Fri 10 Nov 2006
NMBT meets with Public Works – Northside bicycle improvements planned
Posted by motorman under About the bike , Soapbox , BikewaysStaff from Minneapolis Public Works met with the North Minneapolis Bicycle Taskforce (NMBT) to discuss the plan to improve the Northside bicycle facilities. It will begin as soon as possible with the correction signage and lane markings then engagement with property owners that have expressed a hardship. The lane correction will connecting lane markings that are intermittent, adding no parking signs in area that need them, and to restore the eastern half of Plymouth to ‘Share the Road’ and move the lane on the bridge over I-94 away from the gutter pan. I welcome these actions as an intermediate step towards what I hope to occur next year. As I posted previously, there needs to be more protected passage for riders with emerging skill. Fortunately, this plan will address three-out-of-the-four issues I have with the Northside lanes.

Make your voice heard
Public Works staff informed us that the rationale behind the changes in parking restrictions on these lanes is a direct result from complaining property owners. To no fault of the City staff, this is how many issues receive attention. These squeaky wheels received grease until a more comprehensive approach could occur.
As the NMBT works with the City and the community to discuss the importance of the bike program and as some begin to receive tickets for disobeying parking restrictions additional complaints will come into City Hall. It is very important for this (and for all bike facilities) that you make sure that elected officials understand that these facilities are used and need to remain. We have the highest percentage of people that bike to work in the country. It is my expectation that within the year we have the highest percentage of bike commuters that is also the most vocal.
Links to Minneapolis officials
Remember those who have or are serving in the Armed Forces tomorrow.
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