Where: Fritse Park – 899 N. Lake Street
Who: Individual and family walkers, runners, bikers, wheelchair athletes
Fees: $15 Individuals and $30 max / family (max 5 members, kids in strollers/trailers free – no t-shirt)
• The first 100 registrations received by Monday, August 11; 12:01 p.m. will receive a commemorative t-shirt.
• Helmets are required for the bike rides.
Registration form

Newton Blackmour Trail Success

2008-08-07T11:10:00.003-05:00

Hello,
As many of you probably already know, the Outagamie Count Board voted last night, 27-4, to keep the Newton Blackmour Migration Trail (Seymour to New London), non-motorized. To read more about the county board meeting there is an excellent article on the Silent Sports Magazine blog at http://blog.silentsportsonline.com/
A huge thank you to all of you who helped in the advocacy efforts over the past months. The support at the county board meeting last night as well as the communication with county board supervisors was greatly appreciated. Your involvement made quite an impact. Fox Cities Greenways will continue to support and promote this trail and the future connections which will create a fantastic trail network in northeast Wisconsin.

Thank you.
Vickie Milde, Fox Cities Greenways President

2008 Trail Map Ready

2008-08-07T11:05:00.003-05:00

The new 2008 Trail Map for the Fox Cities is available now. Check it out.

Additional maps and details are always available on the Greenways website at: http://www.focol.org/greenways/newtrails.html

Volunteer to help Fox Cities Greenways Today!

2008-08-07T11:03:00.004-05:00

2008 promises to be a very important year for Fox Cities Greenways. We will have more activities than ever before that highlight or support trails and greenways in the greater Fox Cities region.

Therefore, more than ever before, we need our members and friends to be involved! We need people who are willing to plan and carry through an event and also those who can contribute a few hours at a particular activity.

Here are short descriptions of 2008 volunteer opportunities.

Volksmarch – people are needed to help organize a local version of this walking event, in August or November, celebrating greenways and trails in the Fox Cities. A volksmarch is a non-competitive 6 mile (10 kilometer) walk. These walks are open to the public to come and enjoy.

Board of Directors – Please let us know if you are interested in serving on the Board. We would like to have a broad regional cross section and peoplewith a variety of interests. Currently we need people from the Heart of theValley area and those who use trails for purposes other than walking/jogging.

Sign up today!