Adopt Resolution 13-01-017 Supporting the Development of the Mississippi River Trail also known as United States Bicycle Route 45

In a continuing effort to promote trails for economic development and tourism, specifically the Mississippi River Trail (MRT); the City of Ramsey, other cities and MnDOT are preparing an application to designate the Metro section of the MRT between Ramsey and Hastings as a “United States Bicycle Route (USBR).“  In essence taking something that already exists (low use roads, roads with shoulders and off-road trails) to linking together a bicycle route with appeal to local, regional, national and even international users throughout Minnesota.

This is the third and final segment of the MRT for nomination as a USBR. The first MRT segment in SE MN was designated this past May with considerable media attention (copy the following link into Internet browser for more info: http://www.kttc.com/story/18598138/first-us-bike-route-in-minnesota?clienttype=printable). The second segment from the Headwaters in Lake Itasca to Elk River was submitted to American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) for their consideration this past October. 

The designation is a great opportunity to promote bicycle tourism in Ramsey and acknowledge the 2012 MN Legislature naming the MRT as Minnesota’s very first authorized bikeway. The U.S. Bicycle Route System is a national network of bicycle routes and also promoted by Adventure Cycling (copy the following link into Internet browser for more info: http://blog.adventurecycling.org/2010/02/us-bicycle-route-system-101.html). These routes are nominated for numbered designation by State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) and are cataloged by AASHTO through the Special Committee on U.S. Route Numbering (the same committee that assigns numbers to U.S. and interstate highways).

The Mississippi River is recognized throughout the world as “America’s great river", and to travel along it is to understand the essence of the United States.  The pre-history and history that surrounds it, the folklore that popularizes it, and elements of nature that depend on it, are all uniquely available to bicycle travelers. This, in addition to local opportunities for travel, recreation and public health, makes the route very special within Minnesota, the United States and beyond.  More information on the MRT may also be found on the city's web site under the parks tab.

The Council has the alternative of not approving this designation, or waiting until a later time to take action.  The impact of no action is that the City would not be able to avail itself of the advantages and opportunities mentioned above.

Staff recommends adopting Resolution 13-01-017, as one more strategy for improving the facilities and economic benefits of Ramsey's local, regional and indeed, national bike trails.

There is no cost implication for the USBR designation - but rather, there will be more cyclists within Ramsey over time, and this tourism will benefit city businesses and our local economy.

Motion to approve RESOLUTION 13-01-017 SUPPORTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER TRAIL ALSO AS UNITED STATES BICYCLE ROUTE 45