Bicycling accounts for 2.5 percent of all trips in Hennepin County, more than double the national average. Ridership is increasing rapidly while driving nationwide has been steadily decreasing since 2007.
Anticipating those trends will continue, we are committed to creating a bicycling environment that meets the needs of all residents those who bike now, and those who will bike in the future. We believe a good bikeway system will deliver the following benefits:
Safety
The bikeway system will help reduce crashes by providing a more interconnected network with fewer gaps and more separation from motor vehicles.
Livability
Increasing transportation options helps achieve broader community goals such as improved access to jobs, neighborhood schools and services.
Mobility
Bicycling increases mobility, allowing people of all ages to reach more destinations throughout the county.
Economic sustainability
Bicycling is an affordable transportation option that reduces the cost of transportation for everyone, including the one-third of people who do not drive, seniors, people with disabilities, children, and low-income populations.
Health
Bicycling provides an opportunity for residents to make physical activity a routine part of daily life.
Clean air
Bicycling helps reduce Hennepin County’s carbon footprint, improve air quality and reduce harmful pollutants.
Recreation
Bicycling remains among the top three desired recreation activities in Metropolitan Council surveys, especially among older residents, whose numbers are growing.
Parking and congestion alleviation
Bicycling benefits more than just the person biking, it also benefits those who drive.
Regional economic competitiveness
Supporting bicycling helps attract and retain talented residents who seek to live, work and play in a vibrant community that embraces their values. Bicycling infrastructure also brings in tourism spending.