[chambernews] Fwd: FW: Minnesota ranks second in nation for bicycle-friendly states

Thu May 1 14:58:22 CDT 2014

interesting information!

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Subject: 	FW: Minnesota ranks second in nation for bicycle-friendly states
Date: 	Thu, 1 May 2014 19:45:52 +0000
From: 	Gillach, James (DOT) <james.gillach at state.mn.us>
To: 	#DOT_ALLCOMM <ALLCOMM.DOT at state.mn.us>

*Minnesota Department of Transportation*

*News Release*

May 1, 2014 Contact:  Sue Roe

                                            651-366-4268

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*Minnesota ranks second in nation for bicycle-friendly states*

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ST. PAUL, Minn.**–**Kicking off National Bike Month,**the League of 
American Bicyclists today announced that Minnesota ranks as the second 
most bicycle-friendly state in the nation. Last year, Minnesota also 
ranked second. This is a jump from the number four slot achieved in 2011 
and 2010. Prior to that, Minnesota ranked fifth in 2008 and 2009.

“This ranking is recognition of the work on behalf of bicycling being 
done by both the public and private sectors throughout the state,” said 
Dorian Grilley, executive director, Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota. “It 
is not only because of the good work that is being done by the Minnesota 
Department of Transportation, but because the Department of Health, 
Explore Minnesota Tourism, Department of Natural Resources, other public 
agencies, local governments and many of our state's businesses, both big 
and small, are all engaged in making bicycling better in Minnesota,"

Nearly half of Minnesotans rode a bicycle last year, according to the 
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2012 Omnibus Transportation Survey.

The Bicycle Friendly States ranking is based on key indicators, 
including infrastructure and funding that provide safe places to bike; 
education and encouragement programs that promote cycling; and passage 
and enforcement of bicycle-friendly laws that make it safe and 
comfortable for people of all ages and abilities to ride.

"We are excited and encouraged to see real progress in states like 
California, Minnesota and Utah," said Andy Clarke, president of the 
League of American Bicyclists. "Overall, we still see a lot of 
opportunity to realize the huge potential of bicycling to promote 
health, economic development, and quality of life."

Washington remains the top ranked state for the seventh year in a row, 
followed by Minnesota, Wisconsin, Delaware and Oregon. Minnesota 
received its ranking because of many reasons, including:

·Partnerships among several state agencies and local/statewide advocacy 
groups that are encouraging increased commuter and recreational bicycle 
use and leading the Safe Routes to School program.

·Recognition as the “Best Trails State” in the nation in 2012. The state 
features more than 600 miles of paved trails managed by the Department 
of Natural Resources. The DNR adds about 10 miles of paved trail to the 
system each year. National, regional and local governments manage 
thousands of additional trail miles.

·Nice Ride Minnesota, the first large-scale bicycle sharing system in 
the nation, expanded into St. Paul in 2012.The program has more than 
1,500 bicycles and 170 kiosks in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Expansion is 
also planned in Greater Minnesota.

·The Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota, Minnesota Department of 
Transportation and the Center for Prevention at Blue Cross and Blue 
Shield of Minnesota published “WALK! BIKE! FUN!” — a comprehensive 
curriculum with engaging lessons for kids in kindergarten through sixth 
grade.  Through classroom activities and on-the-bike skills practice, 
instructors can teach young people how to travel safely in their 
communities.

·The state has high rates of bicycle commuting and recreational use.

·The nationally recognized bicycle safety education campaign, “Share the 
Road <http://www.dot.state.mn.us/sharetheroad/>,” helps improve 
awareness of bicycle laws for both motorists and bicyclists.

Several state agencies, including the departments of Health, Natural 
Resources, Transportation and Tourism invest in bicycling as an 
important component of Minnesota’s transportation system. Bicycle 
tourism has a positive impact on Minnesota’s economy and being 
physically active can decrease the risk of a variety of diseases such as 
heart disease and stroke, diabetes, depression and certain types of cancer.

“This year’s bicycle friendly state announcement is a great 
acknowledgement of the dedication and commitment of our many agency 
partners, advocates and bicyclists from across the state towards making 
Minnesota a bicycle friendly state,” said Tim Mitchell, Minnesota 
Department of Transportation bicycle and pedestrian coordinator.

He said the Minnesota Department of Health has helped elevate interest 
in biking in the state. “Their Statewide Health Improvement Program has 
assisted more than 250 communities to increase access to bicycling and 
walking opportunities over the past few years, making the healthy choice 
an easy choice.”

Mitchell said while the ranking is a great achievement, there is work to 
do. “We can do even better,” he added. “The best way to continue to 
improve is to learn from constituents who use the highways, bike lanes 
and shoulders to bike.

MnDOT is asking the public’s input into developing a statewide bicycle 
system plan. Feedback will help MnDOT identify and recommend routes, 
improve existing facilities in the bike system and more effectively 
address the needs of bicycle riders in the state.To participate, 
interested persons can go online at www.mndot.gov/bike 
<http://www.mndot.gov/bike>.

# # #

*Judy Jacobs *

*Public Affairs Coordinator *

*MnDOT District 8*

*2505 Transportation Road *

*Willmar, MN  56201*

*320/214-6426 (office)*

*320/212-6132 (cell)*

*Judy.jacobs at state.mn.us* <mailto:Judy.jacobs at state.mn.us>**

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http://www.dot.state.mn.us/mediaroom/logos/logo_downloads/atob/atob-email.png**

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