Communities around Minneapolis and St. Paul are working to build more robust bike infrastructure networks.

The suburbs of Minneapolis and St. Paul are growing their bike infrastructure networks, thanks in part to state and federal grants. Writing in the Star Tribune, Greta Kaul notes that some suburban areas, such as Ramsey County, are developing their first-ever bike plans.
According to director of the League of American Bicyclists' Bicycle Friendly America program Amelia Neptune, “Suburbs were generally built for cars — often many lanes of them traveling at high speeds — so making them bike-friendly requires a culture shift.” In some places, biking is primarily viewed as recreational; consequently, bike infrastructure is concentrated in areas with nature trails and parks, but doesn’t connect to daily needs like grocery stores.
As Kaul explains, the Metropolitan Council distributes much of the funding for bike infrastructure in the region. “The regional sales tax passed by the Legislature is expected to add roughly $24 million a year to the $15 million in bike and pedestrian infrastructure federal funds distributed annually by the Met Council's Transportation Advisory Board.”
FULL STORY: Twin Cities suburbs aim to expand bike infrastructure

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land
County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.

San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.
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