36th Street West Bikeway and Pedestrian Path
Project Type
On-street bikeway (type to be determined) and pedestrian path
Project Limits
East Calhoun Parkway to Dupont Avenue South
Construction Start Date
Summer/fall 2013
Contact Information
David Peterson, (612) 333-1378 or david.peterson2@minneapolismn.gov. Feedback can also be entered using our online form.
Project Details
Possible Street Layouts (pdf), January 2013
This project seeks to provide bicycle and pedestrian accommodation on 36th Street West between East Calhoun Parkway and Dupont Avenue
South. Several different layouts are proposed for public comment.
Layouts being considered are:
- Layout A: A two-way, buffered cycle track and pedestrian path on the southern side of the road
- Layout B-1: A hybrid cycle track that includes a westbound, buffered bike lane on the northern side of the road, and an eastbound buffered cycle track and two-way pedestrian path on the southern side of the road
- Layout B-2: Two one-way cycle tracks with a westbound, buffered cycle track on the northern side of the road, and an eastbound, buffered cycle track and two-way pedestrian path on the southern side of the road
- Layout C: Buffered bike lanes on the northern and southern sides of the road (with no pedestrian path)
Three of the layouts include a pedestrian path along the southern curb (adjacent to Lakewood Cemetery). There is currently no sidewalk on the southern side of 36th Street. This poses a significant safety risk individuals walking on that side of the street, primarily transit passengers accessing Metro Transit buses at eastbound bus stops.
Traffic Data for 36th Street West
Public Works is confident that existing traffic volumes can be effectively managed on 36th Street with the reduction of one east bound travel lane and the addition of bicycle facilities. Data for traffic volumes (Average Anual Daily Traffic) at two points along 36th Street can be found here. Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) is a measurement of how busy a road is. For reference, small, neighborhood streets in Minneapolis carry low numbers of vehicles per day (e.g. 439/day on Girard Ave S between 33rd and 34th St), while the busiest non-highway type street in the city is Lyndale Ave S near the Walker Art Center (~30,000/day). Busier streets in the vicinity of the proposed project include Lyndale Ave S (~12,000/day), Hennepin Ave (7,600/day), Nicollet Ave (~7,600/day) and Richfield Rd (~10,100/day).
- Holmes to Hennepin - 11,612 AADT
- Fremont to Emerson - 12,127 AADT
Turning movement counts measure the movements at intersections with traffic signals. The graphs below show turning movements for the morning (7-8am), midday (12:30-1:30pm) and evening (5:15-6:15pm) peak hours. These are the three busiest traffic hours of the day, and the evening peak is the busiest hour. Roads are designed to effectively manage traffic for these peak traffic periods.
What is a cycle track?
Public Works is exploring the possibility of a cycle track on 36th Street. A cycle track is an exclusive bike facility that combines the user experience of a separated path with the on-street infrastructure of a bike lane. A cycle track is physically separated from motor vehicle traffic and distinct from the sidewalk. By separating cyclists from motor traffic, cycle tracks can offer a higher level of security than bike lanes and are attractive to a wider spectrum of the public.
Why build them in Minneapolis?
Currently, thousands of people utilize our world-class trail system every day. However, the same individuals hesitate at the idea of riding a bicycle on most streets. Many bicyclists have a very low degree of comfort about sharing the street with motor vehicles, and standard bike lanes do not alleviate this fear. While some future opportunities exist to expand the trail network and fill important gaps, enhancing the bikeability of the city will largely happen on our streets in coming decades. Cycle tracks bring the experience and security of riding on a trail to the street.
What would a cycle track look like?
Cycle track rendering (.jpg)
Cycle track cross-section (pdf)
Two-way cycle track recently completed in Chicago, IL
Two-way cycle track recently completed in Austin, TX
One-way protected bike lane in Chicago, IL
One-way cycle track in Portland, OR
Next Steps
Public Works is refining the project scope and budget to move closer to a final plan. The final project design must be agreed to by Council Member Tuthill and the City's Traffic Operations Engineer.
Project Updates
August 21, 2012
The project has been shared with the Calhoun Area Residents Action Group (CARAG) Board of Directors.
September 6, 2012
The project has been shared with the East Calhoun Community Organization (ECCO) Board of Directors.
September 17, 2012
The project has been shared with the East Harriet Farmstead Neighborhood Association (EHFNA) Crime, Safety, Transportation & Noise Committee.
October 15, 2012
The project has been shared with a joint meeting of individuals representing CARAG, ECCO, and East Harriet Farmstead neighborhoods, neighborhood associations and local business associations.
October 17, 2012
The project has been shared with the Nicollet East Harriet Business Association (NEHBA). NEHBA has requested that the city set up a meeting to talk directly to businesses along 36th Street.
October 23, 2012
Public Works presented this project to the Transportation & Public Works Committee (City Council sub-committee). The Committee and City Council subsequently granted approval of a request for Public Works to apply for competitive matching grant funding from Hennepin County for 36th Street West
November 14, 2012
The project was shared with representatives of businesses on 36th Street West.
December 2012
Hennepin County staff recommended that the County contribute funding for the 36th Street West project. The recommendation was forwarded to the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners. The Board will vote on the recommendation at their January 29, 2013 meeting.
January 29, 2013
Hennepin County Board of Commissioners pending.
February 7, 2013
The City of Minneapolis held a public meeting about the 36th Street West Bicycle & Pedestrian Project at St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church. Approximately 17 people attended. Click here for a summary of written feedback from the meeting.
Other Information
36th Street West is included in the City of Minneapolis Bicycle Master Plan, adopted by City Council in 2011.
Last updated Feb. 22, 2013