The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is updating the Wisconsin Bicycle Transportation Plan and Wisconsin Pedestrian Policy Plan and combining them into the Wisconsin Active Transportation Plan 2050 (ATP).  

The ATP will be a statewide long-range plan focused on human-powered modes of transportation, such as bicycling and walking. This plan will evaluate active transportation opportunities and needs, resulting in policies and actions that will align with and further Connect 2050, Wisconsin’s statewide long-range transportation plan.

What is Active Transportation? 

Active transportation modes are primarily human-powered forms of travel, such as walking, bicycling, in-line skating, skateboarding, and others.

Why is Active Transportation Important? 

Active transportation modes and facilities provide benefits such as: 

• Promoting physical health
• Enhancing quality of life and economic opportunity
• Providing affordable and convenient transportation options
• Providing alternatives to single-occupancy-vehicle travel
• Reducing vehicle emissions

View the bike and pedestrian plans below

• Bicycle Transportation Plan
• Pedestrian Policy Plan
  

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The Active Transportation Plan 2050 (ATP) will be a statewide long-range plan focused on human-powered modes of transportation, such as bicycling and walking. This plan will evaluate active transportation opportunities and needs, resulting in policies and actions that will align with and further Connect 2050, Wisconsin’s statewide long-range transportation plan.

WisDOT published a Notice of Intent to initiate the plan update and sought preliminary comments in May 2022.

The ATP is intended to be both a policy document and an action plan with specific recommendations that will assist WisDOT with its commitments in providing long-term transportation for active modes of transportation, i.e., biking and walking users in our state.

Schedule

The planning process is anticipated to be completed in 2024, with the draft plan released to the public in late 2023. Public and stakeholder participation is encouraged throughout the development of the plan. Sign up for our email alerts so you’re the first to know of new engagement opportunities!

Early Planning Phase

• Review of existing plans, resources, and guidance
• Complete active transportation analysis
• Engage the public and stakeholders

Pre-draft Plan Phase

• Develop the plan's vision and goals
• Develop the draft plan
• Develop active transportation toolkit and resources
• Engage the public and stakeholders

Draft Plan Phase

• Draft plan release
• Revise active transportation toolkit and resources
• Engage the public and stakeholders

Final Plan Phase

• Release and adopt the final plan

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Active Transportation Plan Vision

The ATP is intended to be both a policy document and an action plan with specific recommendations that will assist WisDOT with its commitments in providing long-term transportation for active modes of transportation, i.e., biking and walking users in our state.

WisDOT envisions that walking, bicycling, and other forms of active transportation will be safe, accessible, and convenient for people of all ages and abilities.

WisDOT is also committed to the following goals:

Goal 1 - Safety

Eliminate fatal and serious injury crashes involving pedestrians, bicyclists, and other vulnerable roadway users.

Goal 2 - Equity

Ensure that people of all ages, abilities, backgrounds, and incomes have access to active transportation throughout Wisconsin, regardless of where they live.

Goal 3 - Active Mobility

Increase the number of people who walk, bike, and use active transportation for a variety of trip types throughout the year.

Goal 4 - Connectivity

Create safe, comfortable, and convenient active transportation networks that connect within and between communities throughout the state.

Goal 5 - Education and Encouragement

Promote active transportation use to support healthy lifestyles, reduce environmental impacts, support local economies, and improve quality of life.

Goal 6 - Collaboration and Coordination

Offer comprehensive guidance, resources, and funding to help local communities design and implement active transportation projects that improve safety and comfort for all users.

Public and stakeholder engagement is a vital part of the planning process and will be conducted virtually and in-person throughout the project.

WisDOT has conducted the following activities: 

In-Person Events

Meeting-in-a-box

Pop-up events

Virtual Events

Online surveys

Virtual open houses

Virtual focus groups

Please see the Engagement Action Plan for additional information and sign up for email updates to be notified of upcoming events.

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