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Bicycling <br />A vehicle where passengers are <br />also the engines <br />Bicycling is an integral component of a balanced, <br />sustainable and efficient multi -modal transportation <br />system. Bicycles provide an extremely efficient means of <br />transportation, requiring less right of way space than <br />vehicles. Bicycles also extend the reach of the non - <br />motorized network, maximizing geographic coverage <br />without emitting greenhouse gases. <br />Bicyclists utilize paved shoulders and designated bike <br />lanes on existing roadways. These non -motorized trips <br />are not only growing in total number as more and <br />more people bike as a mode of transportation, but <br />bicycle trips are becoming more common during all <br />seasons of the year. As a result, there is a growing need <br />to maintain safe bicycling conditions even during snowy <br />winter months. <br />673 bikeway miles in Hennepin County <br />Biking accounts for nearly 2% of all trips <br />in Hennepin County <br />2 x the national average <br />Currently, there are 775 miles of bikeways on the <br />Hennepin County Bicycle Network, which includes some <br />bikeways not on county roads. Of the 775 miles, 517 <br />miles are off-street facilities and 258 miles are on -street. <br />Also, within this system, the Three Rivers Park District <br />operates approximately 135 regional trail miles, with 55 <br />of these miles on Hennepin County Regional Railroad <br />Authority right of way. These facilities provide access to <br />regional and local parks and give residents safe and <br />comfortable non -motorized transportation options for <br />work, shopping and other trips by providing safe and <br />comfortable connections to destinations. <br />Role and Partners <br />Hennepin County has been an active participant in <br />planning, promoting, designing, and constructing <br />bicycle facilities. The county has continued a <br />collaborative effort with communities and other <br />agencies to develop an interconnected system of <br />bikeways. The Hennepin County roadway network <br />serves many on -street bicycle trips. As a result, the <br />county is responsible for ensuring the safe and <br />comfortable use of these facilities for non -motorized <br />users. <br />Key partners include the Three Rivers Park District , the <br />Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, and local <br />communities. The communities located in Hennepin <br />County also have non -motorized (bicycle) facilities that <br />interconnect to and enhance the system of trails <br />throughout the county. <br />22 <br />