Editor’s note: Walk the Talk is Streets.mn’s carefully curated, highly partisan collection of both serious and fun-loving events, community meetings and opportunities for engagement that we think will interest our readers. Email your ideas to Hawken Habig, one of our daily editors, at hawkenhabig@gmail.com.
Rethinking I-94 Corridor Walk — Tuesday, September 26, 6-8 p.m.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation released alternatives this past summer as part of its Rethinking I-94 project examining the interstate between Minneapolis and St. Paul, with options including both at-grade roadways and lane expansions. Plans also included the prospect of more pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure – if you’re looking for the opportunity to engage with ideas, consider joining the St. Anthony Park Community Council and Union Park District Council on a corridor walking tour of I-94 in St. Paul, on Tuesday, September 26. The group will meet at Lake Monster Brewing on Vandalia Street, with a choice of either a 1.5-mile or 3.5-mile route. Learn more about the event and RSVP here!
Additionally, give feedback to MnDOT on the proposed alternatives by filling out this online survey – and keep an eye on upcoming public meetings.
World Car-Free Day — Friday, September 22
Topping off the month-long Car-Free MSP festivities (covered more extensively in our previous Walk the Talk!) is the World Car-Free Day Celebration this Friday, September 22. World Car-Free Day is an opportunity to ditch your automobile and try an alternative form of transportation. Car-Free MSP, a collaboration between several regional Transportation Management Organizations, will set up at Wabun Park in Minneapolis to provide games, refreshments, activities, and an opportunity to connect with the community. To get there, check one of several group bike rides heading in from across the Twin Cities, or receive a free Metro Transit ride pass by filling out a quick survey.
Mankato River Ramble — Sunday, October 8
The Mankato River Ramble returns this October! Hosted by BikeMN, the scenic ride will take 2,000 participants through the southwest Minnesota countryside, along the Minnesota River and through the city of Mankato on a mixture of rural roads and off-road trails. Riders have the option to choose between three routes ranging from 12 to 42 miles, with rest stops along the way to provide refreshments and entertainment. Learn more about routes, requirements and registration for the River Ramble here. Also, check out in-depth coverage of last year’s River Ramble here on Streets.mn!
CTS Webinar: Dedicated Right-of-Way, Transit Ridership, & Carbon Emissions — Tuesday, October 3, 3-4:30 p.m.
The Center for Transportation Studies at the University of Minnesota will provide an overview of the Transit Impacts Research Program (TIRP) via a webinar on October 3. TIRP examines how transit contributes to mobility, the economy, sustainability and other public interests. During the webinar, presenters will highlight research conducted by TIRP, including a project exploring how dedicated right-of-way affects the efficiency of public transportation. This is a great opportunity to learn about the importance of transportation planning. The event is free, but registration is required!
St. Paul 1-4 Unit Housing Study Public Hearing — Wednesday, October 4, 3:30 p.m.
St. Paul is currently in the process of studying a potential revamp to its zoning regulations through the 1-4 Unit Housing Study, in light of the city’s ongoing housing shortage. Currently in Phase 2, the study seeks to alleviate housing concerns by allowing more flexibility in the zoning code, in large part by allowing duplexes, triplexes, accessory dwelling units, and other types of “missing middle” housing. The city will be hosting a public hearing on October 4 at City Hall to take comments on the plan so far – if you’re unable to attend, you may also submit comments via email to Contact-Council@ci.stpaul.mn.us.