FM Bike Map App Release!

After years of printed maps floating around the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area, Fargo-Moorhead Metropolitan Council of Governments (Metro COG) is set to release their first Bicycle Map App June 1st, 2019.

The determination to move to a web application that is accessible via mobile device, stemmed from discussion at the Metropolitan Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee. This Committee meets quarterly to discuss issues and needs facing the walking and bicycling public.

One of those needs is how to better share the locations of bicycle and pedestrian routes throughout the metro area.

The Committee and Metro COG staff, Transportation Technical Committee, and Policy Board, all agreed that an Mobile App would be a step to fulfill that need.

Dan Farnsworth and Anna Pierce managed the development of the Fargo-Moorhead Bike Map app, working with My City Bikes, an app developer, to organize data from the local cities to create the multifaceted app.

When the app is launched, users will be able to geographically locate themselves in relation to nearby bike lanes, bike routes, as well as shared use paths.

The Metropolitan Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee has defined bike lanes, bike routes, and shared use paths for the region.

• Bike Lanes are defined as roadways with designated on-street bicycle facilties.
• Bike Routes are defined as streets that are better for biking, but do not have bike lanes or separated bike paths. Bike Routes may be marked with shared lane markings ("sharrows"), "Bike Route" signs, or roads that have a shoulder that is 4-feet wide or more.
• Shared Use Paths are defined as paved paths or sidewalks that are greater than 8-feet wide.

These distinctions can help users determine what route to take and what to expect along the way.

The web application is currently available on Metro COG's website at www.fmmetrocog.org/fmbikemap.

Stay tuned for the release of the app!