The City of Crookston has completed its Active Transportation Action Plan, a seven-month planning effort conducted from June 2025 through January 2026 to improve safety, accessibility, and connectivity for people walking and biking throughout the community. This plan was made possible through funding by the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s Active Transportation Planning Assistance Program. The plan is intended to serve as a living guide for future investments and identify priority routes and practical actions that can help make Crookston safer and more welcoming for residents of all ages and abilities.
The plan was shaped through a collaborative process led by the Crookston Active Transportation Committee and a diverse Local Planning Team. That process included listening sessions, walking and bicycle audits, an action-planning workshop, and public input gathered through an online survey and interactive map. The resulting recommendations build on community input, observed conditions, existing plans, and best practices from peer communities.
At the center of the plan is a vision for Crookston to create a safe, inclusive, and connected network of pedestrian and bicycle facilities that improves access for all community members, regardless of age, ability, or economic status. The plan also recognizes that meaningful change will require more than physical improvements alone. In addition to sidewalks, trails, crossings, and bike routes, the plan calls for ongoing work in programs, policies, education, encouragement, enforcement, and evaluation.
The plan identifies 11 short-term projects for the next one to five years, including improvements along University Avenue, Front Street, Fisher Avenue and Broadway, Barrette Street, Central Avenue, West 6th Street, Ray Ecklund Park, Central Park, Castle Park, and Old Highway 75. It also outlines 12 longer-term projects, along with recommended policies, programs, and practices to support implementation over time.
The plan also highlights why active transportation matters for Crookston. It supports affordability, public health, social connection, local business activity, and environmental goals. It is designed to help residents more safely access jobs, schools, parks, services, and recreation without always needing a vehicle.
The City of Crookston plans to kick off these efforts through a demonstration project that will take place this spring. Keep an eye out for future notices on projects that take place as a result of this planning project.
Active Transportation Action Plan – Click Here
Action Plan Map – Click Here
