Agenda - Council - 06/09/2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The l\11ss1ssippi River Trailln IVIinnesota: A Bicycling Masterpiece in the :Making November 2006 ~IRT: A PRE~1IERE NIINNESOTA SCENIC BIKEWAY . The 2005 MnlDOT Bicycle Modal Plan describes the goal ofthe State Scenic Bikeway System is "to provide designated cycling routes that connect scenic, cultural, recreational and educational resources, tourism attractions, and other destinations on signed routes managedfor bicycle safety. H MRT embodies this goaL . The Modal Plan notes that "to improve the sqfety and economic impact <<(bicycle touring in Minne-sota all that remains is to fill continuity gaps through improved signing, mapping and minor improvements. Nfarketing can then capitalize on these substantial assets. " The MRT is positioned to be the fIrst route to be designated as a state scenic bikeway. It has been assessed, improvements have been identifIed, as one often states along the Mississippi River, Minnesota's MRT has already been designated a National Millennium Trail and MRT Inc. is chomping at the bit to market it nationally and intemationally. . The Modal Plan cites Minnesota Statues, Chapter 160.265 which establishes a program for the "development of bikeways primari~y on existing road rights-of-way" and requires coordination with state agencies to accomplish it. To date the development of the MRT has included the National Park Service Mississippi River National Recreation Area, DNR Parks and Recreation. and Trails and Watelways Divisions. 1-1nDOT Environmental Services and Sustainable TranspOltation Initiatives, Mississippi River Parkway Commission. Parks and Trails Council of Minnesota, Tmst for Public Land, McKnight Foundation, Metropolitan COlmcil, American Heritage Rivers Initiative, the University ofMitmesota and private sector pmtners. · As evidenced ill many of the Modal Plan photos, the MRT exemplifIes a Modal Plan vision of "a safe scenic bikeway system willmore readily accommodate large group bike rides and local bike transportation needs, and will bring health and quality of l(fe resources closer to more of Greater Minnesota." . The Modal Plan suggests "the State Scenic Bikeway System was conceiwd as a way to knit together the 1'e1J' best routesfor touring cyclists, regardless of jurisdiction, and to market them as statewide tourism resources." The MRT is the only bikeway identifIed on the Concept map that has been analyzed for feasibility and that embraces the idea of usillg existing roads and trails for bicycle touring to highlight and provide access to Mitmesota' s, and one of America's, greatest treasures: the Mississippi River. In addition to signing for legibility, the proposed route has proven to be largely ready to designate with minor improvements for safety and comfort. I Tile MRT in Minnesota is a masterpiece in tile making, destined to become a national attraction celebrating the mighty Mississippi River, enhancing tilt quality of life for tourist and residents alike, and serving as a model for other State Scenic Bikeways to follow. A Concept for a Minnesota Scenic Bikeway System' 04/0312009