Minnesota to launch canoe-share program

Some cities are just ahead of others when it comes to providing new ways to explore. Earlier this month, Santa Monica became the first city in Southern California to get a bike-share program – but meanwhile plans are in place in the Twin Cities to add canoe rentals to the existing bike system.

Minneapolis may soon get a canoe-share program.
Image by waferboard / CC BY 2.0

Minneapolis-St Paul have had a bike share since 2010 and are well-known for being cyclist-friendly communities.

Bike share programs provide short-term, self-serve bike rentals at various station in a city, which can then be returned to another station in the program.

The US National Park Service is looking to add canoes and kayaks to help more people explore the local national park.

Minneapolis may soon get a canoe-share program to help people explore the Mississippi River. Image by Anthony Arrigo / CC BY 2.0

While the boats aren’t likely to simplify a commute to work – they will help travellers who want to explore the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area and get out on the water, without requiring a car or their own watercraft.

Those who want to check out the urban areas of the river can take a bike rental to the river, drop it off, get on a canoe, head onto the water and get out at another canoe station.

According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, the project is expected to launch in summer of 2016.