Local Advocacy

The City of North Mankato’s Active Transportation Action Plan is a community-driven roadmap to make walking, biking, and rolling safer, more accessible, and more connected for people of all ages and abilities. Developed through public input, walking and biking audits, and local engagement—including participation from Greater Mankato Bike and Walk Advocates—the plan outlines clear priorities for improving streets, trails, and crossings across the city. It focuses on building a complete network of sidewalks, bikeways, and multi-use trails that connect neighborhoods to schools, parks, businesses, and regional destinations, while addressing key needs such as safer crossings, traffic calming, ADA-compliant infrastructure, and protected bike facilities. With an emphasis on safety, equity, and connectivity, the plan identifies priority projects and practical next steps to create a more walkable and bikeable North Mankato and support a healthier, more vibrant community.

Download the Plan

GMBWA is working with local partners and governments to secure funding for a bridge over the railroad tracks and paving the Hwy 22 trail, which will connect to the Sakatah State Trail.

Learn More

GMBWA and SMILES Center for Independent Living had an advocacy awareness walk October 9th, 2025. We were hoping to engage the city councilors and city staff in a conversation about the challenges people who walk and bike experience on our city streets. We had quite the crew of walkers and we shared our personal experiences of traveling around the Riverfront Drive and the Stoltzman area. Very eye opening. Unfortunately none of the councilors or city staff were able to attend. We all had a great time and learned a lot from each other.

Requesting the cities of Mankato and North Mankato study installing leading pedestrian intervals (LPI) at various traffic light locations where pedestrians are prevalent.

Learn more about LPIs.