Twin Cities Streets for People

Earlier this month the City of St. Paul released a new draft of the Bike Walk Central Corridor Action Plan. There’s a lot to like in the draft, which lays out an attainable plan that will help direct the transformation of a major corridor at the heart of our cities.

A lot of plans like this come and go without much impact, something we all know too well, but it looks like this action plan is different. It has already helped direct funding to improve biking and walking in the corridor.

That’s why it’s so important for Complete Streets advocates to comment on the draft and make sure the plan is as robust as possible. St. Paul will present a revised plan to the City Council in late November and this is a critical time for our voices to be heard. So read the report, and then tell St. Paul what you think. Comments go directly to Emily Goodman, who works for the City of St. Paul.

Some thoughts on the plan after the break

While the draft has a number of good and attainable reccomendations, one suggestion I have for the next version is to focus greater attention on major problem areas like crossing the BNSF railroad to the north of University Avenue. While the problem is discussed, it is not identified as a priority for the city to act on.

The Raymond Avenue underpass is a major choke point that is currently unsafe for all users and if improved would greatly strengthen St. Paul’s overall bicycle network. It is also impossible to cross the Energy Park / BNSF area between Raymond and Lexington– nearly 2.5 miles (even the Hamline Ave pedestrian bridge only passes over one set of tracks.)

So, share your thoughts with the city and let us know what told them in the comments section below. The Central Corridor will be great for our cities, but it’s important we help shape the direction of its transformation.

City of St. Paul Bike Walk Action Plan Web Site bellow