Transportation (Bicycle Infrastructure) in Wisconsin

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 690: Relating to: condemnation authority for recreational trails. (FE)

SB 690 prohibits local governments from using eminent domain (condemnation) to acquire land specifically for recreational trails, bicycle ways, bicycle lanes, or pedestrian paths. The bill amends multiple statutes governing land acquisition for parks and recreation, explicitly adding that condemnation authority cannot be used for these trail-related purposes. This affects counties, cities, and park authorities that previously could use condemnation for such projects under existing laws. The key change is a clear restriction on eminent domain use for trail development, not a ban on trails themselves.

Topics ✗ Transportation

Sub-Topics Bicycle Infrastructure Pedestrian Safety

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 694: Relating to: condemnation authority for recreational trails. (FE)

AB 694 amends multiple state statutes to explicitly prohibit the use of eminent domain (government power to take private land) for establishing or extending recreational trails, bicycle ways, bicycle lanes, or pedestrian paths. It directly affects state agencies, counties, and cities when acquiring land for public parks, trails, or related infrastructure. The bill adds consistent language across various land acquisition statutes, banning condemnation for these specific purposes while allowing it for traditional park or trail development under other provisions. This policy change clarifies that governments cannot use eminent domain to build or expand recreational trails or bike/pedestrian pathways, though they may still acquire land for other park-related projects.

Topics ✗ Transportation

Sub-Topics Bicycle Infrastructure Pedestrian Safety

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 332: Relating to: requiring vehicles to stop for pedestrians at certain intersections and crosswalks.

AB 332 requires drivers to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks at intersections with traffic signals or when pedestrians have begun crossing on a green signal. It applies to all vehicles, including those turning, and affects pedestrians, bicyclists, and riders of e-scooters or mobility devices. The bill clarifies that drivers must yield and remain stopped until the pedestrian or device has safely crossed, whether at signaled intersections or unmarked crosswalks. It also specifies that pedestrians may not suddenly enter a vehicle's path, and drivers must yield to all crossing users during turns on red signals.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Bicycle Infrastructure Pedestrian Safety Traffic Safety

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 434: Relating to: local traffic calming grants and making an appropriation. (FE)

AB 434 creates a new $60 million annual state grant program to fund local traffic calming projects. It directly affects counties, cities, villages, towns, and federally recognized tribes by providing funding for infrastructure projects designed to reduce vehicle speeds. The program, administered by the Department of Transportation, will award grants for projects eligible under federal transportation alternatives programs. Grants require applications with specified details, and the department will set evaluation criteria for funding decisions. This is a concrete policy change establishing ongoing state funding for community safety improvements.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Appropriations Bicycle Infrastructure Pedestrian Safety Traffic Safety

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 334: Relating to: requiring bicycle and pedestrian facilities in highway projects and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

AB 334 requires state highway departments to include bicycle and pedestrian facilities in all new highway projects funded by state or federal money (such as those under statutes §20.395 or §20.866). The bill mandates this unless specific exceptions apply, such as if facility costs exceed 20% of the total project cost, if the location is too constrained, if there's no demonstrated need (e.g., low population/traffic), or if a community refuses to maintain the facilities. It grants the transportation secretary authority to review and approve such exceptions on a case-by-case basis. This directly affects state highway projects and transportation planning decisions across the state.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Bicycle Infrastructure Pedestrian Safety Roads & Highways

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 344: Relating to: a refundable income tax credit for bicycle purchases and making an appropriation. (FE)

SB 344 creates a refundable income tax credit of up to $200 per dependent for bicycle (including electric bicycle) purchases by low-income residents. It directly affects families with dependents whose income does not exceed 200% of the federal poverty line, allowing them to claim the credit against their state income tax or receive a cash payment if the credit exceeds their tax liability. Key provisions require claimants to submit purchase documentation, restrict eligibility to full-year residents, and cap the credit at $200 per dependent annually. The credit applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024, and is funded through a new appropriation.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Business Taxes State Budget Tax Credits Bicycle Infrastructure

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 433: Relating to: local traffic calming grants and making an appropriation. (FE)

SB 433 creates a new $60 million annual grant program for local governments to fund traffic calming infrastructure projects. It directly affects counties, cities, villages, towns, and federally recognized tribes by providing funding for projects designed to slow vehicle speeds, such as speed bumps or road redesigns. Projects must align with the federal transportation alternatives program and be administered by the state Department of Transportation. The bill establishes a formal grant process with application requirements and evaluation criteria, but does not change existing traffic laws or require local matching funds.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Bicycle Infrastructure Pedestrian Safety Traffic Safety

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 333: Relating to: a refundable income tax credit for bicycle purchases and making an appropriation. (FE)

AB 333 creates a refundable tax credit for low-income residents who purchase bicycles (including electric bikes) for their dependents. Eligible claimants - those with family income under 200% of the federal poverty line - can claim up to $200 per dependent annually, based on actual purchase costs. The credit is refundable, meaning unused portions are paid directly by the state via a dedicated appropriation. Claimants must submit proof of purchase with their tax return and meet residency and income requirements.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Income Tax State Budget Tax Credits Bicycle Infrastructure

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 343: Relating to: requiring bicycle and pedestrian facilities in highway projects and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

SB 343 requires state highway departments to include bike paths and pedestrian pathways in all new highway construction or reconstruction projects funded by state or federal money. It creates specific exceptions allowing projects to skip these features only if the cost exceeds 20% of the total project budget, if they would cause excessive harm in a tight space, if there's no community need, or if a local community refuses to maintain them. The bill directs the state transportation department to create rules defining these exceptions, with a requirement for a senior official to review cost-based exceptions. This policy directly affects state highway planning and project developers working with state or federal funds.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Parks & Recreation Bicycle Infrastructure Pedestrian Safety Roads & Highways

All transportation bills