Below is a contribution from GMPT Member Olmsted County. For more information, please visit olmstedcounty.gov. Maple…
Member Highlight: Detroit Lakes — A Bike Friendly Community
Below is a contribution from GMPT Member the City of Detroit Lakes. For more information, please visit cityofdetroitlakes.com.
The League of American Bicyclists honored the efforts of Detroit Lakes to build better places for people to bike with a Bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) award. The City of Detroit Lakes joins 460 communities across the country in the movement for safer streets and better bicycling for everyone. Detroit Lakes has over 40 miles of combined bike routes, trails, and multi-use paths. There are several art installations, bike repair stations, and other amenities located along the city’s multi-use trail routes.
In addition to bike routes, Detroit Mountain Recreation Area is a regional attraction that offers mountain biking trails and classes. The Bronze-level award recognizes Detroit Lakes for its commitment to creating transportation and recreational resources that benefit residents of all ages and abilities while encouraging healthier and more sustainable transportation choices.
The application process involved a multitude of questions submitted to the League of American Bicyclists and scored using “The 5 Es Category Scores.” (Engineering, Education, Encouragement, Evaluation & Planning, Equity & Accessibility.) The submission involved compiling information and working with numerous Detroit Lakes City departments, businesses, and other organizations to submit the final application. The City of Detroit Lakes last submitted the application in 2020 (awards are valid for 4 years) and renewed our Bronze-level BFC status for 2024.
Since the last submission, one of the biggest improvements for bicycling was the completion of a segment of our West Lake Drive project. This project added a paved, multi-use trail extending from the Pelican River to Legion Road and about 6000 feet of multi-use trail along the lake side of West Lake Drive, with improved lighting. The speed limit was also decreased to accommodate increased public use of the trail.
The final phase of the West Lake Drive project is slated to begin in the summer of 2026. Along with improvements to the beach, street, parking, and utility infrastructure, the multi-use trail will extend the rest of the length of West Lake Drive to the City Park and Pavilion.
The city is also working with Becker County and neighboring communities to establish a cohesive multi-use trail network in the region. The main project that has been the focus for the past few years is connecting the Heartland Trail network. These plans include a new trailhead on the East side of Detroit Lakes with infrastructure to benefit public use of the new segments of the Heartland Trail.
The most positive outcome of the city’s support for bicycling is the opportunity it lends to tourists and citizens for improved health and quality of life. Detroit Lakes is an idyllic location with plenty of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, including those interested in cycling. Tourism is the major economic focus of the community, and investing in the bicycle network allows those visiting the area another chance to experience all that Detroit Lakes has to offer.
The investment by the city also gives residents the opportunity to increase their health and well-being and offers non-driving opportunities as the city expands its multi-use trail network. In working with neighboring communities, projects like the Heartland Trail are creating an interconnected network of trails that benefits regional tourism and quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
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