Cloquet Plans to Improve Pedestrian Transportation

CLOQUET - When you think of public transportation, you probably think of cars, but plenty of people in Cloquet either walk or bike to get around.

Now, the city is working to make their commute more comfortable through a long range transportation plan.

Last time Cloquet looked at any transportation plan was in 2007.

Thanks to a $30,000 grant, they get the chance to look at updating sidewalks while also adding designated bike lanes to the city’s already wide roads.

"There are more things out there than just the automotive world nowadays,” explained Cloquet’s city planner, Al Cottingham. “We need to be thinking about other modes of transportation, people walking, people bicycling, the mass transit with the busses and stuff.”

The city has some problem areas in mind including the intersection on Highway 33 where Big Lake and Dodge Ridge Road meet.

They're also worried about trails leading to the Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College.

There's also been concern about people crossing the city's main street.

“We need to look at all those things and how to get people from point A to point B safely," said Cottingham.

The city is asking for public input as they move forward with the long range plan.

There is a meeting Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College in room 231.