Madison maintains an extensive network of bike lanes, paths, and protected facilities under the Madison in Motion plan, with rules governing motorist passing distance, parking in bike lanes, and shared-use of multi-use paths around the isthmus and university.
The Madison in Motion transportation and bicycle plan, integrated with the Comprehensive Plan, guides bike-lane installation, the Capital City Trail network, and connections to UW-Madison. State law under Wis. Stat. ch. 346 requires motorists to give at least three feet when passing cyclists, prohibits driving in marked bike lanes except to turn, and grants cyclists most rights and duties of vehicles. Madison General Ordinances add local rules on path use, sidewalk-riding districts downtown, and reverse-angle parking near protected lanes. The Pedestrian, Bicycle and Motor Vehicle Commission advises the Common Council on improvements and policy.
Driving or parking in a marked bike lane carries fines around $98-$200 plus court costs; unsafe passing of a cyclist under three feet adds points to the driver's license under state demerit rules.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Madison, WI
Madison has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments on residential property. MGO Chapter 27 (Property Maintenance) requires general yard upkeep but does...
Madison, WI
Madison has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. MGO Chapter 24 (Noise) sets residential noise standards that could theoreti...
Madison, WI
Madison has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Timing, brightness, and animation are governed by HOA and condo covenants under Wis...
Madison, WI
Madison requires building permits for outdoor kitchens with gas lines, electrical wiring, plumbing, or structural roofs. Permits route through Madison Buildi...
Madison, WI
Madison has no specific smoker ordinance. MGO Chapter 24 (Noise) and Chapter 7 (Public Health) provide nuisance authority for excessive smoke. Wisconsin DNR ...
Madison, WI
Madison Fire Code under MGO Chapter 34 adopts the Wisconsin Commercial Building Code (SPS 361-366) and Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 314 (Fire Prevention...
See how Madison's bike lane rules rules stack up against other locations.
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