Closing The Loop Project

Closing the loop will bring the City of Hastings one step closer to improved access for walkers and bicyclists in 2016 with additions to the Greenway Trail project. Chamber President Kristy Barse spoke with KDWA about the goal to become a Certified Bike Friendly city which will plan additions to the current trail system. The project aims to close the existing gap in access with construction of trails from The Gorge Bridge on the Vermillion River, to the west traveling to CP Adams Park, where existing trails will link, then extending a trail out of that park to the north east behind the Public Works facility. A Bike Friendly city designation lists many attributes that such areas should have including giving access to all major bridges and tunnels for people on bikes, as well as pedestrians, it also means that city staff and law enforcement should be trained in best practices for safety procedures such as penalties for distracted driving and slower speeds in bike path areas. Planning also includes extending the bike access across the Mississippi River later this summer connecting Dakota County with Prescott in Pierce County. Minnesota was ranked #2 in the Nation last year for accommodations and policies that affect the safety and accessibility of bikes. For more on this project, stay tuned to KDWA for continued developments and updates.