A number of serious accidents, including one which ended the life of cyclist Lisa Ann Roden, has caused concern over a bike tunnel in Bloomington. The tunnel is part of the Three Rivers Park District path system and is located at at the intersection of 86th Street West and Bush Lake Road.
The Three Rivers Park District is also fielding complaints from cyclists who have been using the new Dakota Rail Regional Trail. The trail which runs from downtown Wayzata to St. Bonifacious has been overcrowded with cyclists, runners, families with small children, dogs and walkers all occupying the same two lanes. Unfortunately the pathway design includes several trail crossings where visibility is extremely limited for both motorists, who are traveling at speeds in excess of 45mph, and cyclists who might be traveling at 20 mph or more. There have been reports that Mound police have been ticketing cyclists who don't make a full stop before crossing at these intersections.
This KSTP-TV video shows the tunnel in Bloomington where several accidents have occurred. Runners, cyclists, and all recreational trail users should keep park path guidelines in mind when using the trails, especially on days when good weather brings crowds outside to exercise.
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