Alternative Transportation Plan

Mapping the way to a more sustainable future

The Bloomington City Council approved the Alternative Transportation Plan on July 7, 2008, with the primary goal of developing a comprehensive system for inter- and intra-city travel.

The purpose of the plan is to enhance the quality of life in Bloomington through strategic investments over time in multi-modal transportation features that meet the needs of individuals and families living, working and recreating in Bloomington.

Complete Streets

The Bloomington City Council approved a Complete Streets policy at its February 27, 2012, meeting. The policy is designed to balance safety, mobility, efficiency and costs, and implement the right modes for the right roads.

“The goal is to develop a balanced transportation system that will enhance safety, health and livability for users of all ages and abilities, including pedestrians, transit users, bicyclists, commercial and emergency vehicles, freight drivers and motorists,” Bloomington City Engineer Shelly Pederson said. “We’ll do this by planning, designing, operating and maintaining a network of multi-modal streets.”

The Complete Streets policy is part of the City’s Alternative Transportation Plan to enhance the quality of life in Bloomington by promoting active lifestyles, improving safety and making strategic investments in multi-modal transportation. This includes improving the city’s walking and biking facilities, and connections between neighborhoods, businesses, transit and recreational amenities.

Alternative Transportation Plan overview

Alternative transportation includes, but is not limited to, walking, bicycling, personal transportation assistance devices and rollerblading - and their connections with transit (LRT and bus). A comprehensive alternative transportation system provides numerous benefits to the City including:

  • More trails for hikers, bicyclists and naturalists to explore and enjoy.
  • Improvements to existing trails, walkways and other pedestrian-level infrastructure.
  • Improved connections for residents and employees to major destinations such as schools, transit, commercial areas and parks.
  • A healthier, more vibrant future for generations to come.
  • Bloomington has completed an Alternative Transportation Plan with the goal of developing a comprehensive system for inter- and intra-city travel.

Click the link below to review the plan:

Bloomington Active Living Biking and Hiking Guide

The new Bloomington Active Living Biking and Hiking Guide is now available! The folded map-style guide provides detailed maps and information on the various on-road bikeways and off-road hiking and biking trails available in the city. State, regional, county and local facilities with city-wide significance and trails that meet design guidelines of the City are shown. Whether you're in the mood for a hike, an easy walk with the family, a leisurely bike ride, a challenging all-terrain trail, walking your dog or commuting to work on your bike, you can find a path to follow in Bloomington! Click on the link below to view the guide.

  • Bloomington Active Living Biking and Hiking Guide (14MB, 2-page PDF)
    Note: The above PDF file is about 14MB in size. If you have difficulty downloading files this large, contact us using the contact information at the bottom of this page so that we can explore an alternate way to provide access to this file.

The Biking and Hiking Guide is available to pick up at no charge at the Bloomington Civic Plaza. The costs associated with compiling and printing the 5,000 copies of guide were covered through a State Health Improvement Program grant.

Additional on-road bikeways and off-road hiking and biking trails are planned. For more information, see the Alternative Transportation Plan.

Whoever you are – a commuter, a solitary traveler or someone looking to exercise with friends and family – explore Bloomington's biking and hiking trails. Get active! It's great for your body. And the fresh air and nature will soothe your mind and spirit.

Related links

 

For more information, or if you have comments or suggestions
concerning Alternative Transportation Planning, contact:

Randy Quale
Bloomington Parks and Recreation Division Manager
PH: 952-563-8877
E-mail: parksrec@ci.bloomington.mn.us

 

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