Priority Corridor Identified for Active Transportation Improvements

The planning team identified 11th Avenue NW as a key connection to 2nd Avenue and a priority corridor for active transportation improvements. To test a bikeway concept, the City of Rochester will be implementing a separated bike lane demonstration project in late May! Bicycle lanes will be painted along 11th Avenue NW between 2nd Street SW and the Cascade Creek Trail crossing near 3rd Street NW. Painted curb extensions will be installed at the intersections of Center Street and 2nd Street NW. The goals of this project are to:

• Improve Safety and Accessibility – Create a bikeway on 11th Avenue to enhance safety and encourage more biking.

• Enhance Trail Crossing – Shorten the crossing distance at Cascade Creek Trail for a safer, better user experience.

• Reduce Vehicular Speeds – Slow motorists to improve overall corridor safety.

• Strengthen Connections – Prioritize people biking and walking to key transit and bike routes (e.g., Center and 1st Street SW bike routes).

The City will be collecting data to evaluate the success of the demonstration project. This will include:

• Motorist Speed – Do speeds change with the installation of bike lanes?

• Bicycle Counts – How many people are biking in the street before the project? During the project?

• Driver Yield/Stop Compliance Tally – Does shortening the crossing distance with curb extensions at Cascade Creek Trail crossing improve motorists’ yielding/stopping for trail users?

• User Perception – What do people walking, biking and rolling think of the changes? What do residents/property owners think?

The planning team will discuss the results of the demonstration project early in fall 2025 and determine next steps.