More Minneapolis commuters leaving the car behind

More Minneapolis residents are walking, biking or taking transit to get to their jobs, according to new U.S. Census figures.

The percentage of people in the city who said they walk to work rose to 7.1 percent in 2006, up from 5.8 percent in 2005. Buses and light rail carried 13.2 percent of people to work, up from 12.5 percent in 2005. And bicyclists represented about 2.5 percent of the city’s commuters in 2006, up slightly from 2005.

Nationally, Minneapolis ranked second for bicycling, eighth for walking and 11th for transit use.

Mackenzie Turner, program specialist with the Downtown Minneapolis Transportation Management Organization, said several factors are probably behind the increases, but rising gas prices and worsening congestion were likely last straws for people considering driving alternatives.

“There seem to be quite a few people who are on the edge of trying something, but it just takes that next thing to push them toward it,” Turner said.

The success of the Hiawatha light-rail line likely deserves some credit, Turner said. So does the continued promotion of the MetroPass program by Metro Transit and employer partners, she said.

Walking and biking might have benefited from growing awareness about the importance of healthy living, Turner said. Minneapolis has also invested in improving the infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians. And the downtown condo boom, which has stalled since 2006, might also be reflected in the increase of people walking to work, Turner added.

The Downtown Minneapolis Transportation Management Organization works to promote commuting that reduces the traffic stress on the city’s core. Turner is optimistic the percentage of people walking, biking or taking transit will continue to increase.

“I think once gas hits $4 a gallon we’re going to get another wave of people who want to try something new,” she said.