Bicycling as a mode of travel is essential to our regional transportation system. A variety of bikeway facility types add significantly to how we can connect and reach destinations.



Despite all that has been developed in the bikeway system, many physical barriers exist throughout the region that get in the way of safe and efficient bicycle transportation. The Council is addressing some of these barriers in a study called the Regional Bicycle Barriers Study.



This study is an evaluation of existing physical barriers as they affect bicycling for transportation. Transportation in this sense includes bicycle trips made commuting to work or school, shopping or running errands, or trips to recreation or entertainment venues. The study defines regional barriers as rivers and streams, railroad corridors, and highways in the form of freeways and expressways.

Identify barriers on interactive map

The Council needs your help in assessing existing barrier crossings and in identifying possible locations for developing new bicycle barrier crossings. Whether you are a regular or occasional bicyclist in the Twin Cities metro area, we would like your input.



Please log on to this and tell us where you experience problems crossing rivers, rail lines, freeways and expressways via existing bridges or underpasses. Then, show us where you would like to see new bicycle crossings of these identified regional barriers.

Study will prioritize crossing locations for improvements

This study will develop a map of prioritized barrier crossing locations for eventual improvement or construction. The locations will be incorporated into the Council’s long range Transportation Policy Plan draft update later this year. The study will also offer opportunities to highlight local barrier crossing needs in local bicycle plans, thereby raising the potential for developing projects that can address those needs.



The study will be completed in summer 2017.

More information

Learn more about the Regional Bicycle Barriers Study.









