Local Advocacy
GMBWA:
Attends local county board and city council meetings.
Monitors area capital improvement plans (CIP) to provide input on infrastructure improvements that improve safety and access for active transportation.
Partners with local organizations/groups to expand the advocacy voice, understand local needs, and provide education on the current best practices.
Provides letters of support to promote active transportation.
Follows national organizations to stay updated on latest best practices for active transportation.
The graphic above illustrates why we advocate for safer streets for everyone.
Current advocacy efforts
1). GMBWA created the presentation linked below for the Hilltop Neighborhood residents to visualize a variety of different traffic calming treatments not commonly used in Mankato but have proven to be effective in making it safer for drivers, and for those that walk and bicycle. This presentation was developed as an educational and visual tool to introduce residents to the possibilities. If we can't visualize it, we can't suggest or support it. This is NOT what is being proposed by the city but rather our vision for how neighborhood streets could be designed to improve safety for all. Please use this link to view the presentation.
2). Additional advocacy efforts:
Advocating for a pedestrian/bicyclist underpass installation as part of the reconstruction of Hwy. 169 in 2027 on the north side of the cities. GMBWA has provided letters of support have been provided to the City of North Mankato for funding applications to fund the pedestrian underpasses being proposed and planned for the reconstruction of Hwy. 169.
Requesting the cities of Mankato and North Mankato study installing leading pedestrian intervals (LPI) at various traffic light locations where pedestrians are prevalent. Use this link to learn more about LPIs.
Continuing to work with local partners and governments to secure funding to cover the cost of a bridge over the railroad tracks and pave the Hwy. 22 trail being built as part of the Hwy. 22 reconstruction project between St. Peter and Mankato. This trail, once complete will connect with the Sakatah State Trail.
Statewide Advocacy
The Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota (BikeMN):
advocates for policies, programs, and funding at the local, state, and national levels.
works with BikeMN Chapters to support local advocacy.
partners with other local advocates/groups, schools, cities, and counties for grassroots advocacy.
provides an annual Day on the Hill Advocacy Summit.
More details on state level work can be found on the At the Capitol page at BikeMN.org
National Advocacy
The national advocacy groups listed below provide education and advocates for safe biking, walking and rolling:
League of American Bicyclist – bikeleague.org
People for Bikes – peopleforbikes.org
America Walks – americawalks.org
Other Organizations
National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) – nacto.org
AASHTO – American Association of State Highway and Transportation Organization – transportation.org
Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center – pedbikeinfo.org
Smart Growth America – smartgrowthamerica.org
Strong Towns – strongtowns.org
Federal Highway Administration – highways.dot.gov/complete-streets
MN Safe Routes to School – dot.state.mn.us/saferoutes