Title
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF DULUTH TO STATE ITS SUPPORT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTION OF U.S BICYCLE ROUTE 41.
Body
WHEREAS, bicycle tourism is a growing industry in North America, presently contributing approximately $47 billion dollars a year nationally to the economies of communities that provide facilities for said tourism; and
WHEREAS, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) has designated a corridor connecting St. Paul to Grand Portage State Park, via Duluth, to be developed as United States Bike Route 41; and
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Department of Transportation has convened several public open houses and offered online public comment opportunities throughout the corridor to gather information and review route alternatives; and
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Department of Transportation in cooperation with road and trail authorities have proposed a specific route to be designated as United Stats Bike Route 41, a map of which is herein attached as exhibit A and B; and
WHEREAS, the proposed United States Bike Route 41 traverses through the city of Duluth and is expected to provide a benefit to local residents and businesses; and
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Department of Transportation will continue to maintain statewide mapping and information regarding United States Bike Route 41, convene meetings and facilitate resolving issues and future alignment revisions within the state; and
WHEREAS, the city of Duluth has duly considered said proposed route and determined it to be a suitable route through the city of Duluth and desires that the route be formally designated so that it can be appropriately mapped and signed, thereby promoting bicycle tourism locally and throughout Minnesota along the corridor.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the city of Duluth hereby expresses its approval and support for the development of the United States Bike Route 41 and requests that the appropriate government officials take action to officially designate the route accordingly.
Statement of Purpose
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: This resolution expresses the city of Duluth’s support of a Minnesota Department of Transportation initiative to plan and develop United States Bike Route 41. Bike Route 41 is comprised of existing pathways and roads that connect St. Paul to Grand Portage State Park via the City of Duluth. It is part of the nationwide US Bicycle Route System which promotes bicycle tourism locally and throughout the nation.
The route through Duluth uses sections of roadways, the Cross City Trail, and the Lakewalk. The current route is based on existing infrastructure. As construction of the Cross City Trail progresses, the City of Duluth will work with the Minnesota Department of Transportation to incorporate some new trail segments in Bicycle Route 41.