ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION ACTION PLAN REGION FIVE DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Purpose Using the recommendations identified through this assessment, this Active Transportation initiative will continue to improve local health through active transportation/active living principles. With the inertia already started to improve the quality of life for all who live, work and play in the region, champions and collaborative partnerships will be engaged in the process to evaluate current policies and move to a multi‐modal environment providing safe, convenient walkable, bikable communities. Additionally, Region Five has just completed a two‐year planning process engaging more than 600 residents in our five‐county region. This lead to the development of a comprehensive regional vision, called the Resilient Region Plan. The Plan has identified several steps to achieving the vision for transportation that include the following, which helps to further support strategies for active transportation in our region.  Linking neighborhoods to business, work and schools  Incorporate Complete Street design for future projects  Invest in alternative transportation opportunities  Leverage current efforts to promote bike trails/lanes usage  Provide alternative transportation choices This Assessment covers selected communities in our five‐
county region of Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd, and Wadena. While our region has several commonalities across the counties – lakes, tourism, active recreation, climate – the approach each community is different depending upon the community or local leadership support, health inequities, and funding challenges. The communities profiled in this plan are broken down by county and projects that are in place. Following the BikeMn model, this Assessment looks at each community using the five E’s – Environment, Encouragement, Education, Enforcement, and Evaluation. KEY FINDINGS Cass County Cass County is ranked 87 out of 87 in Health Outcomes for 2013. Adult Diabetes Rate: 7.8% Adult Obesity Rate: 27.9% Towns in Cass County that have indicated interest or have started community projects include: Cass Lake tribal community, Longville, Lake Shore, Pillager, and Pine River. Cass Lake Population: 770 Median age: – 31.8 with 13.8% over the age of 65 Median income: $28,536 Residents living in poverty: 29.1% Pedestrians involved in fatal accidents: 2 Bicyclists involved in accidents: none reported Primary Commute Choice (2008): Car alone: 77%; Carpool: 12%; Bus: 5%; Walked 2% Located within the boundaries of the Chippewa National Forest and nine other popular lakes, it is where the Leech Lake Indian Reservation and the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe are headquartered and has a population that includes of 66% American Indian. US Hwy 2 and State Hwy 371 are the two main highways that service Cass Lake. The abundant recreation choices range from hiking in nature, birding, sporting events, biking and snowmobiling on the Heartland Trail, and area pow wows. OPPORTUNITIES
Improve Connections There are two major highways intersecting in Cass Lake. Residents, including elders and children, often use that area to walk to work, school, and other activities. Many of the numerous villages are remote and difficult to connect. Roadways are created for motorized vehicles, not pedestrians. There is an opportunity to improve conditions and address injury prevention by addressing the individual villages as well as key commercial designations (businesses, schools, trailheads) by providing infrastructure, signage, improved crossings, etc. Coalitions: Develop committed, cohesive partners who can champion and support long‐term Active Transportation plans. Several groups accomplished with active living environments are in the area and supportive to help with creating a safer walking environment. Public Health for Cass Lake has an existing injury prevent program. The Leech Lake Band has gone through a Healthy Community Plan with the Initiative 2 Region Five Development Commission – Active Transportation Action Plan Foundation in 2006. From that program the Native Partners Community was established with a focus on wellness, unity, addressing drug and alcohol issues, and youth activities. Additionally, changing tribal leaders changes focus on future plans. Coordination with these groups will be key to moving forward with any recommendations. Active Living on the Reservation: The Heartland Trail leads directly into Cass Lake with many options for active living options. Because of the poverty in this community, creating a safe environment for residents to walk safely for transportation and recreation use would encourage more use. There is an opportunity to utilize the leadership from each community, help to create encouragement and educational activities to promote an active living environment. 3 Region Five Development Commission – Active Transportation Action Plan Pine River Population: 946 Median age: 43 – with 29.3% over the age of 65 Median income: $23,800. Residents living in poverty: 10.4% Pedestrians involved in accidents: 3 Bicyclists involved in accidents: none reported Primary Commute Choice (2008): 91.4% drove a car alone (2.3% by foot or bicycle) Located on Minnesota State Highways 371 and 84, the Paul Bunyan Trail first broke ground here and is on the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway. In town, the Pine River Dam Park, recently updated, has a public beach along the river and several lakes outside of town to provide pedestrians and bicyclists with a comfort station. With a MnDOT project to redo the bridge through town in 2015, community members would like to take the opportunity to restripe the main route through downtown (Highway 84) for bike lanes and other enticements to draw cyclists from the Paul Bunyan Trail into their community. EnvisonMn was brought in to start Community meetings for city beautification plan and to add bicycle lanes to main road. Implementation group took over in January to start projects. STRENGTHS 
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Two blocks off the Paul Bunyan Trail. Has Public Beach and City Park available for overnight camping. Community meetings started in partnership with Envision MN. MnDOT bridge project in the future and town wants to stripe bike lanes down the main road into downtown.  Asking City for Resolution of Support for changes  County Highway 1 has wide shoulders and leads to Crosslake and other bike‐designated routes.  Green Steps City identified an action step to provide an education, visioning and planning initiative using a sustainability framework for Eco‐municipality and healthy community. WEAKNESSES 
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Focus is mainly on economic benefits, not addressing community health benefits. City Leaders are not supportive, low attendance to community meetings. No strong bike/walk groups in town ready to implement. Resistance from MnDOT to restripe for bike lanes citing safety as an issue. Associated unknown costs are a barrier. No organized bicycle group in town. Aging population Resistance from MnDOT for project idea. 4 Region Five Development Commission – Active Transportation Action Plan OPPORTUNITIES
Political Support: There is an opportunity to educate and inform elected officials about the importance of active living in Pine River. Work with city and county leaders to adopt a resolution of support, support Complete Streets policies when MnDOT updates infrastructure and include multi‐modal options in the city’s Comprehensive Plan. Coalitions: Develop committed partners who can champion and support Active Transportation for Pine River. We can look to the Chamber, Public Health, and other community members to speak to the benefits of applying active living principles. The Pine River Revitalization group is moving forward with ideas generated from the community meetings. This group can look for other groups to collaborate with in creating encouragement events for local residents. Mindset/Culture of inactivity There is activity on the Paul Bunyan Trail by locals; however, there is also a perception that walking or bicycling is more of a form of recreation than a form of transportation. An opportunity exists here to change this mindset to adding active transportation into daily routines. By building upon small successful projects like improving the city’s image provides momentum to further develop encouragement and education steps. Active Living in Pine River This is a GreenStep City which identified an Action Step to develop a plan for a healthy, eco‐municipality. Developing strategies like applying for a Bike Friendly Designation will provide assessments and guidelines to introduce more active transportation into town. This not only will make active transportation a visual aspect for visitors, but also increase mobility for residents. Funding Opportunities Since funding is limited in Pine River, an opportunity is available to emphasize upon the tourism economic benefits by adding a bike lane through town and build upon those successes. Receiving a Bicycle Friendly Designation (BFD) and branding the city as Bicycle Friendly will help provide the national recognition that will help business and city leaders feel an economic impact. Improve Connections While the PB Trail is outside of town, there is an opportunity to provide well‐located access to serve the local population. Walking or bicycling across a busy highway or busy crowded streets is not considered a safe means of getting to the places people need to access. With an aging population, elders need more transit options to increase mobility, independence and wellbeing. There is an opportunity to focus future development of connections to destinations with a focus on an older population as connections are being made to key commercial and public interest destinations (businesses, schools, tourist areas, trailheads) by providing infrastructure, improved crossings, signage, etc. 5 Region Five Development Commission – Active Transportation Action Plan Crow Wing County Crow Wing County is ranked 50 out of 87 in Health Outcomes for 2013. Adult obesity rate: 27.2% Adult diabetes rate: 6.7% Towns in Crow Wing County that have indicated interest or started community projects include Brainerd and Crosby. The Paul Bunyan Trail, Mississippi River Trail, Paul Bunyan Scenic Route, and Cuyuna Trails connect to several towns in the county. Brainerd/Baxter Population: 13,613/8,411 Median age: 32.2, 15.1% over age 65/38.7, 15.8% over age 65 Median Income: $28,582/62,891 Residents living in poverty: 19.8%/4.4% Pedestrians involved in accidents: 0 / 0 Bicyclists involved in accidents: none reported / none reported Primary Commute Choice (2008): Brainerd: 85.3% drove a car alone (2.6% by foot or bicycle) Baxter: 85.6% drove a car alone (.4% by foot or bicycle) The Brainerd/Baxter area is the largest community in Central Minnesota with a micropolitan population of over 91,000. The town straddles the Mississippi and is a hub for many recreational areas – including connections to the Paul Bunyan Trail and Mississippi River Trail with future connections planned from Cuyuna and the Veteran’s Trail from Camp Ripley. STRENGTHS 
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Large micropolitan area which serves as a hub for many trails currently in place and in planning Annual bike ride with Jim Oberstar and Tour of Lakes – organized by cycling club Paul Bunyan Cyclists strong presence for riding in the area New Council members supportive of bicycling SRTS implementation grant monies Grass roots community group providing recommendations to City and County officials Baxter is starting plans for a Complete Streets project Essentia Medical Center in the Brainerd/Baxter area Received R5DC Mini Grant for bike route signage and racks Hub of trails – Paul Bunyan with extension to CW State Park, Buffalo Creek through town, future extension to Cuyuna and the Camp Ripley Veteran’s Trail. WEAKNESSES  Highest population with health inequities reside in Brainerd.  Lack of previous successes due to vocal opposition from residents, no voice from supporters  Brainerd has Bike Patrol equipment—but is lacking financial support for program 6 Region Five Development Commission – Active Transportation Action Plan 
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No clear routes/amenities for bicyclists Missing sidewalk segments due to residents’ opposition during SRTS assessments Multi‐modal options provided in Comprehensive Plan; however, not being implemented No clear measurement on where people stand on bicycling or walking Brainerd/Baxter communities are working on issues separately, not as a combined force OPPORTUNITIES
Coalitions There is a great need to create a voice for an active living environment in Brainerd. It is extremely important to create strong, committed partners to advocate, advise, and promote active transportation in this area. This coalition can come from a diverse group of business members, health partners, bicyclists, service groups, and others who can advocate for more opportunities to be physically active. Population The opportunity exists to address residents’ mindset when it comes to physical activity. People sense they are “too busy” to be active or are concerned with safety issues when bicycling on‐street. There is also a perception that walking or bicycling is more of a form of recreation than a form of transportation. Since the Brainerd area draws in people from several neighboring towns, there is an over‐reliance on motorized vehicles that prevent people from being active. Helping people fundamentally change the way they think about health, wellness, and physical activity is a key to success. Assessments Because this area has not created a multi‐modal environment, there is an opportunity here to do an evaluation for future planning. The opportunity exists to set up evaluations to get a sense of what amenities Brainerd/Baxter citizens want. Improve Connections One key consideration is to provide safe and convenient connections to destinations. There is a growing group to advocate for bicycling in the Brainerd area, and with the aging demographics of our area part of this system should be include pedestrians. Developing a network that gives seniors an opportunity to walk to destinations, workers a way to ride to work, kids a safe route to school and other destinations will help address concerns in using alternative means of transportation. Political Support New voices in Brainerd’s City Council are supportive of new initiatives supporting active transportation. There is an opportunity to work with newly elected City Council to promote safe on‐street routes and other infrastructure within the city. In the past, the council has been reluctant to move forward to active living projects due to locals voicing opposition only. With increased assessment and a coalition supporting multi modes of transportation, the Council gets a more diverse voice of needs in the community. 7 Region Five Development Commission – Active Transportation Action Plan Promoting Active Living Because the Brainerd/Baxter area is the large hub within the area, there is an opportunity to shine as an example for the rest of the region. Providing facilities to accommodate needs and encouragement and education through events can help residents feel more comfortable while engaging in physical activity in the area. Essentia Medical Center is a large employer; it is an important step to include this partner as well as Crow Wing public health. 8 Region Five Development Commission – Active Transportation Action Plan Crosby
Population 2,390 Median age: 43.2, with 24.2% over the age of 65 Median Income: $30,787 Population living in poverty: 16% Pedestrians involved in accidents: 0 Bicyclists involved in accidents: none reported Primary Commute Choice (2008): 85.8% drove a car alone, 3.6% by foot or bicycle Abandoned mines in the area create a Mecca for scuba diving, world class bike trails, 5,000 acres of outdoor recreation area: golfing, fishing, kayaking, snowmobiling and camping. Several projects are in development include a walking path from downtown to Serpent Lake nearby; extending the Cuyuna Lakes recreation trail from Crosby’s Recreation Center to Brainerd—an additional 2 miles; continuing development in the world‐class rated mountain bike park will also add camping pads and yurts; and a pump track is being built in the town of Cuyuna. STRENGTHS  Several community group initiatives for active living in process: Project Revive planning a plaza downtown; Cuyuna Mountain Bike Park, the trail connection from Cuyuna to Brainerd, and a pump track being developed in Cuyuna.  Received a resolution of support from the City to support the community group projects towards an active living environment.  Bike Friendly Community designation will be applied for.  National focus on Mountain Bike Park – world class tracks with continuing support from IMBA for expansion.  Cuyuna Regional Medical Center located in Crosby is the third largest employer.  Actively seeking bonding to connect a walking/bicycling trail from Crosby to Brainerd and the Paul Bunyan Trail.  Received R5DC mini grant for bike route into town  Chamber looking to connect all nearby towns to create a “Cuyuna Lakes” image – includes Trommald, Riverton, Ironton, Crosby, Deerwood, and Cuyuna. WEAKNESSES 
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Several projects with different focus and groups No Active Living/Transportation policies in place Missing programs addressing health issues Cuyuna Region Medical Center not involved 9 Region Five Development Commission – Active Transportation Action Plan  Need baseline measurements to review benefits  Getting around into town is difficult for biking and walking  Bonding for trail extension not passed in Minnesota Congress OPPORTUNITIES
Improve Connections While there are several trails outside of town, there are still missing sections and getting into town by foot or bike is difficult. Businesses have received complaints about enough bike racks and traveling a busy highway or busy crowded streets. There is an opportunity to connect to key commercial and public interest destinations (businesses, schools, tourist areas, trailheads) by providing pedestrian havens, improved crossings, bike lanes, signage, etc. Political Support Received support from city leaders in December 2012 for efforts being done by community groups. There is an opportunity to work with newly elected mayor in Crosby to adopt Complete Streets policies when updating infrastructure and include bike/walk options in the city’s Comprehensive Plan. Promoting Active Living There are already many great options for people to be physically active in the Cuyuna Lakes area. There is an opportunity to enhance options in town through events focusing on incorporating active transportation in daily routines. Connecting people and the outdoors is a way to promote active living by combining efforts among all of the active organizations to include its benefits would be an important step in improving the overall health of residents. Since the Cuyuna Regional Medical Center is a large employer in the area, it is an important step to include this partner. Education There is an opportunity to educate the public about active living in Crosby to encourage locals to use trails. It will be important to incorporate education into the development of policy, physical projects, and promotional efforts. One opportunity is to educate the public about bicycle laws. It is important for drivers to understand how pedestrians and bicyclists interact on roadways. This will increase safety by creating fewer accidents due to biker or driver error.
10 Region Five Development Commission – Active Transportation Action Plan Morrison County Morrison County is ranked 82 out of 87 in Health Outcomes for 2013. Adult obesity rate: 28.4% Adult diabetes rate: 6.9% Towns in Morrison County are concentrated in creating healthier surroundings for their residents through the Healthy Communities Collaborative (HCC), an initiative from St. Gabriel’s Hospital. City Leaders, public health and other groups in the county are meeting to discover projects to collaborate on in addition to their own plans. These projects center on the numerous trails that run through the county – Soo Line, Lake Wobegone, the Mississippi River Trail, and a lot of cooperation for the proposed Camp Ripley Veteran’s Trail. Towns in Morrison County that have indicated interest or have started community projects include: Little Falls, Randall, Royalton, and Pierz. Little Falls Population 8,067 Median age: 40.9, 22.5% over age 65 Median Income: $35,725 Residents living in poverty: 26.6% Pedestrians involved in accidents: 2 Bicyclists involved in accidents: none reported Primary Commute Choice (2008): 82.5%% drove a car alone, 1.5% walked, 2 people reported bicycling One of the oldest cities in Minnesota; boyhood home of Charles Lindbergh; two murals depicting Little Falls’ logging history covers two buildings in the downtown area. Currently, a coalition is participating in revitalization process for healthier communities – Live Better, Live Better, one of the HCC projects. The City of Randall is nearby and will be a trailhead for the Veteran’s Trail to be built in the future. Little Falls is looking to create itself to be a bicycle destination point from the trailhead. Starting this summer, the Convention Center will be leading historic bicycle tours around focal points. STRENGTHS 
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Newly designed bike lanes in town Hub for many trails and bicycle routes Several local bike clubs Strong health collaborative partnership county‐wide with Convention Center, City, Public Health Applied for Bike Friendly Community Designation Bike Ed after school program with local police officers Annual Bike Rodeo combined with other healthy initiatives from local groups Applied for R5DC mini grant; funded with SHIP dollars County Board passed resolution supporting the connection of Little Falls to the Soo Line trail as the first piece of the Veterans trail connection 11 Region Five Development Commission – Active Transportation Action Plan WEAKNESSES 
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Health issues: 26% living in poverty No clear route information beyond the downtown bike lanes Focus is mainly on economic/tourism and not public health Financial resources are limited OPPORTUNITIES
Mindset/Culture of inactivity In our discussions, the conversation is usually around tourism. Public Health is addressing their smoking policies in this focus based on their SHIP grant. There is still more room to address the issue of walking and biking as recreation only instead of as part of a daily routine for residents and visitors alike. There is an opportunity to develop more encouraging activities to lead residents into a change of mindset. Assessments Identify that appropriate routes are in place to meet the needs of local residents to find the connections to businesses, work, school, and other destinations to fit the need that is not apparent. There is an opportunity to determine what these needs are through mailed questionnaires, surveys, or during community events. Developing a network that gives seniors an opportunity to walk to destinations, workers a way to ride to work, kids a safe route to school and other destinations will help address concerns in using alternative means of transportation. Infrastructure Bike lanes have been added to streetscape, but there is a need to accommodate all users with comprehensive street design measures such as “complete streets”, including sidewalks, lighting, bicycle lanes, and public art that enhances the safety and convenience for all users of the roadway. There is an opportunity to expand not only the amenities, but also routes within the city. Providing safe a convenient bicycle and pedestrian connections with way‐finding signage to public parks and recreation areas will provide a complete system. Education There is an opportunity to educate the public about active living in Little Falls. It will be important to incorporate education into the development of policy, physical projects, and promotional efforts. While there is a bicycle rodeo aimed at children, it is also important to educate adults about bicycle laws. This will reach not only cyclists, but also drivers in understanding the interactions between pedestrians, bicyclists, and cars on roadways. This will increase safety by creating fewer accidents due to biker or driver error. 12 Region Five Development Commission – Active Transportation Action Plan Pierz Population 1,394 Median age: 42.5; 27.3% over age 65 Median Income: $40,853 Residents living in poverty: 11.8% Pedestrians involved in accidents: 0 Bicyclists involved in accidents: none reported Primary Commute Choice: 83% drove a car alone (6% by foot or bicycle) Pierz is an active community with many families with young children and enjoys its “small town” atmosphere. Pierz has a strong connection to preserving the natural features surrounding Pierz. The natural landscape supports the agriculture community and many recreational opportunities from golfing, camping, picnics in the park to games at the Legion Ball Park. The Soo Line Trail attracts visitors and residents for ATV/Snowmobiling as the surrounding forests, Skunk River, and wetlands attract wildlife watching, hunting and fishing opportunities. The school district is now completing a SRTS Implementation grant around the school to install a shelter/Bike Rack station. Royalton and the town of Pierz are working together to develop a connection from their cities through the Soo Line Trail. They have recently received a grant to create a Master Sidewalk and Trails Plan with and looking to connect the towns through the Soo Line Trail from Royalton. STRENGTHS 
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Family‐oriented community Bike Safety classes to 3rd graders and looking to expand SRTS Implementation Grant Currently developing Master Trails/Sidewalk Plan Numerous parks, including a campground, ½ mile from the Soo Line Trail Land use policy supports active living concepts to improve sense of community Comp Plan from 2002 supports pedestrian paths and bicycle trail connections Soo Line trailhead within a mile from town – County board supportive of connection to Royalton Received R5DC mini grant to build bike shelter Good collaboration efforts with other communities in the county WEAKNESSES  Health issues: One third of the population is over age 60; obesity rates are higher than State averages.  Limited collaborative efforts for active living events  Limited funding available  No clear prioritization in projects  Currently the Soo Line Trail is not paved and has ATV and snowmobile traffic which would have to be diverted if trail is paved to Pierz 13 Region Five Development Commission – Active Transportation Action Plan OPPORTUNITIES
Coalitions There is no collaborative effort in community groups and school for events to encourage physical activity as part of a daily routine. This is an opportunity to create cooperation and volunteer efforts in the community, the school, and the city to further promote events to encourage people to be more active. Encouragement /Education A bike rodeo is being added for students and the third grade class does have a bike safety class. However, no other events planned for adults. There is an opportunity to help residents be more active in their community through education, events, and other encouragement. Connecting people and the outdoors is a way to promote active living by combining efforts with other organizations and groups to include the benefits of active transportation would be an important step in improving the overall health of residents. Infrastructure A sidewalk study is currently in process and a plan will be developed from this. As a rural community there are limited sidewalks. With an aging population, elders need more transit options to increase mobility, independence and wellbeing. Amenities at schools, businesses or other destinations to support active transportation are lacking. There is an opportunity to focus future development of connections to destinations with a focus on an older population. By building on the SRTS program, there is an opportunity to continue with accommodations through the town with benches, bicycle parking, and safe crossings across the busy highway through town. 14 Region Five Development Commission – Active Transportation Action Plan Royalton Population 1,243 Median age: 30.6, 9.4% over age 65 Median Income: $56,263 Residents living in poverty: 9.4% Pedestrians involved in accidents: 0 Bicyclists involved in accidents: none reported Primary Commute Choice: 70.9% drove a car alone (7% by foot or bicycle) Royalton is located on the Platte River along Highway 10 between St. Cloud and Little Falls alongside the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. It provides low density housing in town with agricultural and open spaces surrounding their community and a close proximity to the Soo Line Trail and the Platte River. It was named Tree City in 1995 and prides itself on its green environment. This is a young community and supports the City’s efforts in becoming an Active Living Community. In addition, Royalton and the town of Pierz are working together to develop a connection from their cities through the Soo Line Trail. They have recently received a grant to create a Master Sidewalk and Trails Plan and looking to building more sidewalks and implementing a route to the Soo Line Trail. STRENGTHS  An increasing awareness of the importance of wellness.  Infrastructure – Comp Plan from 2005 supports design features in all new development that contributes to a healthy, active lifestyle such as parks, trails, sidewalks, etc.  Master Sidewalk/Trail plan being developed currently.  Close to the Soo Line Recreational Trail – 3 miles from Trail. County Board very supportive of connection to Pierz  Good working relationship with Pierz and other communities nearby that would connect to other trails.  Biking group in community  Community teens came together to design and develop their skate park  Annual children’s bike rodeo with Police Department  Bidding on SRTS grant WEAKNESSES  Health issues: obesity rate 28.4% and diabetes rate 6.9% are higher than State averages – 25.9% and 6.5% respectively.  No inventory completed  Limited infrastructure to support physical activity  Financial resources are limited 15 Region Five Development Commission – Active Transportation Action Plan OPPORTUNITIES Coalitions The City and Parks department are supportive of creating an active living culture; however, there is no community group involvement. This is an opportunity to create active groups in the community to further promote and encourage people to be more active. Infrastructure A sidewalk study is currently in process and a plan will be developed from this. As a rural community there are limited sidewalks to walk. Other amenities at schools, businesses or other destinations are lacking. There is an opportunity to focus on future accommodations as routes are identified and developed. Encouragement An annual bike road has been held for children for over ten years; however, no other events planned to motivate people into getting physically active. There is an opportunity to promote active living principles through events and to educate the public about active living in Royalton. It will be important to incorporate education into the development of policy, physical projects, and promotional efforts. One opportunity is to educate the public about bicycle laws. It is important for bicyclists and drivers to understand how bicyclists are supposed to behave. This will increase safety by creating fewer accidents due to biker or driver error. 16 Region Five Development Commission – Active Transportation Action Plan Todd County Todd County is ranked 57 out of 87 in Health Outcomes for 2013. Adult obesity rate: 28.3% Adult diabetes rate: 7.3% Staples Population: 2,980 Median age: 38.8; 21.6% over age 65 Median Income: $26,003 Residents living in poverty: 27.8% Pedestrians involved in accidents: 0 Bicyclists involved in accidents: none reported Primary Commute Choice: 87.5% drove a car alone (.9% by foot or bicycle) Located in Northern Central Minnesota in both Todd and Wadena counties, this town is rich in railroad history and still has transportation options via Amtrak, an airport, Highway 10 and a new addition of an overpass across a busy highway. A campus of the Central Lakes College and Lakewood Medical Center are located in town. Staples maintains seven parks in the town’s 4.53 square mile radius in addition to the Living Legacy Gardens (CLC), Dower Lake Recreational area, and McGivern Park. STRENGTHS  A Trails Plan committed to safe, convenient connections for residents to parks, recreation, and other communities.  Several projects already in place: Additional bike routes, walking loop, Share the Road signs; future plans for maps and route signage.  Holds annual children’s bike rodeo,  Friends of Trails group supporting efforts for active living  Safe Routes to School implementation study currently under way  Applied for Bike Friendly City designation in February 2013 and received Honorable Mention  Future plans to connect trail to McGivern Park and another to Dower Lake WEAKNESSES  Health issues: Obesity rate of 28.3% and Diabetes rate of 7.3% which is higher than State averages – 25.9% and 6.5% respectively.  Culture perceives routes unsafe for riding or walking  Average commuting distance is 10 miles and on busy roadways  Climate can be an issue especially during winter months  Finding funding to support large projects can be an issue 17 Region Five Development Commission – Active Transportation Action Plan OPPORTUNITIES
Culture of inactivity/Encouragement There is a perceived mindset that feels the roads and limited sidewalks are not safe for riding or walking. Students must cross a busy road to get to school. Bicycling is done on a limited basis. Most of the promotion of community trails has been directed towards marketing to outside bicyclists and not to residents. Staples has good momentum with projects and funding already in place and plans to include more with the Friends of Staples Trails Committee. There is an opportunity to expand this interest to involve more public participation in using and building upon the community’s assets. Coalitions Primary collaborations have been with the Trails group and the health center for helmet giveaways. The Friends of Trails group is a diverse group of business, city, and bicycle representatives. There is an opportunity to develop collaborations with service groups, other groups, and neighboring communities to further encourage bicycling beyond the city limits. The trails group has visions of having an on‐road route that leads from Wadena through Staples, Pillager and onto Brainerd and other trails; however, other communities are not actively engaged in this vision. There are other possible alliances with the local Art Community and Central Lakes College to help further projects. Infrastructure This community just recently built an overpass connecting the two sides of the community split by a busy highway and train traffic. Additionally, as the highway was diverted, it developed a beautification plan through downtown with wide streets and bump outs. An additional route is being built this summer with Legacy Funds which will expand the trail outside of town. There is an opportunity to focus on future accommodations at the trailhead and other spots to be developed– bike parking, water stations, benches, safe crosswalks, and repair stations. 18 Region Five Development Commission – Active Transportation Action Plan Wadena County Wadena County is ranked 79 out of 87 in Health Outcomes for 2013. Adult obesity rate: 27.0% Adult diabetes rate: 7.7% City of Wadena Population: 3,952 Median age: 42, 23% over age 65 Median Income: $29,653 Residents living in poverty: 14.5% Pedestrians involved in accidents: 1 Bicyclists involved in accidents: none reported Primary Commute Choice: 83.6% drove a car alone, (4% by foot or bicycle) Located in both Otter Tail and Wadena counties, Wadena gained attention when an EF‐4 tornado hit in 2010. Many redevelopment projects has been implemented since then with a focus is on vibrancy in public art, recreation, healthy community initiatives, and new business opportunities. Wadena boasts several acres and parks and campgrounds for residents and visitors – including the Green Island Preserve. STRENGTHS 
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Comp Plan just updated and included active transportation elements Served by Tri‐County Hospital in town New wellness center has just received DEED grant for building Active community that has a focus on wellness in town and county wide Bike Rodeo planned in 2013 SRTS grant awarded in 2013 Downtown has art in alleys –looking to provide a walk through these sections Green Island is a large Greenspace that is open to the public WEAKNESSES  Health issues: Adult diabetes rate=7.7%; obesity = 27%. Both are higher than the state’s average  No safe routes identified throughout the city for pedestrians or bicyclists  Several groups not working together on common projects  Development centered on car centric options 19 Region Five Development Commission – Active Transportation Action Plan OPPORTUNITIES
Coalitions There are several different groups working on great ideas, but no unified vision moving any projects forward. There is an opportunity here to provide a vision and direction for many different projects. This is particularly important on road projects and developments that will affect traffic flows and address land use to build a bikable and walkable community. Assessment There is an opportunity here to evaluate what specifically is needed here. Many projects have been identified, but without a link to destinations and services. Evaluating needs and destinations with projects in place will help provide a comprehensive system within Wadena. Infrastructure This community has received support and funding for rebuilding since the tornado in 2010. There is an opportunity here to provide for amenities for pedestrians/bicyclists – bike racks, water and repair stations as new development is building. Wadena just received a Safe Routes to School implementation grant which will help develop safe connections to the school, located on a busy highway for students and the changing senior population. Coming together with a common goal will be important in addressing the needs of residents. Education There is an opportunity to educate the public about active living in Wadena. It will be important to incorporate education into the development of policy, physical projects, and promotional efforts. One opportunity is to educate the public about bicycle laws. It is important for drivers to understand how pedestrians and bicyclists interact on roadways. This will increase safety by creating fewer accidents due to biker or driver error. 20 Region Five Development Commission – Active Transportation Action Plan ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM ACTION PLAN Moving from an auto‐centric to a truly multi‐modal culture involves not only infrastructure and policy, but also social change. “A successful collective impact can be made with powerful results if the projects are aligned with a common agenda, mutually reinforcing activities, continued communication, shared measurement systems and many stakeholders”, according to the Stanford Social Innovation Review. Sustaining walkable, bikable communities are investments that will redefine our cities and in our people. With many of our communities along major recreation trails and as networks are working towards the many benefits of a multi‐modal system, the goals for our region will be focused on making that commitment count. Goals: 
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Adopt policies and practices that create healthy, active communities by increasing safe, equitable, convenient connections for non‐motorized modes of transportation to destinations while increasing health and wellness. Implement infrastructure recommendations as part of the standard transportation improvement programs and capital improvement plans throughout the region to ensure safety and walkability. With collaborative partners promote and support programs to encourage and educate mutual respect and safety for all modes of transportation. Objective 1: Promote policies and practices that support healthy, active communities. Action Step 1.1 – Review and update each city’s policies to include active transportation components for future developments. Collaborate with partners including local leaders for their support in moving forward multi‐modes of transportation in their community. Action Step 1.2 – Facilitate outreach to local entities in support of active transportation principles at City Council and community meetings to inform, educate, and increase buy‐in across the region for active transportation. Action Step 1.3 – Utilize Resilient Region’s Policy Toolkit as a resource to integrate active living principles into community agendas to seek resolutions of support from leadership and community members. Objective 2: Implement essential infrastructure and amenities recommendations to encourage physical activity as an easy, accessible, and enjoyable option. Action Step 2.1 – Complete Walk Audit, Safe Routes to School or Bicycle Friendly assessments to develop strategies to identify missing elements for a holistic active transportation environment. 21 Region Five Development Commission – Active Transportation Action Plan Action Step 2.2 – Create community coalition. Identify champions to implement infrastructure recommendations identified through assessments that ensure safety and walkability; develop safe routes where opportunities present themselves for future development as part of a convenient safe route system. Action Step 2.3 – Partner on high priority projects with a wide range of community organizations to install amenities that further promote safe, convenient routes and encourage alternative transportation to destinations. Action Step 2.4 – Participate in annual bike counts to get a baseline measurement of this mode of transportation in town. Action Step 2.5 – Implement Safe Routes to School plans to support schools in developing, adopting, and implementing SRTS standards. Action Step 2.6 – Pursue funding opportunities for active living amenities, which include a focus on tourism for economic development. Objective 3: Generate community‐wide support for active transportation through education and encouragement Action Step 3.1 – Develop Goals, Objectives and Strategies with through an Action Plan as a result of assessments. Action Step 3.2 – Work with health partners to support events with an element for physical activity that is safe and fun to engage residents to volunteer and participate. Action Step 3.3 – Hold education classes for all ages and abilities, drivers, commercial drivers, bicyclists, to promote safety and comfort when interacting with multi‐modes of transportation on the roads. Action Step 3.4 – Support annual challenges for multi‐modal commutes. Use challenge numbers to get a baseline measurement. Action Step 3.5 – Develop a variety of outreach opportunities highlighting economic, jobs, and health benefits of active living, expectations and “Rules of the Road” for pedestrians and bicyclists. 22 Region Five Development Commission – Active Transportation Action Plan