Strategy 5 Plan and implement bikeway connections to and between regional destinations and adjacent city networks.
The actions within this strategy are divided into two categories:
Action we will DOActions we will SUPPORTAction we will do are preceded by “DO” and are colored in dark gray, and actions we will support are preceded by “Support” and are colored in light gray.
Connecting to the larger regional bike network is important as it allows regional commuters and other people living outside of Minneapolis to connect to destinations in the city. Coordinated regional connections also promote alternatives to driving for longer distances.
The actions below build upon several of our partner’s planning efforts. These include the Metropolitan Council’s long-term vision for the Regional Bicycle Transportation Network, which identifies regionally significant connections for bicyclists like the extension of the Midtown Greenway across the Mississippi River, as well as the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board’s efforts to complete the Grand Rounds trail system, which will be a 50+ mile system of trails in Minneapolis.
Existing Regional Bicycle Trail Network as of 2020
Actions to plan and implement bikeway connections to and between regional destinations and adjacent city networks.
Bicycling 5.1
Partner with the Metropolitan Council to identify opportunities to implement the Regional Bicycle Transportation Network, prioritizing the All Ages and Abilities Network and considering where the Regional Bicycle Transportation Network crosses regional barriers and/or provides direct connections to adjacent city bicycle networks. Potential example includes extending the Midtown Greenway across the Mississippi River into St. Paul.
Supported goals:
Safety Mobility Active Partnerships
Related actions:
Difficulty:
Low
Timeframe:
2020-2023 (Years 0-3)
Status:
Successfully completed to date and on-going
Significant milestone(s):
The City submitted several successful Regional Solicitation applications to implement bikeways on and connecting to the Metropolitan Council's Regional Bicycle Transportation Network. In 2024 and 2025, Public Works is supporting the Metropolitan Council’s Midtown Greenway Trail Expansion Planning project to explore an extension of the Midtown Greenway across the Mississippi River.
Bicycling 5.2
Support and partner where appropriate with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board in completing the Grand Rounds Missing Link, connecting Northeast and Southeast Minneapolis.
Supported goals:
Mobility Active Partnerships
Related actions:
Difficulty:
Medium
Timeframe:
2024-2027 (Years 4-7)
Status:
Successfully completed to date and on-going
Significant milestone(s):
The City is actively coordinating with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board on the Grand Rounds Missing Link. This has included review of draft concepts, meeting with multiple agencies, support for pursuing grant funding, and detailed coordination and analysis for a potential first phase project on Industrial Boulevard.
Bicycling 5.3
Work with partners to support a bikeway connecting South Minneapolis directly to the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport Terminal 1 and Blue Line Light Rail stations.
Supported goals:
Prosperity Mobility Active Partnerships
Related actions:
Difficulty:
Medium
Timeframe:
2030+
Status:
Not Started
Notes:
The City continues to support regional bikeway connectivity including connections directly to airport terminals and Blue Line Light Rail stations. While the airport terminals are outside of City boundaries and access would require crossing other jurisdictions, Minneapolis is willing to actively support other agencies' interest in this connection.