The St. Paul Planning Commission held a public hearing on Friday to gather feedback on the city’s draft Bicycle Plan, which aims to add 119 miles of new bikeways by 2040.
The ambitious plan drew significant turnout and largely positive reactions, though some concerns were raised.
The draft plan calls for a network of 337 miles of bikeways across St. Paul, with nearly three-fourths being protected, off-street paths and separated bike lanes.
Supporters at the hearing hailed it as an opportunity to reduce emissions and make cycling accessible to more residents.
“I’m just so impressed,” said Mary Morse Marti, a consultant and former director of Move Minneapolis. “Don’t back away. Don’t listen to people living in the past.”
But critics cited issues like parking loss, impacts to trees, and safety. Summit Avenue resident Tom Darling asked for cost estimates, which he said were lacking, saying “People need parking.”
Adding a bike lane on the road, would eliminate parking on the street.
Others like K.C. Cox questioned why bicyclists don’t need licenses like cars. “Why not make them pay for their roads, just like a car?” he asked.