MnDOT wants to make bicycling safer and more usable

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is urging cyclists to comment on Minnesota's statewide bicycle planning study. Eight similar public meetings occurred across the state in late February and March.

"Minnesota is often recognized as one of the top bicycle-friendly states in the country, and the best way to continue improving is to learn from constituents who use the highways, bike lanes and shoulders to bike," said Tim Mitchell, MnDOT bicycle and pedestrian coordinator.

A meeting on the project is scheduled on March 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the University of Minnesota Urban Research and Outreach Center, located at 2001 Plymouth Avenue North.

MnDOT is seeking input on what should be improved to make bicycling a safer and more usable transportation option, ideas for future bicycling accommodations on Minnesota roads and barriers to making improvements. Officials say the feedback they collect will help them improve and develop consistent policies and practices for including bicycle components, such as wide shoulders or bike lanes, on future highway and bridge construction projects. It also will help MnDOT develop a new electronic and printable statewide bicycle map.

The public may also submit written comments to greta.alquist@state.mn.us or Greta Alquist, MnDOT Office of Transit MS 315, 395 John Ireland Blvd., St. Paul, MN, 55155.

Anyone unable to attend meetings in-person may join a statewide webinar discussion this Thursday, March 22, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Webinar details are posted at www.mndot.gov/bike/study.html.

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