Minnesota State Highway Investment Plan is launching its first round of public engagement!

On By Minnesota MAPOIn MnDOT OutreachLeave a comment

Minnesota Department of Transportation Logo
Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is updating the 20-Year Minnesota State Highway Investment Plan (MnSHIP) and are looking for your feedback.
 
MnSHIP guides future investment decisions to maintain and improve the state highway system.  MnSHIP analyzes difficult and important trade-offs for how to invest in the state highway system and identifies priorities for investment. To prioritize its funding, MnDOT is guided by several factors including state and federal requirements, technical analysis, and public input. Over the next three months, MnDOT be connecting with Minnesotans and transportation partners to identify priorities for improvements and help to set an investment direction.
 
There are several ways to participate:
 
– Check out information about the plan at www.MinnesotaGo.org

– Explore the interactive investment budgeting tool and approaches to investing located at this link www.MinnesotaGo.org/investment/ and tell us how you’d budget state highway revenue for the next 20 years

– Participate in community events around the state this summer.  If you see a MnDOT display, stop by to learn more about the plan and share feedback through a short survey

– Request an engaging presentation for your organization through www.MinnesotaGo.org/spread-word/request-presentation

– Follow MnDOT’s social media accounts for posts about MnSHIP and share the posts with your followers

– Sign up for email updates and help spread the word!

Transit Tips

On By Minnesota MAPOIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

The MAPO area is served by a variety of public and private transit providers. The largest of these is the Greater Mankato Transit System (GMTS). Increasingly more people are enjoying the GMTS and other regional providers. Below is a refresher on how to help ensure your bus ride is safe, enjoyable, and efficient.

1. Know your route. GMTS route information is available here.

2. Use Google Maps. For those with smart phones, just type your destination into Google Maps and select the “bus” icon. GMTS has uploaded route information to Google to help riders find their way.

3. Have your fare ready ahead of time when boarding. This will help ensure everyone gets there on time. Fill the bus seats in the back first.

4. Sit appropriately. The “courtesy seats” (the seats nearest the front) shouldn’t be used until the bus starts to fill up, unless you are elderly, disabled, or pregnant.

5. All buses are ADA accessible and equipped to accommodate wheelchairs, scooters and walkers.

9. Consider purchasing a 30-Day Frequent Rider Bus Pass.

10. Don’t inflict your noise on others. Loud talking, electronics, and singing can be distracting. Wear ear buds and keep the volume low enough so that only you can hear it.

11. All buses are equipped with bike racks and may be used at no extra charge. Bicycles are not allowed inside the bus.

Winter Bicycling Tips

On By AdminIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

The MAPO area is a four-season climate, but you don’t have to be a die-hard bicyclist to enjoy your bike year-round. Below are a selection of winter bicycling tips. Stop into any of Greater Mankato’s bicycle shops for more guidance.

• Lower your saddle. Lowering your center of gravity is likely to make your bike less wobbly. If slipping does occur, you’re in a better position to grip the ground with your feet and stabilize yourself. Lastly, if you do fall over, starting from a lower position will decrease the impact.

• (Slightly) decrease tire pressure. Letting a small amount of air out of your tires will allow more traction on a slippery road surface.

• Watch snow for clues. Remember that any road surface that glitters will most likely be slippery, even if it appears dry.

• Keep your bicycle clean. Winter road salt, slush, and grime can accelerate rusting and corrosion. A well-maintained bike will respond better and is safer to ride.

• Dress appropriately. Winter is not only colder, it’s also darker. Remember to dress appropriately for the temperature and the decreased daylight. Stay warm, stay visible.

Source: O’Sullivan, Feargus. The Safe Way to Ride Your Bike in Winter. January 8, 2018. Photo credit: Mikael Colville-Andersen. Creative Commons License. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/