Over the next four weeks, the Minnesota Department of Transportation will hold a series of meetings where the public can help further shape plans for a state network of bicycle trails and the types of facilities that should go with them.
Meetings began Monday and will continue throughout the state through March 12.
Last year, nearly 3,000 Minnesotans told the Minnesota Department of Transportation what they felt is needed to make it easier and more convenient for those who get around on two wheels at public meetings and by submitting comments through the agency's website.
The told the agency that their No. 1 wish was for bike lanes, trails and riding facilities along or that cross busy roadways. Close behind was the need for routes to downtown business districts and neighborhood business areas. Routes to regional parks and school also ranked high on their wish list.
A majority also said they want to see more bike lanes that are separated from general traffic lanes, such as cycle tracks or other types of protected lanes. Riders also saw a need for wider shoulders on rural routes and traffic signals that can detect bicycles.
"Minnesota has a great bicycling culture. Throughout our process people from across the state were active in letting us know where and how we can make good bicycle-related investments," said Tim Mitchell, MnDOT bicycle and pedestrian coordinator. "We hope anyone interested in bicycling will help us with our next steps as we continue to work towards improving bicycling throughout the state."
MnDOT will use comments collected during the current round of meetings to help the agency refine its Statewide Bicycle System Plan, which can be viewed at www.mndot.gov/bike.
A list of the meetings is below. All meetings run from 5 to 7 p.m. Comments can also be submitted to greta.alquist@state.mn.us or by mail to Greta Alquist, MnDOT Office of Transit MS 315, 395 John Ireland Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155.
