This update has been reprinted from Council Member Elizabeth Glidden’s 8th Ward e-News.

In September 2016, protected bicycle lanes were installed on Blaisdell, from 29th Street to 40th Street.  

Why protected bicycle lanes?  The City of Minneapolis adopted a city-wide protected bicycle lane plan in 2015 as an update to its full bicycle master plan, which works to create a connected system of bicycle lanes and infrastructure throughout the city.  Protected bicycle lanes provide a safe ride for bicyclists by separating the bicycle lanes from traffic, more comfortable for casual bicycle riders; bollards are used to create separation on Blaisdell Avenue.  Blaisdell was analyzed along with other streets and found to present a good early opportunity for installing this portion of the citywide protected bicycle lane plan.  

Residents have been patient as the Blaisdell protected bicycle lanes have been installed, with many contacting the Ward 8 office to voice support for the finished product.  Details such as no parking signs in left turn lanes are now installed, helping with traffic during approximately one hour of evening “rush hour” traffic.  You can view the project page here.