A draft plan of an ambitious bikeways vision in St. Paul was released Tuesday and will be previewed for residents at four open houses in February.
The draft plan — looking out 20 to 30 years and costing many millions of dollars that must be procured — calls for more than doubling the bike network in the city, with a loop trail around around the city and a 1.7 mile loop in downtown.
In announcing the draft plan and the public meetings, Mayor Chris Coleman said:
“This exciting and bold bikeways plan is overdue for St. Paul. Linking our neighborhoods to the city’s natural amenities, like Mounds Park, Phalen and Como Lakes, and the Mississippi River, is one of the hallmarks of what makes a city great. I’m thrilled that this draft has been released, and look forward to building great trails.”
The scheduled open houses are:
- Tuesday, Feb. 11, 6 to 8 p.m.
El Rio Vista Recreation Center/Wellstone Community Center
179 E. Robie St. - Thursday, Feb. 13, 6 to 8 p.m.
Macalester College
Weyerhaueser Ballroom in Weyerhaueser Hall
(located on the southeast corner of Grand Avenue and Macalester Street) - Tuesday, Feb. 18, 6 to 8 p.m.
Duluth & Case Recreation Center
1020 Duluth St. - Thursday, Feb. 20, 6 to 8 p.m.
CapitolRiver Council Office (adjacent conference room)
US Bank Center Building
101 E. Fifth St.
Suite 240
City Council Member Russ Stark said of the plan:
“More and more, people are looking for opportunities to bike safely in St. Paul for transportation, exercise or both. This plan is a critical step toward providing a network of safe streets and trails to bike on for better health, transportation and a more livable city.”
