International Walk and Bike to School Day Oct. 4

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Thousands of students in more than 200 schools across Minnesota will participate in International Walk and Bike to School Day Oct. 4. The annual event, sponsored by Minnesota Safe Routes to School, encourages students and parents to get outside, increase their physical activity, teach pedestrian and bicycle safety, reduce traffic congestion and strengthen connections between families, schools and communities while walking and biking to school.

“Walking and biking to school or work are great ways to skip traffic, get a little exercise and enjoy beautiful Minnesota,” said Lt. Governor Tina Smith. “I encourage Minnesota students and their families to participate in Walk and Bike to School Day on Oct. 4. I hope to see you out there.”

Dave Cowan, Walk and Bike to School Day coordinator, said this day gets families, schools and communities thinking about what it might be like if students in their neighborhoods walked and bicycled to school year-round.

“The result is transformative,” said Cowan. “Safely walking and bicycling is an important life skill we should be teaching our youth. This day is a great way to encourage students to use that knowledge all through their lives while building physical activity into their daily routine.”

He said schools can register their Walk and Bike to School Day event at www.walkbiketoschool.org.

Participants can also join in the Walk to School Day photo contest by submitting photos on the MnSRTS Facebook page with the hashtag #mnwalks. Learn more at www.mnsaferoutestoschool.org under the current programs tab.

Cowan said the event is an opportunity for children who typically ride a school bus and those who live in areas with bike friendly paths to school to walk and bike to school. Many schools participate in a “walking school bus” event by arranging for school buses to drop off students at a nearby park or other safe locations to finish the trip on foot. The drop-off option also can be used for students who are usually driven to school in private vehicles. 

Walk to School Day also encourages parents and community members to begin thinking about the walkability and bikeability of their neighborhoods. A walkability checklist helps walkers assess what makes the walking environment inviting and safe, and identify existing barriers. After the assessment, schools and communities can work to make a plan for improvements.

For more information, visit www.walkbiketoschool.org.

MnDOT gathering input on regional bicycle routes in NW MN

BEMIDJI, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation is hosting open houses in counties across northwest Minnesota in order to gather input on regional bicycle routes that can be included in a Statewide Bicycle Network.

Area stakeholders are invited to help identify bicycle friendly routes that make meaningful connections in the region. The routes may include existing trails and roadways, and may cross the jurisdictions of the township, city, county and state.

The meetings will be held at the following locations and times:

·         Beltrami County – Sept. 13, 10 a.m., MnDOT District 2 Office, 3920 Highway 2 West, Bemidji

·         Kittson County – Sept. 14, 1 p.m., Kittson County Courthouse, 410 Fifth Street, Hallock

·         Norman County – Sept. 19, 1 p.m., Dekko Community Center, 107 Fourth Avenue East, Ada

·         Polk County – Sept. 20, 10 a.m., Crookston City Hall, 124 North Broadway, Crookston

·         Pennington County – Sept. 20, 6:30 p.m., Ralph Engelstad Arena, 525 Brooks Avenue, Thief River Falls

District 2 comprises over 1,800 miles of state highways across 14 counties and employs approximately 220 people to handle snow and ice control, roadway construction, traffic, land acquisition, business operations, planning, design and other transportation-related duties.

You can learn more about MnDOT District 2, at to www.mndot.gov/d2.

Bicycliststo tour central Minnesota Aug. 13-16

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Motorists may notice an increased number of bicyclists on central Minnesota highways Aug. 13-16 for the annual Bicycling Around Minnesota event, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Approximately 275 bicyclists will travel through Brainerd, Pine River, Crosby and Little Falls on several highways, local routes and bicycle paths during the four days. Bicyclists will travel from 60 to 80 miles each day. Support vehicles may also be on the road during the event.

MnDOT reminds all travelers to share the road and follow all traffic safety laws. 

The law is clear—bicyclists and motorists shareresponsibility. Here are some “rules of the road” to improve safety for both bicyclists and motorists:

·         Motorists should be on the lookout and watch for and yield to bicyclists before turning.

·         Bicyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic.

·         Motorists must maintain a three-foot clearance at all times when passing a bicyclist.

·         Bicyclists must obey all traffic control signs and signals, just as motorists.

·         Motorists and bicyclists must yield the right of way to each other.

·         Bicyclists should communicate their intent by yielding to traffic and signaling before turning or changing lanes.

·         Bicyclists must use head and tail lights when it’s dark.

·         Bicyclists should always wear helmets and bright reflective gear.

·         Motorists should stay alert and avoid distracted driving.

For more information about the 2015 Bicycling Around Minnesota event, visit www.bambiketour.org.

For more information about the “Share the Road” bicycle safety education program, bicycle crash statistics and resource materials, visit www.sharetheroadmn.org.

Hike or bike at the annual ‘Walk for Glendalough’

The pasque flowers are blooming, the ice is off the lakes, and the loons and bluebirds have returned — all signs that it is time for the annual Walk for Glendalough. For the 19th year, this popular event for visitors of all ages will take place at Glendalough State Park in Battle Lake. Hosted by Glendalough Park Partners and staff from Minnesota state parks and trails, the event will start at the park’s trail center at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 25.

There is no fee to enter the park on this day, but because the walk is intended as a fundraiser, donations will be encouraged.

The Glendalough Park Partners will provide lodge tours, eagle nest viewing, food and door prizes. Meet the area naturalist and see what surprises he has in his cart. For those that are unable to walk or bike long distances, shuttles will be available for a trail tour. As always, the walk provides an opportunity for park visitors to see new park developments and learn about future projects.

Glendalough State Park’s new paved bike and pedestrian trail now connects to the city of Battle Lake, just three miles away. Pedal around the east side of Annie Battle Lake and get a glimpse of the park’s new Legacy-funded yurts. By Sunset Lake, check out the new block fire ring that will be used for evening campfire programs this summer. A portion of the proceeds from this year’s event will go toward bike racks along the new trail, furniture and window coverings for the trail center, and a new gas grill for groups to use.

Over the years, the Walk for Glendalough has contributed close to $250,000 in park improvements. Funds have been used to:

• Provide year-round restrooms at the trail center.
• Restore and furnish the historic lodge.
• Build a picnic shelter and a hiking bridge.
• Add heat and electricity to camper cabins.
• Purchase rental canoes.
• Construct and fund a bird-feeding station.
• Plant trees and native prairie flowers.
• Create the campfire program area.
• Purchase automated external defibrillators.
• Create an outdoor seating area, which will be installed this spring.

“Many of the amenities that park visitors enjoy today would not have been possible without the funds raised by the walk,” said Park Manager Jeff Wiersma.

Donuts, coffee, and cider will be served at the trail center beginning at 9 a.m. A bratwurst lunch will be served at 11 a.m., and returning walkers will gather at the old tennis court to hear the latest park news, total funds raised and, if they’re lucky, choose a prize. Free posters are available to all. The event wraps up by noon, but visitors can always extend their day with an overnight stay in the cart-in campground, a camper cabin or a yurt. For more information, call the park at 218-864-0110 or visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/glendalough.

MnDOT seeks public input for statewide bicycle system plan

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation is seeking public input on its Statewide Bicycle System Plan during a series of statewide meetings in February and March. The plan will identify a statewide system of bicycle routes, improve existing facilities and refine MnDOT’s bicycle planning process.

During the meetings, participants will provide specific input at activity stations and get the latest project news and updates. The information will help guide MnDOT in its next steps for the plan.

Meetings will be held at these locations:

·         Feb. 9 in Fergus Falls – West Central Initiative Conference Room, 1000 Western Ave.

·         Feb. 11 in Minneapolis – University of Minnesota’s Urban Research and Outreach Engagement Center, Room 105, 2001 Plymouth Ave N.

·         Feb. 18 in Bemidji – Hampton Inn and Suites, Sunken Island Room, 1019 Paul Bunyan Dr. SE

·         Feb. 19 in Granite Falls – Kilowatt Community Center, 600 Kilowatt Dr.

·         Feb. 24 in Mankato – Blue Earth County Library Auditorium, 100 E. Main St.

·         Feb. 25 in St. Paul – Neighborhood House at Wellstone Center, Westside Room, 179 Robie St. E

·         Feb. 26 in Duluth – City Hall, room 303, 411 W. First St.

·         March 11 in Rochester – University Center Rochester, Heintz Center Classroom, HA 104. Park in the east lot of Heintz Center, enter door H-9, 1926 College View Road E.

·         March 12 in St. Cloud – Whitney Senior Center, Kelly/Voltuck/Nikle Rooms, 1527 Northway Dr.

All meetings will be from 5 to 7 p.m.

Project team members and planning partners will be available for questions. Kids’ activities and snacks will be provided.

Interested persons also may submit comments on the project website at www.mndot.gov/bike, by email to greta.alquist@state.mn.us or by mail to Greta Alquist, MnDOT Office of Transit MS 315, 395 John Ireland Blvd., St. Paul, MN, 55155.

A first round of statewide meetings was held in spring 2014. MnDOT received more than 3,000 comments on routes for the statewide network, ideas for the kinds of facilities that should be developed and locations where MnDOT should invest.

“Minnesota has a great bicycling culture. Throughout our process people from across the state were active in letting us know where and how we can make good bicycle-related investments,” said Tim Mitchell, MnDOT bicycle and pedestrian coordinator. “We hope anyone interested in bicycling will help us with our next steps as we continue to work towards improving bicycling throughout the state.”

To request an ASL or foreign language interpreter, or other reasonable accommodation during the meeting, call Janet Miller at 651-366-4720 or 1-800-657-3774 (Greater Minnesota); 711 or 1-800-627-3529 (Minnesota Relay). Alternatively, email janet.rae.miller@state.mn.us. Please request at least one week in advance.

For more information on the project, visit www.dot.state.mn.us/bike/study.html.