The BAC met on Wednesday, December 21 and discussed lots of end-of-year items. As we rolled out of 2016 and into the new year, let’s The BAC met on Wednesday, December 21 and discussed lots of end-of-year items. As we’ve rolled out of 2016 and into the new year, let’s take a look at what was accomplished and where we are headed.take a look at what was accomplished and where we are headed.
Summary of 5E Subcommittee Meeting
The BAC Work Plan is in action. Priorities were created for each of the 5 E’s (education, equity, evaluation, enforcement and encouragement) and will be completed in time for the BAC report in March. The goals of each E will be discussed at January’s 5E meeting.
The Minneapolis Complete Streets Policy was reviewed and it was concluded that the definition of Complete Streets is context sensitive and process-driven. In other words, the project is designed with the needs of the individuals who use that area in mind and is carried out with attention paid to the specific area that the project is taking place in. The Policy is a commitment to build streets in which everyone can travel safely and comfortably. All projects in the city are reviewed with a Complete Streets Checklist to ensure layouts that are approved contain appropriate bicycle infrastructure.
The “Minneapolis Bicycle Citations and Arrests from 2009-2015” report was presented by authors Melody Hoffmann and Anneka Kmiecik. Haven’t read the report yet? Check it out here.
Summary of Engineering Subcommittee Meeting
Lots of resurfacing and sealcoat bikeway projects were presented to the group, in addition to the Hiawatha LRT Trail gap. This gap, on the Trail from 28th St to 32nd St, has either no bike infrastructure or only sidewalks. Other projects presented include 4th St S and Washington Avenue bike lanes. The 4th St S project proposes more space for pedestrians in the corridor, improved bus loading areas, and bike lanes. As for the Washington Avenue bike lanes, the layout has been updated to include buffered bike lanes, although protected bike lanes are strongly preferred. The lanes will go from 5th Street to 35W.
Finally, a summary of the 2016 Minneapolis bikeway program: there were 16 new or improved segments of bikeway added in the city this year! These segments included new trails, protected bike lanes, unprotected bike lanes, and automated bicycle counters (such as the one on the Franklin Bridge).
We still have lots more work to do to make Minneapolis an even better biking and walking friendly city, but we’re making progress indeed.
