
A person riding a BCycle ebike at the UW–Madison Arboretum.
Riding a bike is an enjoyable, sustainable, healthy, and practical way to enjoy the Arboretum. To expand transportation options for people 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 through a Jumpstart crowdfunding campaign to close a funding gap for installation costs. Your donations in any amount will improve access 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’s generous project support of $20,000, we have almost half the funding needed.

Friends of the Arboretum have pledged up to $15,000 in matching funds for every dollar raised in this campaign. We received a starting campaign gift of $4,000 from a generous donor, so we need to raise $11,000 more! Your donations will help us reach the goal and receive the Friends’ matching gift.
The campaign will run from September 9 to 20. We’re grateful to our funding supporters and hope you’ll give, or simply share our campaign with others. Thank you!
More about BCycle
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.
More about Jumpstart and Funders
Jumpstart is the UW–Madison crowdfunding platform. Donations are tax deductible and received by the UW Foundation.
The UW–Madison Green Fund supports student-initiated projects that address the environmental footprint, social impact, and operating costs of campus facilities. Campus Leaders for Energy Action Now (CLEAN), a student-led coalition, developed the project proposal for the BCycle station installation.
Friends of the Arboretum is a nonprofit organization that supports the UW–Madison Arboretum’s work and mission.