By Maya Betti, News Intern
At a work session in May, Northfield’s City Council discussed safety concerns and community feedback as part of the 2026 Mill and Overlay & Mill Towns State Trail Improvements Project. The project includes repaving several streets, sidewalk repairs, and updated bike and pedestrian infrastructure, particularly on Prairie Street and Jefferson Parkway.
At the meeting, council members reviewed a draft feasibility report, which outlined upgrades like curb extensions and high-visibility crossings.
A key feature is the preservation of the existing bikeway on Prairie Street, where reactions have been mixed.
Council Member Kathleen Holmes shared a personal experience that raised concerns about relying on paint alone for cyclist safety.
“Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, I believe that paint is not safer, particularly because I rode with my then five-year-old on Prairie Street and a car entered the bike lane we were riding in because there was only paint.” – Kathleen Holmes, Northfield City Councilor at the 5/20/2025 City Council Work Session
Painted bike lanes are typically designated by pavement markings and signage, while raised bike lanes offer physical separation from vehicle traffic. While they do prevent distracted drivers from wandering into bikers’ paths, they also come with additional construction. A price some aren’t interested in paying, according to Council Member Chad Beumer.
“What’s the point of even having those sessions if we don’t take the input that the people that are there tell us implement? People are telling us that they don’t want them… on Maple St. … they didn’t want them on Roosevelt Drive. Who are we to decide what to do to those people’s front yards?” – Chad Beumer, Northfield City Councilor at the 5/20/2025 City Council Work Session
The council is expected to revisit the project plans later this year, as staff gather more detailed design options and feedback.
Towards the end of the meeting, Council Member Jessica Peterson White left the Council with a reminder that listening to as many different voices as possible is the most crucial part of the decision process.
“All of us hear from a different subset of the community, and none of us should assume that we are hearing from everyone,” – Jessica Peterson-White, Northfield City Councilor at the 5/20/2025 City Council Work Session
The City of Northfield has since scheduled a town hall meeting for Tuesday, July 29, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Northfield High School to learn about future street, bike, and pedestrian improvement projects. Bike lanes on Paraire street will be one of the items discussed.
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