Laserfiche WebLink
MINNESOTA MRT MARKETING TOOLBOX <br />Understanding Types of Bicycling Trips <br />Bicyclists on tours will need <br />support in order to spend at least <br />one night on the road. <br />Riders of all ages and abilities may <br />enjoy day trips, which are often <br />near their home, and include area <br />attractions. Photo provided by <br />Explore Minnesota Tourism. <br />Families with Type C bicyclists, <br />nature enthusiasts, and bicyclists <br />seeking a quiet, relaxing outing <br />are often drawn to off road <br />routes. Photo provided by Explore <br />Minnesota Tourism. <br />SUMMARY VISION SETTING <br />Although there are infinite possibilities for bicycle journeys, it is <br />useful to classify types of trips. <br />TOURS (OVERNIGHT) <br />A touring trip includes as least one night spent along the route. <br />Bicyclists on a tour might ride alone or in groups, and may be part <br />of an organized tour group. These bicyclists may be local, but are <br />often travelers coming specifically for an extended weekend or <br />multi -week ride. Most bicyclists on tours prefer to move at higher <br />speeds and directly between destinations, though speed may vary <br />considerably. These riders may also be carrying significant amounts <br />of gear. Touring bicyclists often travel long distances, and seek <br />challenging routes and topography and variety along the way. <br />DAY TRIPS <br />These trips are often made by local bicyclists who ride occasionally <br />for recreation. They may begin from home or drive to a convenient <br />starting point and bike for a few hours up to a long day. The level <br />of experience of these bicyclists varies widely, and they are more <br />likely to avoid route segments with challenging terrain or heavy <br />traffic, but will share the road with traffic. Riders on a day trip <br />typically stop more frequently than touring bicyclists, often to rest <br />and enjoy area attractions. <br />OFF ROAD, TRAIL TRIPS <br />Families, nature enthusiasts, and bicyclists seeking a quiet, relaxing <br />outing often enjoy a trip entirely separated from the roadway. A <br />route may be considered off road if it is separated from motor <br />vehicles by a barrier, but the path may be adjacent to a road and <br />within the public right of way. These trips are often shorter in <br />duration and benefit from access to a range of amenities, including <br />picnic areas, water access, educational markers, restrooms, and <br />food. <br />COMMUTING TRIPS <br />The bicycle commuting network will overlap with segments of the <br />MRT. While commuting is generally regarded as necessary <br />transportation and the MRT is designed for recreational purposes, <br />establishing the MRT bikeway can offer advantages for commuters. <br />Over time, a known bikeway may lead to roadway design more <br />supportive of bicycles, increased support and services for riders, <br />MARKETING PRODUCT IAUDIENCEI PARTNERS STRATEGY SUPPORT <br />Minnesota Mississippi River Trail Bikeway Page 5-4 <br />