Grand Marais Mayor Larry Carlson, left, accepts a sign designating the city a “Bicycle Friendly Community” from Kristin DeArruda Wharton, coordinator of the Cook County Active Living Committee. The award is bestowed by the League of American Bicyclists and recognizes a community’s commitment to improving conditions for bicycling through investment in promotion, education programs, infrastructure and pro-bicycling policies.
Grand Marais city councilors on Oct. 9 recognized a prestigious distinction that was recently bestowed on the city—that of a “Bicycle Friendly Community”—by the League of American Bicyclists.
“It’s a good accomplishment for the city, the whole community, and the Active Living group,” said Councilor Tim Kennedy, council’s representative on the Active Living Steering Committee and avid bicyclist. He went on to say it’s “a good deal all the way around” with benefits for the environment, economy, tourism and health.
City Administrator Mike Roth noted that Grand Marais is one of only 10 designated Bicycle Friendly Communities in Minnesota, and the second-smallest Bicycle Friendly Community in the nation. He said this is actually the second time the city has applied for the award, having won an honorable mention the first time. Roth said he was hopeful the city could even improve on its bronze-level award with implementation of more bicycle-friendly amenities.
To earn the four-year designation, a community must show its commitment to improving conditions for bicycling through investment in bicycling promotion, education programs, infrastructure and pro-bicycling policies.
“Grand Marais is playing a critical part in creating a truly Bicycle Friendly America,” said Andy Clarke, president of the League of American Bicyclists, in making the announcement. “We know Grand Marais’ investment in bicycling will be returned many times over in the health, environmental, and quality of life benefits of a thriving community.”
For the past two years the Active Living Committee, coordinated by Kristin DeArruda Wharton, has worked to promote its mission of “more people, more active, more often.” With support from the State Health Improvement Program (SHIP), the committee and its partner organizations have offered bicycle classes, put on the annual bike rodeo, installed bike racks in town, and coordinated the Move It In May program. Clarke said this work played an important role in Grand Marais being designated a bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community, as did the work of local League cycling instructors Mark Spinkler and Jerry Hiniker, the only cycling instructors in northeastern Minnesota. They were cited for their bicycling “knowledge, experience and educational opportunities.”
Kennedy and Roth said the designation will be used as a marketing tool for the area. But, said Kennedy, “we still have a long way to go and much to accomplish.”
The League of American Bicyclists promotes bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation, and works through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America. The League represents the interests of America’s 57 million bicyclists, including its 300,000 members and affiliates.
In other business:
. Council reviewed and approved of information provided by the Cook County Visitors Bureau regarding the Christmas parade and tree lighting festivities on Wisconsin Street Nov. 29. The city’s workers will provide help with lighting and street barricades as usual, but it was noted that it is up to the county to issue the permits for use of the street.
• On the recommendation of the planning commission, two variances were approved. Pearl and Ham Muus asked for a variance to construct a second story addition two feet within the required 10-foot side yard setback and 15 feet within the 25- foot required front line setback on their West First Street residence; and Jan Sivertson was granted a variance allowing construction of an addition to a home on West First Street 2.5 feet within the required front lot setback.
. Councilor and Park Board member Bill Lenz reported that the city’s campground at the Rec Park is planning to close for the season Oct. 19, but it will remain open longer if the weather allows.
. Councilor and EDA board member Bob Spry reported that the EDA is still looking at hiring a part-time administrator. There will be no additional levy from the county, he said, and hopefully the position will fit into the EDA’s budget.
. Councilor and library board member Jan Sivertson reported that the newly-renovated library is nearly finished with purchase and installation of its new furniture, and “everything is coming together” in a good way. The library board is also working on its goals and strategic plan for 2014 and beyond, Sivertson said, and anyone with ideas should bring them to her (or any board member’s) attention.
Leave a Reply