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Case Study

Bike Lane and Sharrows on 27th Avenue SE, Minneapolis, MN

City: Minneapolis
State: MN
Associated Publication: Urban Bikeway Design Guide

The 27th Ave SE bike lane in Southeast Minneapolis provides a key north-south connection between two major bicycle trails: East River Road and the University of Minnesota Transitway. The lane serves as a major corridor for bicyclists leading through several densely populated neighborhoods and affordable housing areas in SE Minneapolis. Before installation of the bike lanes, 27th Ave. SE, a truck route and County State Aid Highway, was a four lane roadway with a 30 mph speed limit and 3,600 vehicles per day. The road also crosses a railroad track at a 45-degree angle dangerous for cyclists. To create a safer roadway for cyclists, the city added bike lanes and/or sharrows at all points along the route and reduced 27th Ave. SE from four lanes to two at certain points. A gutter pan at the roadside curb was paved to create a smooth surface for cyclists. Extra pavement was also added to the railroad track area to ensure a right angle crossing for cyclists and avoid the risk of catching a tire in the tracks. The lanes were created using permanent tape striping with a layer of seal coating in most places, though portions of the lane were milled and overlaid to create a single-surface bike lane. Bicycle route and way-finding signage, as well as bicycle racks and intersection treatments, were included as part of the project.

The 27th Ave. SE bike lane and sharrows project was funded by a $100,000 federal grant from the Non-motorized Transportation Pilot Program (Bike Walk Twin Cities). The project was completed in August 2010.