u/mysummerstorm

https://talk.dot.state.mn.us/st-anthony-village-area-transportation-plan/surveys/silverlakeroundabout

word on the streets is they're asking people a million questions on whether they should permanently put in the design that's research-backed to be better than the four-way stop sign. go figure.

Edit: People who live and work and ride through Saint Anthony Village - you might want to follow this page: https://www.savmn.gov/774/Active-Transportation

also, looks like the temp roundabout is expected to be removed in October so I guess enjoy it while it lasts? https://www.savmn.gov/812/Active-Transportation-Temporary-Mini-Rou

And hella hilly!

The Rice Creek trail that exists in the northwest quadrant east of the Mississippi actually goes to places of interest like Long Lake and the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve (camping destination!)

However, the trail conditions are SO BAD. What's even worse is that it's quite hilly and that along with how bumpy the trail is due to the cracks - it's a hazard.

Any idea at all on how there could be dedicated funding within the region to keep our trails well-maintained? I get so frustrated that there seems to always be money to construct and expand highways and yet there's never enough money to go around to keep our bike trails in decent shape, and we keep expanding them. The Bassett Creek Trail is thankfully going to get a trail extension along Golden Valley Rd that's in construction right now, but I worry about its condition ten years from now.

With the DFL trifecta in 2023, the state legislature was able to fund Metro Transit in perpetuity. Is it possible to do the same for our parks trails? Can the Midtown Greenway east of the Sabo Bridge finally get some much needed attention???

Advocates who know more than me, tell me the orgs I gotta get with!

For what it's worth, here's my response to the email sender:

"Thank you so much! Yes, please forward my message to the city in charge of the local trail.

That's a bummer about the lack of funding to address key resources like these given that there are no other alternatives that bicyclists and mobility scooters users can use. How can I help you advocate for more funding so that we can hopefully address these gaps within the next few years?"

Specifically, will construction be completed before the state fair opens? Currently, the sidewalk and road are all torn up. They put those mats down so at least some pedestrians can still cross Hamline Ave.

https://bikestreets.com/mn/minneapolis-saint-paul/#13/44.98374/-93.25178

I was so frustrated two weeks ago when my REI e2.1 electric bike kept dropping power. I would be biking and then the battery just turns itself off and then it's a whole thing to turn it back on while on the bike. The very nice bike mechanics at my REI did a firmware update and now my bike rides like new. I rode it 30 miles back from the store and had no issues.

Check with your bike shop on necessary firmware updates especially for the Shimano and Bosch systems!

I was at Lake Minnewashta Regional Park all the way out in Chanhassen and it was so much louder than if I had gone to Cedar Lake to paddle board. The insurgence of powerboats and jet skis on the lakes outside of Minneapolis makes it so that people in the vicinity can't enjoy any peace and quiet. It wasn't as bad here as it was on Lake Marion where the jetskiiers would come ashore the beach (Lakeville is not a vibe unless you're rich).

Any recommendations for quiet, peaceful lakes outside of Minneapolis to stand up paddle board and chill?

My e-bike was in the shop so silly me thought it would be fine to take the acoustic bike on an adventure to CHANHASSEN, literally the hilliest place in the Twin Cities I've ever been, and subsequently realized cycling is not for me.

Got some great views, but at what cost?? I await the return of my beautiful amazing fantastic e-bike that I've never said a single bad thing about ever!

I took the 17 bus home and passed by Bde Maka Ska on Lake St today. There were many folks playing in the beach area, being in the water, and taking a dip off their paddle boards. Stay safe out there folks, check this webpage for up to date information on beach closures.

Interesting.

I wandered from uptown to the woods in Woodbury and took the Gold line home for the first time. Wow, a center-running bus is game-changing. For all the valid criticisms of the suburbs and sprawl, I think Maplewood & Woodbury are at least trying to be more bike and transit friendly.

I got so excited when I saw the Culver’s on the way back. And of course, popping into the Woodbury theatre to fill up on water and mozzarella sticks while waiting for the bus to arrive - there could’ve been worse places to be!

You think Lyndale Ave was contentious? Wait until you catch up on the Edina City Council meeting and see the coordinated pushback against protected infrastructure. Those republicans and limousine liberals do not play about their parking.

I definitely overextended myself by going to both Square Lake Park and Stillwater but nonetheless, it was so cool to have an awesome trail that goes directly into Stillwater. I don’t know what was happening but there were food trucks and big crowds and many cars vying for parking in downtown Stillwater. Immaculate vibes!

I love square lake park; the water is indeed clear AND you can hammock right by the water when you need a nap (heh). Unfortunately, you do have to brave the 4 miles on Square Lake Trail which has a 55 MPH but a very big shoulder. Kinda wild that Washington County hasn’t put in a legit trail to get people to the park considering the parking backup they experience regularly. Also no bike racks at the park which was a first in my experience.

Due to the rolling hills and the distance, I was grateful for my e-bike. Even still, after riding 82 miles in total for the day, I’m feeling it in my body. Bless the century riders on acoustic bikes; don’t know how y’all do it!