Hello Streets.mn community,
Welcome to our biweekly newsletter, delivering the latest Streets.mn news and views directly to your inbox! In each issue, our editorial team will provide ongoing stories, news, updates and event information related to Streets.mn, city life and Greater Minnesota.
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New in Streets.mn:
With federal bike funding potentially on the chopping block, Streets.mn contributor Austin Wu argues that the Twin Cities should take a page from Vancouver’s TransLink model. A unified regional transportation authority could help us move beyond car-first planning, better coordinate across the seven-county metro and direct resources toward walking, biking and transit. Such choices would improve safety, health and air quality for everyone.
Streets.mn board member Brian Mitchell makes the case that Hennepin County’s proposed shared-use path is the wrong fit for Lyndale Avenue South. On a corridor this dense and pedestrian-heavy, forcing everyone walking, rolling and biking into the same space undermines safety and access—especially when the City’s own Street Design Guide advises against it. With groups like Move Minneapolis and Livable Lyndale pushing for safer, more people-centered design, Mitchell argues that Lyndale deserves the same separated, multimodal facilities already planned for Franklin Avenue.
We’re heading down Highway 52 for this one: John Molseed takes us through Rochester’s new 11th Avenue bike lanes. Streets.mn can sometimes get a little Twin Cities–centric, so we’re especially excited to feature perspectives from across the state. John is a multi-skilled urbanist with a knack for keeping life at a human scale—whether that’s biking, brewing beer or even picking up the banjo. His take reminds us that walkability and bikeability are just as vital in regional centers like Rochester as they are in the metro.
Transportation as a Social Construct
What if “traffic” isn’t just cars on a road, but a story we tell ourselves about how to move through the world? In this issue we’re sharing Beyond Traffic: Transportation as a Social Construct, an essay first published by the University of Minnesota’s Center for Transportation Studies and now adapted for Streets.mn.
New on the Podcast
In the latest episode of the Streets.mn podcast, host Ian R. Buck sits down with author and political commentator Naomi Kritzer to talk about how to research candidates before you vote. It’s a practical guide to cutting through campaign noise and finding the information that matters most for informed civic engagement.
Here’s What Else We’re Reading:
- SB 79, a landmark California bill that could reshape how cities fund and build safer streets, just cleared the Assembly and is headed for final concurrence.
- Ann Arbor is reinventing the power company model, showing how renewable energy keeps advancing even in the face of federal hostility.
- St. Paul’s Midway neighborhood shows both promise and frustration, as Green Line access collides with vacant parking lots, disengaged big-box retailers, and residents pressing City Hall for long-overdue fixes.
- Metro Transit is rolling out nearly round-the-clock security and TRIP agents at key Green Line stations under a new $57 million contract aimed at restoring rider confidence.
- A huge setback looms as millions in federal funds for transit, walking, and biking could disappear Sept. 30 amid contract delays from the Trump administration.
Walk the Talk — Events
Purple Line Community Discussion — Wednesday, September 24, 5 to 7 p.m.
After the city of White Bear Lake pulled its support for the Purple Line last year, the project has struggled to regain momentum, but the fight for fast, frequent bus service continues. Join Purple Line advocates at the Maplewood YMCA on Wednesday, September 24 for an evening of community, conversation and advocacy, where participants will also receive an update on the project and news on what’s next.
The event is cohosted by Move Minnesota, the East Side Area Business Association (ESABA), the Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing (MICAH), Dayton’s Bluff Community Council and St. John in the Wilderness — RSVP by clicking here!
Kato Bike Fall Fest — Saturday & Sunday, September 27 & 28
Celebrate cycling in Southern Minnesota’s at the Kato Bike Fall Fest, presented by the Greater Mankato Bike and Walk Advocates (GMBWA) and BikeMN! The spiritual successor to the popular River Ramble, the Kato Bike Fall Fest expands on the success of previous years by providing more options for those attending the celebration. Sunday, September 28 will feature the main routes:
- Minneopa Loop (12.4 miles, paved): a (mostly) traffic-free trail ride to Minneopa State Park.
- Mankato Loop (37.2 miles, paved): a scenic route covering several area trails.
- Red Jacket Loop (11.4 miles, gravel): a mix of trails and gravel roads with a challenging mid-ride climb
- Good Thunder Loop: (38.7 miles, gravel): a southbound trail to the town of Good Thunder with plenty of climbs and descents
Saturday, September 27 includes mountain biking at Mount Kato followed by an evening bonfire, snacks and beverages (sponsored by Mankato Area Mountain Bikers), as well as a 5K walk. Learn more and find info on registration by clicking here!
Sibling Rivalry Fundraiser: Minneapolis vs. St. Paul — Thursday, September 25, 6 p.m.
Looking to finally settle which Twin City is best? Want to support walkable, complete neighborhoods? Join Neighbors for More Neighbors and Sustain St. Paul for a light-hearted but high-stakes fundraising face-off in support of more housing! Team Minneapolis and Team St. Paul will compete in an evening of food, drinks, conversation and civic rivalry, all to support community organizing for housing across the Twin Cities. Click here to learn more and get your ticket..
Love What We Do? We’d Love Your Help!
Your support helps us continue publishing thoughtful stories, uplifting new voices and hosting events that build community—like the contributors’ workshop we’re planning in Duluth later this fall.
It’s an exciting time to be part of Streets.mn. Help us keep the momentum going by making a sustaining donation today.
Have a great day!
– The Streets.mn Editorial Committee