State and county roads are rated on suitability for bicycling based on Department of Transportation traffic data. Local roads--often the most suitable for bicycling--are generally not rated. Far more physically attractive than previous Wisconsin bicycle maps, this map makes little attempt to suggest continuous routes, other than a few “bicycle escape routes.” The Milwaukee Oak Leaf Trail marked as an escape route, as is the lake route north to Port Washington.

This map is probably most useful in rural areas of the state, where it manages to show most through state, county and local roads. In those areas, a possible strategy for route finding is to combine local roads (except those shown as unpaved or marked as having heavier traffic) with the state and county highways marked in green (most suitable) or blue.

In urban and suburban areas, including most of southeastern Wisconsin, too little detail is shown for the map to be useful for bicycling. In these areas, the map shows only major highways--ironically those least desirable to the bicyclist. For example, it shows the bike trails in Racine and Kenosha counties but does not suggest how to get from one section to the next.

Southeastern Wisconsin Maps

The best map for bicycling in southeastern Wisconsin was published in early 2006 by Little Transport Press. It covers an area running from Port Washington on the north to the state line on the south, and from Lake Michigan to the western Waukesha county line. It shows a network of suggested routes, both on roads and on separate bike trails. The map is aimed at both bike commuters and recreationists.

This map is available for $9.95 from the publisher or from area bike shops. I was the researcher for this map. Those wishing to learn more about specific routes may view the field notes.

A map of Milwaukee county is available for free from most area bike shops. It does an excellent job of covering of covering both the Milwaukee county Oak Leaf Trail and the city's marked bike routes and bike lanes. One limitation is that some proposed trails are shown as complete and may or may not be completed during 2006, particularly with the county's budget problems. Also some suggested routes outside the official ones have heavy traffic.

Madison and Dane County Maps

Little Transport Press publishes a map of Madison and Dane County, showing suggested routes as well as bike trails. Cost is $8.95 and it is available from the publisher and area bike shops.

Bike shops often carry a free map of Madison bike trails and routes. Its coverage is generally limited to the city of Madison. As with other free maps, I find its availability is unpredictable since there is no financial incentive to keep it in stock.

Bicycle Guides

Round Lake Michigan: A Bicyclists Tour Guide, 2nd edition, by Harvey Botzman, Rochester NY: Cyclotour Guide, 2002.

Suggests a route encircling the lake. A good basic source for route information. In the section between Chicago and Door county, it tends to favor (sometimes) busy roads over trails. It is unclear whether the author favors roads to trails or whether the research was done before the trail was opened.

Biking Wisconsin's Rail-Trails 2nd Edition, by Shawn E. Richardson, Cambridge, MN: Adventure Publication, 2004.

Of at least three guides to bicycle trails in Wisconsin, this appears to be the most complete and up-to-date. It also includes a few trails other than converted railroad lines and suggests roads connections to trails.

Bicycle Vacation Guide, by Doug Shidell and Vicky Vogels, Minneapolis: Little Transport Press, 2004.

Covers bike trails in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Includes maps, and other information, including lodging, camping, groceries, bike rentals and repairs, calendars of events, and other attractions in the area.

A source for many bike guides is American Bike Trails, including the second book shown above. Again these books and maps emphasize trails much more than routes connecting them.

Bicycle Route Maps

Adventure Cycling publishes a very good set of detailed maps of various long-distance bicycle routes across the United States. There is only one route in Wisconsin, however. It crosses the northern part of the state from Minneapolis to northern Michigan, with a branch leading southwest to Manitowoc to connect with the ferry to Michigan. Another route follows the Mississippi River south from Minneapolis, on the Minnesota and Iowa side.