The Capital City Bikeway is a network of bicycle facilities throughout downtown Saint Paul. The bikeway network will connect to existing trails and on-street bikeways, allowing people comfortable and convenient bicycle access to and through downtown.
The development of bicycle facilities in the downtown was a top priority of the Saint Paul Bicycle Plan, adopted by City Council in March 2015. Following the adoption of the City’s Bicycle Plan, the City developed the Capital City Bikeway: Network Study and Design Guide in 2016, which includes a bikeway network study, bikeway network map, bikeway design guide, and bikeway implementation plan.
The first segment of the Capital City Bikeway was completed in 2017 along Jackson Street from University Avenue to Kellogg Boulevard. The second segment (north corridor) on 9th Street/10th Street was completed in 2020 as an interim design. The west corridor will be along Wabasha Street. A portion of the Wabasha Street segment from Kellogg Boulevard to 7th Street was constructed in 2022. The south corridor will be along Kellogg Boulevard, with construction completed in 2023 from Robert Street to Wabasha Street and planned in 2024 and 2025.
Benefits of the Capital City Bikeway include: two-way, off-street bike trail along portions of Jackson Street, Kellogg Boulevard, Wabasha Street, 9th Street, and 10th Street; scenic landscaping separating the bikeway from streets and sidewalks; sustainable pavement and porous asphalt, which will help collect storm water runoff and keep pathways dry, increasing the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians; streetscape features including benches, street lights, directional signage, and public art.
The Capital City Bikeway is part of the Saint Paul Bicycle Plan, a blueprint for doubling the number of bikeways in Saint Paul over the next several decades. The plan is designed to create outdoor vibrancy and enhance the economic vitality of Saint Paul, making it more accessible and attractive for people riding bikes, walking, running, driving, or using transit.
The installation of bikeways, trails and sidewalks across the country has proven to bring economic benefits to cities, including increased retail sales and property values, and fewer vacancies. These facilities also provide a place to engage in regular physical activity which has numerous documented health benefits.
The Capital City Bikeway route covers some of downtown’s oldest streets. This project will allow these streets to be reconstructed and modernized to create a better experience for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists.