Saint Paul Bike Plan Update: Celebrating a successful public hearing

On Friday, February 2, the Saint Paul Planning Commission held a public hearing on the city’s newly proposed Bike Plan update and received overwhelming support for expanding safe bike infrastructure. Of 30 people testifying in person, 24 of them supported the plan —  and many of these supporters were members of Sustain Saint Paul. 

As an organization that prioritizes low-carbon transportation, Sustain Saint Paul is proud to support the plan and its goals of expanding safe bike routes across the city. The plan calls for 119 miles of new bikeways across the city, which would bring Saint Paul up to 337 miles of bike routes. The plan emphasizes bike paths that are separated from vehicle traffic, which are more safe and accessible for bikers of all abilities.

We especially love the vision voiced in the Bike Plan: “Riding a bike in Saint Paul is comfortable, safe, fun, and accessible for all residents and visitors. No matter a person’s age, income, ability, race, gender identity or sexual orientation, anyone can connect to destinations in Saint Paul by bike.”

Sustain Saint Paul co-chair Melissa Wenzel was featured in a Pioneer Press story about the successful public hearing:

Melissa Wenzel said she bought an e-bike a decade ago and has been car-free ever since, but she acknowledged that in-street bike lanes alone won’t inspire many seniors and families with small children to do the same.

“Since 2015, I’ve been actively looking and listening to those who also want to bike, and realizing they don’t feel safe biking in streets,” said Wenzel, who called for protected, off-street paths “for the elders, for the kids and for everyone.”

What’s next for the Bike Plan? City staff will now review feedback from public commenters and implement final changes to the plan. In the coming months, the Bike Plan will be brought before the City Planning Commission and City Council for ultimate adoption.

We hope to continue building support as the Bike Plan advances through the city’s process, championing a city where everyone can feel good about biking. 

If you’re interested in supporting the Bike Plan alongside Sustain Saint Paul, be sure to sign up for our email newsletter at the bottom of our website’s home page. For further inquiries, reach out to info@sustainstpaul.org and we’ll help you get connected.