About the RALAG

The Regional Active Living Advisory Group (RALAG) is an advisory committee consisting of agency representatives and representatives from key external stakeholder groups throughout the four-county area.

The group was brought together to collaborate on projects and programs supporting active transportation in the region. The RALAG members acted as advisors and stakeholders in the plan during the 10 month planning process.

The group has continued to meet quarterly to discuss implementation steps.

Who We Are
The Regional Active Living Advisory Group includes:
  • Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) Coordinators in Benton, Sherburne, Stearns and Wright Counties
  • Staff from Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
  • Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT)
  • County Engineers from Benton, Sherburne, Stearns and Wright Counties
  • St. Cloud APO
  • Central Minnesota Council on Aging (CMCOA)
  • Better Living Exercise and Nutrition Daily (BLEND)
  • Parks and Recreation Departments
  • Community Organizations
  • Schools
  • Metro Bus
  • Law Enforcement
  • Community Members

Our History
The RALAG has been meeting since 2014 to guide active transportation efforts in Benton, Sherburne, Stearns and Wright Counties. During the planning process, members provided input related to key destinations in the region, helped to identify goals and objectives for the plan, and provided expertise from a variety of sectors. The RALAG has been instrumental to the development of this plan and continues to play a large role in the implementation of key strategies,

Accomplishments
2016 Regional Active Transportation Accomplishments
The list below exemplifies a variety of initiatives and accomplishments taking place in Benton, Sherburne, Stearns and Wright Counties. Community partners have been leading the way to improve active transportation in our region!
  • Developed a proposal for Region 7W and the St. Cloud APO to establish consistent guidelines for shoulders during rehabilitation and repaving projects—to be shared Spring 2017.
  • Hosted a Bicycle Friendly Communities workshop in partnership with Bike MN.
  • Mailed letter requesting partnerships from cities, resulting in the establishment of ten new active living initiatives.
    • Five cities are applying, or interested in applying, for Bicycle Friendly Community Designations – St. Cloud, Big Lake, Sartell, Monticello, Buffalo.
    • Five communities have included, or plan to include, health and active living language in their comprehensive planning updates – St. Cloud, Big Lake, Sartell, Princeton, Benton County.
    • Three cities are interested in Safe Routes to School Plans – Albany, Foley, Howard Lake.
    • Two communities have developed, or are developing, a master park and trail plan – Rice, Sherburne County.
  • Five communities hosted Open Streets events – Buffalo, Hanover, Montrose, Albertville, St. Michael, Becker.
  • Nine Bike Rodeos were held to teach children bicycle safety skills so that they can safely ride to school.
  • Four schools celebrated Walk to School Day.
  • Six school districts are implementing Walk! Bike! Fun! Curriculum.
  • The Regional Active Living Advisory Group continues to meet quarterly.