Category Measures

• Bikeways
• Downtown Transportation Alternatives
• Lake Water Quality
• Recycling
• Tree Canopy

Why This Is Important

The miles of bikeways in Minneapolis are a key indicator of how bike-friendly the City is becoming. A recent national survey showed that miles of bikeways were positively correlated with rates of bicycling. Bikeways carve out designated spaces in the public right-of-way, which improves levels of comfort and safety for bicyclists. Encouraging the shift in travel patterns from motorized vehicles to bicycles will in turn improve air quality and health, and save money.

What's Being Done

Miles of bikeways have increased each year in the current decade, with the exception of 2008. Minneapolis Public Works, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, Hennepin County and the University of Minnesota are collectively responsible for bikeway construction in Minneapolis. Miles of bikeways in Minneapolis are expected to increase more than one-third (or approximately 45 miles) during 2009 and 2010, due in large part to the federal Non-Motorized Transportation Pilot Program.

About This Measure

This chart shows the growth in total number of miles of bike lanes on Minneapolis streets and off-road bike paths. On-street bikeways include bike lanes, shoulders, shared or marked lanes, and bike boulevards.