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Mitzi Baker has done alot of nice work in the area of active living in Olmsted County.  Here is some information on public investments in active living.  Basically this is just another reason why safe non-motorized connections in my community are vital. Read the rest of this entry »

There will be a meeting on November 17 from 5 to 7 PM at the Rochester Public Library to discuss our community bicycle masterplan.  If you want to say your piece, here is your chance.

http://www.co.olmsted.mn.us/planning/trnsprtnplng/bpac/bikemasterplan2011/Pages/default.aspx

http://www.co.olmsted.mn.us/planning/trnsprtnplng/bpac/bikemasterplan2011/Pages/default.aspx

Last month I met with Mike Sheehan, County Engineer.  One of the items we discussed was how citizens could contact the county about safety issues.  Here is how to do it.  For my cycling friends, I want to specifically point out that if there is gravel on a road, report it and it will get fixed. Read the rest of this entry »

I also sent out this same letter via email.  Here is what I wrote:

Dear Rochester Pedestrian, Cyclist, or Supporter,

If you are receiving this note directly from me, it is because you have contacted me on pedestrian / bicycle issue, are a part of the local growing cycling community, or your name was given to me.  I intend to use this network as issues come up.  I will not spam your inboxes but will send action alerts.  If you do not want to be involved in our collective efforts, let me know and I will remove you from my list. Read the rest of this entry »

Here is the video, you can watch the entire video online at www.rochestermn.gov  I shortened the 1 hour discussion to about 14 minutes.  You can hear how the council is willing to compromise.  My guess it that we should expect tree lined streets and trails with visibility openings for signage when all is said and done.

• Northwest Investments is a different business than Kwik Trip, but is the same ownership group.  Kwik Trip has done a pretty responsible job in Rochester.  I’d love to see more urban designs in our city core and less of those ugly plastic signs in the boulevard, but as gas stations go they are as good as anyone.
• It is important to realize that the city council did not weaken our standards, but development has gone ahead anyway.
• There is some discussion about 35 ft. standards for commercial developments vs. 50 ft. for residential; this is actually the the same standard.  Staff studied this and found that a 50 ft. standard in residential area equates to the very same recommended 35 ft. due to increased utilities and curb cuts.
• Mayo and Menards have also come forward with developments and have no expressed any concern with the tree standards.

OK, when 4 people send me the same link I am perhaps too pigeonholed.  Here is an article from the NY Times on how European cities are addressing, mobility, congestion, and parking.  There is much wisdom in this approach, but we are a long way away from this point.  If we could do one change right now I would like to move from minimum parking standards to maximum. Read the rest of this entry »

Here is an interesting video on “Copenhagenization.” We are a long way from this, however we can have safe and friendly city for bicycle commuters.

Here is the story from the Post-Bulletin:

Of course bikers have the right to use any roads, however simple modification make routes far more safe for bikers.  Cyclists now have a direct route between Apache Mall and Mayo High School.  This also provides a connection between the Southern portions of the Bear Creek and Zumbro Trails. Read the rest of this entry »

As part of the League of Minnesota Cities Annual Conference in Rochester we had arranged a bike ride to tour the Rochester Flood Control Project.  As it turned out we got lightning, so some of us will take an unofficial ride another time.  Assistant City Administrator Gary Neumann prepared some of the following information and I thought I would share. Read the rest of this entry »

Many of you have heard my signature like about our bike system in Rochester:

We have a great trail system, as long as you don’t need to get anywhere. Read the rest of this entry »