City of St. Paul, MN passes citywide bike plan - 197 additional mile | St Paul City

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The City Council today adopted the Saint Paul Bicycle Plan that more than doubles bike pathways and connections throughout Saint Paul over the next several decades. In the City’s 2015 budget, Mayor Chris Coleman dedicated more than $27 million of the 8-80 Vitality Fund to road reconstruction, including the creation of bike pathways – the largest investment in bike infrastructure in Saint Paul’s history.

“Saint Paul needs to be a city that works for everyone, whether they are age eight or age 80 – and whether they are traveling by foot, car, transit or bicycle,” Mayor Coleman said. “This long-term, comprehensive bike plan will transform our neighborhoods over time by helping to ensure a balanced and equitable approach to transportation infrastructure, improved safety and quality of life, and new economic opportunities and access for people of all ages.”

Based on the work of internationally-renowned urban designer Gil Penalosa, the 8-80 Vitality vision aims to ensure infrastructure, streets and public spaces function for residents of all ages and abilities. The newly adopted Saint Paul Bicycle Plan is the first comprehensive strategy to advance this vision since Mayor Coleman announced the 8-80 Vitality Fund as part of his 2015 budget.

The comprehensive bike plan is also the first to address policies and infrastructure for bicycles on a citywide basis. It includes a forward-looking blueprint for bike routes, prioritizing the initial completion of the Grand Round – a 27-mile, scenic parkway for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists that circles the city – as well as an innovative network of off-street paths throughout downtown. The approved plan calls for the total construction of 197 additional miles of bicycle facilities, bringing the total bicycle network to 350 miles within Saint Paul when complete.

"This plan is a key step forward to building a network of connected bikeways across St. Paul, making it easier to get around the city by bike for people of all ages and in all neighborhoods,” said Council President Russ Stark. “This is another important milestone toward making St. Paul a more livable, equitable, and sustainable city."

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City of St. Paul, MN passes citywide bike plan - 197 additional mile | St Paul City

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