A car-free boulevard for bikes and pedestrians

Greenways provide a car-free space for bikes and pedestrians with added green space. Greenways can come in different shapes and forms and there are a few examples of different types of greenways in Minneapolis.

The Midtown Greenway exists in an old railroad trench and is sometimes referred to as a freeway for bikes with on and off ramps to south Minneapolis streets and popular destinations. However, greenways don't necessarily have to exist on a different grade than the street, and the Midtown Greenway could technically be considered a trail.

Perhaps a more literal example of a greenway is Milwaukee Avenue (pictured above), a residential street in the Seward Neighborhood of Minneapolis that restricts access to motorized traffic - only bikes and pedestrians are allowed. Visitors to Milwaukee Avenue will notice how calm and green a traditional street that's been converted to a greenway could feel. If you haven't been there, check it out!

Planning for a similar greenway is being explored in North Minneapolis along Humboldt and Irving avenues. Such a greenway would calm traffic in residential areas while also adding more attractive space for bicyclists and pedestrians.

More information on greenways and their benefits can be found at www.tcgreenways.org.

Advantage of greenways: Increased green space, comfortable walking and biking, calmer streets, neighborhood connections

Greenways are corridors that are completely pedestrian and bike focused. Intersections are less frequent, which allow for continuous and low stress rides from from vehicle traffic. Greenways may include a bike lane for bicycles and sidewalks for pedestrians, keeping these modes of tranportation separate.

Fully Separated Greenways: The nationally renowned Midtown Greenway was created from an old railway bed and provide a green, car-free environment. There are few intersections allowing bicyclists to get to their destinations quickly.		Parkways: Parks are ideal locations for separated bikeways because they are pleasant, care-free, and have few intersections. With its 51 miles of paved trails, Minneapolis is recognized for its excellent parkway system.
On Street Greenways: By closing a street to traffic and filling it in with greenery and bike trails, neighborhood greenwways provide a safe and pleasant experience for pedestrians and bicyclists of all ages and abilities. They can feature abundant plants, trees, grasses and flowers.		Greenways may also include small parks and benches which create a sense of place and encourage people to spend time outside in their communities. Residents retain access to garages via the alley, and minor intersections are converted to pocket parks with space for guest parking.
Winter: Greenways are easily plowed, and the City of Minneapolis prioritizes plowing of the Midtown Greenway in the winter.		Intersections: At busy crossings, greenways may be accompanied by pedestrian and bicycle only bridges that keep pedestrians and bikes separated from cars.