That Dinkytown bike-ped bypass that MPLS told you about last week is now open for wheeled and foot traffic.
You can catch the new route either at the east end of Bridge 9 just off the Mississippi River, or just off the intersection of Oak and 5th Streets SE. That's not far from the west end of the existing University Transitway.
Of course a new bike trail wouldn't be official without a few politicians proving they can ride bikes. So if you want to join them for the ceremonial opening, they're meeting at noon Sunday on the mall of the University of Minnesota's St. Paul campus. Meet at the corner of Carter and Eckles avenues. That's near the Transitway's east end. Other stops along the way are at 12:20 p.m. at Malcolm Avenue and 5th Street SE in Minneapolis, and at 12:45 p.m. at Oak and 5th.
If you don't like crowds, the new trail is lit so you can ride or walk it any hour.
The city is calling the new route the Dinkytown Greenway, but be forwarned that there's been no special planting along the route so far. There are some scrub trees along the path, but mostly it features views of parked railcars and idle tracks.
