Cycling Above the Arctic Circle

Plus, a $1b bike lane and Stats for the Nerds

Welcome to the Bike Bulletin. It’ll make you want to ride more than you’ll want to eat cookies this season.

Today is a brief edition. I’m back home in Wisconsin, spending Christmas with my family.

Written by Sam Westby, @samcwestby

Here’s what we have today.

  • 🌍 RIDE: Fat Bike Birkie

  • 🎥 WATCH: Cyclist 4,300 km to Ski Above the Arctic Circle

  • 📰 NEWS: A $1b bike lane and the most dangerous state for cyclists

ROUTE ON MY RADAR

Fat Bike Birkie

The Fat Bike Birkie is a winter fat-bike ride in northern Wisconsin that takes place on the American Birkebeiner ski trails. You’ll ride through groomed trails and be wondering if toes are optional equipment.

More details:

  • February 28th, 2026, in Cable, Wisconsin

  • There are 10k, 21k, and 48k options

  • 3.5+ inch wide tires required

  • $90 registration fee

  • Official website: birkie.com

  • Last year’s highlight video: YouTube

WHAT I’M WATCHING

Cyclist 4,300 km to Ski Above the Arctic Circle

Last winter, Jean Rouaux rode north with his bike and his skis to ski above the Arctic Circle. I found him on Instagram, where he was posting regular vlogs. To my surprise, he’s back with a 14-minute YouTube video about the journey!

Watch on YouTube.

Follow Jean on Instagram

  • Florida. Ranked as the most dangerous state for cyclists by the Bicycle Accident Lawyers group. (newsfromthestates.com)

  • 6.4 million. The number of trips taken on Washington D.C.’s Capital Bikeshare in 2025. A new record! (ggwash.com)

  • Bird E-Bikes. These bikes are now available to rent through the Lyft app in Denver, Nashville, and Cleveland. (zagdaily.com)

  • Albuquerque. This city is piloting a new protected bike lane on MLK Avenue. (KRQE)

  • $1 billion. The cost to add pedestrian and cyclist access to the new Bay Bridge in Maryland. This is pennies compared to the $17.6 billion price tag.

  • 11%. The percentage of traffic on bikes on Boston’s Boylston Avenue. (WBZ)

  • $2.85. The new cost of a 20-minute LimeBike ride for LimePrime members ($5.99/month) in Seattle. (Seattle Bike Blog)

A Note From Sam

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Find Sam on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Strava