Active Living Initiative

 Fridley Connects is a new, active living initiative that began in November 2009. This initiative brings together members of the community to review and consider enhancing walking and biking connections in the city. This project is funded by a State Health Improvement Program (SHIP) grant through Anoka County. SHIP, an integral part of Minnesota's nation-leading 2008 health reform law, strives to help Minnesotans lead longer, healthier lives by preventing the chronic disease risk factors of tobacco use and exposure, poor nutrition and physical inactivity. For more information, visit http://www.health.state.mn.us/healthreform/ship.

A Work in Progress

The SHIP Committee is participating in the data gathering and reviewing of two Fridley area studies that will consider improvements to traffic congestion and bicycle and pedestrian safety. The public is encouraged to participate in both studies. Click on the links below to learn more!

Bike Walk Study and Walking Audit

East River Road Corridor Study

Share Your Experience

Did you know? In the Twin Cities 40% of trips taken by car are 2 miles or less. Of those trips, 28% are less than a mile. By promoting biking and walking for these trips we can greatly reduce car trips and increase physical fitness with 10 minute bike rides and 20 minute walks. *According to data found on the Transit for Liveable Communities website.

Do you have a favorite walking route in your neighborhood? Have you recently navigated a busy intersection on foot or by bicycle? We want to know! You may use the downloadable Walkability Checklist or Bikeability Checklist to rate your neighborhood and share your results with the city. Send us a copy via email or by mail to Fridley Municipal Center, Attn: Rachel Harris, 6431 University Ave NE, Fridley, MN, 55432.

SHIP Committee

A group of community members and city staff from Planning, Parks and Recreation and Public Works departments formed a task force, called SHIP Committee in January 2010.  The SHIP Committee will regularly meet through June 2011 to create policies and plans to guide future development.  

The SHIP Committee will focus on long-range land use planning, promotion of active lifestyles, and community outreach. Fridley Connects will also provide walk/bike information at community gatherings and on this page in the Discover More section below. The SHIP Committee has used the Action Steps outlined in the 2030 Comprehensive Plan as a basis for selecting a set of projects for this grant.

Discover More

Get more information about using recreation facilities, the Northstar train, bicycle routes and city sidewalks with the following links.

Download the Fridley Bike Route map (2.1 MB).

Learn about Fridley Parks and Recreation Facilities

Link to Springbrook Nature Center for activities and trails

View the Fridley 2030 Comprehensive Plan - Chapter 6 Transportation Plan for action step information.

Metro Transit has Northstar train, light rail and bus information.

Bike/Walk Twin Cities encourages people to increase biking and walking, and decrease driving.

Learn how to get involved in promoting transportation options at Transit For Livable Communities.

Other News

Minnesota has dozens of local food options right here in the Twin Cities. In 2009, a group of land use planners and community health educators collaborated to create a four page handout listing a sampling of farmers markets, restaurants serving food from local farms, and food-related organizations. This information is available to download using the link:  Eating Local in Twin Cities:  A Rough Guide to the Regions's Food System.

The 2009 - 2011 SHIP grant projects are coordinated by Fridley environmental planner Rachel Harris, 763-572-3594. Project advisors include Fridley planning manager Julie Jones, Fridley public works director Jim Kosluchar, Fridley community development director Scott Hickok, and Anoka County health education specialist Cindy Tranby.