Nice Ride releases plans for St. Paul expansion 
Bike sharing may be on its way to St. Paul! The local non-profit Nice Ride Minnesota has released preliminary recommendations for locations based on public workshops conducted last fall in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
 The workshops were open to the public and were attended by an average of 35 - 40 people. 130 locations are currently being proposed for the expansion based on a combination of factors, including public input, land use characteristics, proximity to transit and potential funding.
Funding for the expansion is being sought from a combination of public and private sources, but is off to a solid start. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota kicked off fund-raising efforts by pledging up to $1.5 million contingent on obtaining public funding proportionate to the first phase public/private partnership.
Learn more:
Proposed expansion map (3.6mb PDF) Full report (11.6mb PDF) Workshop questions and comments (PDF)
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Second year in effect, Marshall plowing sees success
If you've ridden your bike on Marshall Avenue this winter and were able to use the bike lane, you have a City of St. Paul parking restriction to thank.
 The restriction, which was piloted last winter, is part of a winter priority bike route network that is envisioned to allow bicyclists to safely traverse the city in the winter. By designating key north/south and east/west streets such as Marshall as winter bike routes the idea is to clear snow more effectively to allow for the widest winter street possible.
If you like the sound of more bikeable winter streets, your support is needed to keep the restriction in place and set a precedent in St. Paul.
If you bike on Marshall, or like what's going on and want to see winter bicyclists accommodated on other streets, please voice your support!
Send us an e-mail at brady@smart-trips.org.
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HOURCAR announces latest addition to growing fleet
 Need to give your friend or relative with a truck a break? Have things to haul that can't be done by car, transit or bike?
There's good news! HOURCAR, the popular local car sharing service, has added a truck to their hub at Macalester College.
The inaugural haul was done by HOURCAR staff to deliver food collected over the holidays by members. The "Happy Hauling Days" drive benefited Second Harvest Heartland, a local hunger relief organization.
The truck is a 2007 Ford Ranger and is the first pickup truck in their 28 vehicle fleet. A second truck is planned in the coming months, and will be placed at or near an existing HOURCAR location in Minneapolis.
Lots to haul? Reserve the new HOURCAR truck
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