Protected Bike Lanes Unveiled For Third Ave. In Downtown Mpls.
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- New protected bike lanes have been unveiled on Third Avenue in downtown Minneapolis.
According to Minneapolis officials, city leaders and bike advocates celebrated the arrival of the new lanes by testing them out on their bikes with a quick trip to the Minneapolis Convention Center.
Officials say the bollard-lined bike lanes that separate cyclists from traffic provide an important north-south connection for cyclists through downtown. The lanes stretch from 1st Street South to 16th Street East.
"This new design will make bicycling a safe and viable option for everyone," said Mayor Betsy Hodges. "These new protected bike lanes through the core of downtown are part of making a 21st Century downtown that is safer, greener, and more welcoming to all."
In April, the Minneapolis City Council voted to approve a four-lane redesign plan for Third Avenue with the new protected bike lanes.
The lanes are expected to be complete in 2017 and will feature newly striped bike lanes with more protective posts, additional trees and plantings along the corridor.