What Is Wisconsin Bike Fed and What Does It Do?

Updated

Wisconsin Bike Fed is a statewide bicycling advocacy and community organization. Its stated mission is to "cultivate, motivate and unite a strong community to move bicycling forward in Wisconsin." It serves riders and communities through advocacy, hands-on programs, events, and rider resources, and it invites people to get involved by joining or taking part in its events.

Mission and Role

The organization positions itself as a community-building nonprofit focused on advancing bicycling across Wisconsin. Rather than operating as a bike shop or retailer, it works on the broader conditions that make riding safer and more accessible: policy advocacy, education, local programs, and community events.

Main Areas of Work

Advocacy

Bike Fed runs advocacy campaigns and encourages riders to make their voices heard on legislative and local issues. Its homepage highlights advocacy as a core pillar, including a "Ride For Your Life 2026" bike ride, walk, and rally aimed at preventing tragedy, and safety content such as Halloween safety tips for all road users.

Programs

The organization operates several community-facing programs:

  • How to Host a Bike Rodeo — train-the-trainer classes that teach people how to organize a successful bike rodeo.
  • Mobile Bike Repair — bringing repair services into Madison and Milwaukee neighborhoods that are bike-focused.
  • MilWALKee Walks — a walking-focused program with its own program website.

Events

Bike Fed hosts and organizes rides and gatherings, including:

  • Santa Cycle Rampage — a holiday-season slow roll.
  • Ride Across Wisconsin (RAW) — described as its signature fundraising event and a way to see the state.
  • Wisconsin Bike Week — framed around the theme "Bikes Build Community."
  • A community event calendar listing rides and gatherings across the state.

Rider Resources

The site offers a Ride Guide (with options for businesses, communities, organizations, and events to be featured), an E-Bike Resource Guide described as an evolving hub of e-bike information, bike stories, and gear reviews.

Who It Serves

Bike Fed's work targets everyday riders, local communities, and partner organizations across Wisconsin. Its programs reach specific neighborhoods (Madison and Milwaukee for mobile repair), while its advocacy and events operate statewide.

How to Get Involved

  • Join — the site includes a "Join us!" call to action with info and registration.
  • Attend an event — check the event calendar for rides, rallies, and fundraisers.
  • Use the resources — browse the Ride Guide and E-Bike Resource Guide.
  • Support the work — the organization notes sponsor support and fundraisers such as "Indeed We Can."

For anyone in Wisconsin looking to ride more, advocate for safer streets, or connect with the cycling community, Wisconsin Bike Fed is a central starting point.