Milwaukee officials unveil plans to reduce reckless driving and improve bike lanes

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- City officials unveiled their new plan to reduce reckless driving and improve bike paths across the city. 

The Traffic Calming and Protected Bikeway Project will include roughly 50 projects. City of Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson says it's his goal to have 50 miles of protected bike paths by 2026. 

“Milwaukee’s roadways will be safer," said Johnson. 

On the intersection of W. Highland Blvd and 38th Street, the roads didn't belong to community members. 

“A very wide street, it’s a relatively low volume street as a result – it’s a racetrack," said District 4 Ald. Robert Bauman. “We literally had situations where people drove on the sidewalks on 27th Street."

In 2023, city officials worked to change that. 

"We want everyone to feel safe and enjoy our streets, whether they’re walking, biking, or taking transit or driving," said City Engineer Kevin Muhs. “Things like concrete bump-outs near intersections to reduce passing on the right and protect people walking.”

The road itself was reduced to one lane in each direction. Muhs says these changes have been effective. 

“We know from resident feedback that it has slowed excessive driving speeds, reduced reckless driving, and has provided a safer environment for people walking and biking in this area," said Muhs. 

It's a model the city says it will apply to multiple areas. 

“This design is going to be essentially copied in 2024’s work on Highland to the east here on 35th and 20th," said Muhs.

Planters on the East Side are in partnership with the East Side Business Improvement District. Muhs says while the planters are damaged at an increasingly fast rate, the planters are doing their job. 

“Planters are better than people," said Muhs. 

City officials say they'll use several federal and state grants including America Rescue Plan Act funds and Tax Incremental Districts (TIDs) dollars to make Milwaukee safer for pedestrians and bikers.