La Crosse BPAC reaffirms full bike-lane recommendation, ranks WisDOT hybrid second

Larry, chair of the Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee, convened a special meeting on Jan. 28 to continue discussion of WisDOT’s proposed alternatives for 3rd and 4th Streets and to clarify BPAC’s recommendation to the common council.

Michael, a WisDOT project representative, summarized three options: Alternative 1 would add bike lanes on 3rd and 4th Streets and remove parking on one side; Alternative 2 would narrow travel lanes to widen sidewalks and retain parking; and Alternative 3, a WisDOT hybrid, would place bike lanes on northern blocks, retain parking through the downtown core (King to Vine), and include a roundabout at La Crosse Street. Michael said the hybrid would require losing “only 6 to 7” on‑street parking spaces in one downtown block and described tradeoffs including snow storage and impacts to street trees and lighting.

Robbie Young, who presented a Legistar memo for BPAC, argued the committee should hold to Alternative 1. "This is a once in a generation construction project," Robbie said, urging BPAC to advocate for the highest-quality facilities for people who bike and walk rather than prioritize parking.

Kevin, who submitted a two‑page memo and reviewed the large volume of Legistar comments, called the issue "highly contentious" and cautioned BPAC to weigh political backlash and the committee’s advisory credibility if members press only for Alternative 1. Kevin also challenged a slide statement that "there are no bicycle facilities" on certain corridors as not clearly backed by evidence.

Randy and others stressed that downtown plans repeatedly recommend adding bicycle infrastructure; Randy said the committee should "go all in" and back the DOT design. Several members discussed whether La Crosse’s Green Complete Streets ordinance applies to a state highway; WisDOT staff said they work to incorporate municipal plans "where possible" and that municipal ordinances for state roads are generally advisory. Andrew said he understood the state legislature had removed a statutory requirement that formerly compelled full inclusion on state projects.

After debate, Robbie moved to leave BPAC’s original recommendation (Alternative 1) in place; Randy seconded. Andrew offered an amendment to present BPAC’s view as a ranked preference—Alternative 1 most preferred, Alternative 3 second, Alternative 2 least preferred—and attach a short explanatory statement. The committee approved the amendment by voice/hand vote and then approved the motion as amended. Whitney was recorded as voting "nay." Chair Larry said the advisory recommendation will be forwarded to the J&A committee and then to the common council.

The committee did not take public comment at this meeting; Chair Larry directed members of the public who want to speak to the J&A meeting next week, where public comment opportunities will be available. The meeting adjourned after the single agenda item.

Next step: BPAC’s ranked recommendation will be included in materials that go to the J&A committee and the common council for final consideration.