Friday, the Minneapolis City Council unanimously approved its 30-year Bicycle Master Plan.
The plan, characterised by proponents as a work in progress, adds many miles of bicycle lanes and shared-use roads to the city's network. The plan spaces many of its improvements out over 30 years.
In Southwest, the plan aims to add bike lanes to France Avenue, to Nicollet Avenue south of 40th Street, to 42nd Street and to 50th Street. "Shared use" markings will be added to Zenith Avenue, 60th Street, and the current markings on 54th Street will be extended across 35W.
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Councilmember Robert Lilligren praised the plan as forward-thinking.
"The plan is already drawing attention from the national bike community," he said, calling it "a big deal."
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Councilmember Sandy Colvin Roy said she believes the plan represents an investment in the community, because a bike-friendly city attracts more college-educated workers and reduces the number of cars on the roads.
"[With the plan,] we're working to keep our image as forward-thinking and a great place to live," she said.
Over 30 years, the city plans to invest between $270 million and $134 million dollars in the creation of 183 miles of new bike pathways and lanes. The former figure includes the long-delayed completion of the Grand Rounds trail which loops around the Twin Cities. The plan also aims to add 300 bicycle parking spaces per year and extend the Nice Ride bicycle sharing program to all parts of the city.
