Riding a bike is an enjoyable, sustainable, healthy, and practical way to visit the Arboretum. To expand transportation options and make it even easier to come explore, we want to have a 14-dock Madison BCycle 3.0 station installed near the Visitor Center.
And we’re asking for your help – we’re seeking community contributions to close a funding gap for installation costs. Your donations in any amount will improve transportation options to the Arboretum for students, neighbors, and community members.
With a Madison BCycle station at the Visitor Center, it will be easier to ride in (plus you’ll get pedal assist on that hill!), securely park the ebike, and spend time at the Arboretum for a walk on the trails, an event, a class project, or an outing to commune with your favorite people – as well as your favorite plants!
The funds raised will go toward the cost of installation, which includes a concrete pad, docks, bicycles, batteries, and other components. The total cost is around $50,000. Thanks to the UW–Madison Green Fund for generous project support of $20,000, we have almost half the funding needed.
Friends of the Arboretum has pledged up to $15,000 in matching funds for every dollar raised in this campaign. We have a starting campaign gift of $4,000 from a generous donor and only need to raise $11,000 more. Your donations will help us reach the goal and receive the Friends’ matching gift.
BCycle 3.0 docks are more space and energy efficient than previous docks, adding even more green infrastructure at the Arboretum.
BCycle offers reduced memberships for UW students and employees. Madison Public Library also offers a BCycle community pass program for library cardholders. BCycle stations are conveniently located around campus, near the Arboretum at the Mills Street entrance, and at several locations on and around Park Street and Monroe Street.
The UW–Madison Green Fund supports student-initiated projects that address the environmental footprint, social impact, and operating costs of campus facilities.
Friends of the Arboretum is a nonprofit organization that supports the UW–Madison Arboretum’s work and mission.