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Civic build

Why we built MKE.BIKE.

Short version: most city tools feel like a parking meter. We wanted MKE.BIKE to feel like a friend who rides. So we built a free, no-download, no-account web app for Milwaukee cyclists, and gave it away.

What it does

  • Live Bublr bike-share availability, so you know a dock has a bike before you walk over.
  • 390+ miles of routes and bike lanes across 26 trails, from OpenStreetMap.
  • This week’s group rides, plus breweries and bike-friendly perks (21+ for the beer).
  • Rider-reported hazard pins, so the map gets smarter every ride.

It launched in June 2026 and drew 600+ visits in the first week. No account, no app-store download, no tracking, it just works in a browser.

Why a marketing firm built a bike app

Two reasons. First, it’s personal, a tribute to a riding buddy and to a city we love. Second, it’s the clearest proof of how we think: findable by design. A tool that loads fast, works for everyone, needs no sign-up, and answers a real question the instant you have it, that’s the standard we hold every client’s site to.

Privacy was a first principle: no login, no following you around the city. Useful, fast, and respectful. That’s the bar.

FAQ

Is MKE.BIKE free?

Yes, a free, no-download, no-account web app for Milwaukee riders. Open it in any browser.

What does MKE.BIKE have to do with Mention Group?

It’s our civic build and a live proof of our “findable by design” philosophy: fast, accessible, privacy-respecting, useful the moment you need it.

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