For Bloomington MN Residents
Time is short. If we want to stop the bike trail, we have to get people to vote No on Question 3 and early voting starts September 22. Given that the city is not advertising this plan and many people will vote based solely on what they see on the ballot (which doesn't mention bikes), we have an uphill battle ahead of us. So, please, do what you can. Save our trail!
Communicate about the issue
Tell friends, neighbors and people you meet on the trail (or street). See below for resources that you can use to help.
Post about it on social media
See below for additional resources.
Contact decision makers
•. The city: https://www.bloomingtonforward.org/connect
•. Anne Kattrah, the Parks & Rec director: akattreh@bloomingtonmn.gov,
952-563-8876
• Your City Council person: https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/cc/city-councilmembers-and-district-maps
Tips: just saying you are opposed to a bike trail will get you a vague reply designed to make you feel like they won’t put in a trail without asking you first. The best thing to do is ask direct questions. For instance, I asked for the budget and got it. The budget showed that a bike trail is exactly what they are planning.
Contact the Media
•. Write a letter to the editor, or an article for the Sun Current (local paper): mike.hanks@apgecm.com
•. Write a letter to the editor to the Star Trib: https://www.startribune.com/submit-a-letter-or-commentary/115289839/ or contact them with a story idea at 612-673-4414.
Pass out flyers
See resources below.
Get signatures on the petition
Share this online petition. Or print a paper version (see resources below) and get signatures. It has an email address to contact when you need to turn the pages in. (Remember, Bloomington, MN residents only).
Put up signs in the park
Mine keep getting taken down. I can supply you with some, or make your own! mlbloomingtonmn@gmail.com
Encourage others to help!
Resources
Flyers, signs, and a paper version of the petition can be found here under Flyers and Handouts: https://tinyurl.com/mrpdcjsc
(A mirror is here: https://tinyurl.com/ype7vrsf
Also at that location are documents describing how I came to my conclusions which could be useful to share if you meet people who are skeptical.
Thank you everyone for your support! Together we can save our walking trail! (PS: if you post something about this petition online, please be sure to remind people that only "signatures" from Bloomington MN will be counted).