Dozens of Citizens Weigh in on Downtown Duluth Bike Lane Proposals

Council in Favor of Bike Lanes on Michigan Street

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The Duluth City Council heard citizen feedback late into the night about downtown bike lane proposals Monday.

At least 40 people were signed up to voice their opposition or support on the issue.

There were three proposals on the table: adding bike lanes on Michigan or First Streets, adding bike lanes on Superior Street and adding bike lanes on both Michigan and Superior Streets.

The councilors voted 8-0 in favor of adding bike lanes on Michigan or First Street. 

Some argue the lanes would take away from downtown street parking and hurt local businesses.

Supporters say it’ll only bring more traffic to downtown leaving a lasting economic impact.

“I see it as an opportunity, this Superior Street redevelopment, to do something different and find, in a different way, to bring people downtown. Encouraging people to park in ramps, encouraging people to walk further, encouraging people to bike,” said Eric Faust, owner of Duluth Coffee Company.

The city council was also expected to vote on the proposed mini master plan for the West Duluth sports corridor.

The plan lays out a set of improvements and renovations for the areas around Wade Stadium and Wheeler Field.

“To me, this is really about taking something that’s been very important for our community over the generations and to make sure it’s there for people in the future,” said Duluth City Councilor, Joel Sipress.

Some of the improvements would be made to the ball fields and parking lots as well as adding basketball courts.