Volume 1, Issue 7
June 2007
Welcome
Welcome to On the Way, Transit for Livable Communities’ monthly e-newsletter. This newsletter arrives monthly and gives you information about transit, walking, and bicycling in Minnesota, as well as news and upcoming events.
Photo Credit: Metropolitan Council.
Table of Contents
Governor's Veto Stalls Transportation Bill Despite Strong Support for Transit
Despite strong public and legislative support for increased metro bus service, a metropolitan-wide rail system, and better transit service in Greater Minnesota, Governor Pawlenty's veto of the transportation bill prevented this vision from moving forward. Even though the bill was vetoed, transit received more support this year at the legislature than any previous year. Learn more about the transportation bill and what Transit for Livable Communities will be doing to build even more support in the future.
Bike/Walk Twin Cities Launches With $7 Million in Funding
Minnesota’s first bicycle roundabout. Four to three lane road conversions that make neighborhoods more welcoming for pedestrians. Colored bicycle lanes, never before used in Minnesota, designed to make city streets safer for bicyclists. Through its Bike/Walk Twin Cities initiative, Transit for Livable Communities’ board of directors recently awarded $7 million to make these and other innovative projects a reality on Twin Cities streets.
Guide for Transit-Oriented Development
Transit-oriented development (TOD) is simple: Transit + Development = Development that makes transit, walking and bicycling more convenient, attractive, and safe. The Metropolitan Council reissued a "Guide for Transit-Oriented Development" in August 2006 that highlights opportunities and examples of transit-oriented development in the Twin Cities. Transit for Livable Communities is dedicated to increasing funding for transit, walking, and bicycling, which allows transit-oriented developments to occur. TLC also works closely with local agencies to ensure that transit-oriented development opportunities are considered in transportation planning. Check out the guide at the Metropolitan Council website. More questions about TOD? Contact Transit for Livable Communities at 651-767-0298 or tlc@tlcminnesota.org
Events
June 16, 2007.Bike-In at the Bell. The third annual Bike-In at the Bell brings together bicycle enthusiasts, transportation advocates, environmental groups, artists, and community leaders for a celebration of people-powered transportation. Learn about local bike organizations and bike friendly businesses; find out how to navigate bike trails across the state; play fun, bike-themed carnival games; and decorate your bike for an art bike parade. These games, activities, and workshops will be followed by an evening program that will include a bike fashion show and an outdoor film screening. For a complete program visit www.bellmuseum.org. Noon-midnight in the Bell Museum Courtyard. $8, $5 if you ride your bike.
June 21, 2007. Rush Line Open House. The Rush Line Corridor Task Force will host a pair of open houses in June to share information with the public and to gather input about an ongoing study of enhanced commuter bus service in the Rush Line corridor. The open house will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at Forest Lake City Hall, 220 N. Lake St., Forest Lake.
Want to learn about more transportation events happening in your community? Click here!
In the News
- Top Priorities for Central Corridor? The Minneapolis Star Tribune's editorial board says that having a tunnel at the University of Minnesota is a must for the Central Corridor light rail line. The Saint Paul Pioneer Press says that having the line travel to Union Depot is a must. Unless the governor and Legislature can come up with a $280 million state match next year, the whole debate may be purely academic.
- Minneapolis/St. Paul Not Keeping Pace With Western Neighbors. Although the central cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul have avoided the economic devastation that still besets much of the Midwestern Rust Belt, they have not kept pace with more dynamic cities farther west, places they would like to emulate.
- Bike/Walk Twin Cities Launches With $7 Million in Funding for Bicycling and Walking Projects. Transit for Livable Communities' board of directors announced approximately $7 million in funding allocations for bicycling and walking infrastructure projects in the region. TLC held a press conference on June 7, which immediately resulted in pieces appearing on FOX-9, Minnesota Public Radio, The Northeast Beat, and the Twin Cities Daily Planet.
The Details
If you would like to subscribe or unsubscribe to this newsletter, please contact Katie Eukel at 651-767-0298 x143 or KatieE@tlcminnesota.org. Also, if you have questions, comments, or story ideas, please let Katie know.
