I griped yesterday about the problems with the total lack of Minnesota River crossings for bikes. Apparently, the legislature (the previous, DFL one, not the current GOP-controlled one) actually just addressed this problem in their Trunk Highway Bridge Improvement Program, to prevent future Cedar Avenue bridges.
(165.14 Subd. 4) (d) All bridge projects funded under this section in fiscal year 2012 or later must include bicycle and pedestrian accommodations if both sides of the bridge are located in a city or the bridge links a pedestrian way, shared-use path, trail, or scenic bikeway.
Bicycle and pedestrian accommodations would not be required if:
- a comprehensive assessment demonstrates that there is an absence of need for bicycle and pedestrian accommodations for the life of the bridge; or
- there is a reasonable alternative bicycle and pedestrian crossing within one-quarter mile of the bridge project.
All bicycle and pedestrian accommodations should enable a connection to any existing bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure in close proximity to the bridge. All pedestrian facilities must meet or exceed federal accessibility requirements as outlined in Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, codified in United States Code, title 42, chapter 126, subchapter II, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, codified in United States Code, title 29, section 794.
This won’t address existing problems, but it’s good to know that in the future, we’ll build better.
