Cycling in Burnsville

This route gives plenty of options since the distance is so long.  The route mapped relies mostly on bike paths and trails.  Pilot Knob has paths on both sides of the road but caution should be taken as the path crosses busy intersections and driveways.    The path continues through Ft Snelling and up onto the Hiawatha Trail, where you will ride next to the light rail practically to downtown.    If traffic is not a concern, it would be possible to take Sibley Hwy (13) to the Mendota bridge, but you would have to rely on a shoulder.   Another option is to take the light rail from the 494 bridge crossing.  The crossing ends in a cul-de-sac where you can get on the road (E 80th/American Blvd) and follow the road to a stop light.  If you take a left onto 34th Ave/Old Shakopee there will be a path to get to a light rail station. 

This is a difficult route.  I made the route as direct but the trade off is lots of traffic interaction Points to be wary include: The entrance and exit ramps at Cliff and 35W Garbage Trucks on Cliff west of 35W The frontage roads for Hwy 13 and the short portion of Hwy 13 that must be ridden to get past the elevated RR tracks.    If your plan is to drive to the Transit Center at Nic and 13 and bike from there, consider driving to the Minn Valley Refuge lot at 13 and Stagecoach.  

Return trip would have to use 6th St E (from E 5th St) to get onto Cedar which would lead you to Kellogg Blvd where you can turn onto Wabasha to get onto the bridge.