Welcome to Smart Trips Summit-U

This summer, Smart Trips is in Summit-University.  Smart Trips Summit-U is an innovative new program to connect people with free resources, events, and activities that will help them make "smart" trips: smart for their budgets, smart for the environment and smart for their health.

This summer we are in Summit-U delivering FREE Smart Trips Kits, reusable tote bags full of personalized transportation resources and tools. We're also hosting bike rides and walks and leading classes on bike repair and bike commuting. Check out these great events and more on the right.

By focusing on just this neighborhood, we’re able to provide residents with all the tools they need to find smart ways to get around St. Paul and beyond.

Do you live in Summit-U?

Would you like a walking map of your neighborhood? We’ll deliver it to you! Want bus schedules for local routes? We’ll deliver them to you! How about a pedometer or coupon book to local businesses? We’ll deliver all these resources to you for free along with a reusable tote bag for your neighborhood shopping needs.

To participate, click here for our online order form

Live in Summit-U and didn't get our newsletter? E-mail Laura Baum at laura@smart-trips.org or call 651-224-8555 x21.

Smart Trips Ambassador Program

Smart Trips Summit-U is offering a unique opportunity for people passionate about biking, walking, and transit in St. Paul. The Ambassador program enables people like you to engage in direct outreach work in the Summit-U neighborhood and gives you a first-hand experience advocating for transportation options.

As an Ambassador, you would represent Smart Trips while delivering materials and while attending events like guided walks, bike rides, and classes. Besides the chance to expand your skills and contribute to the greater good, you’ll also receive a Smart Trips Ambassador Certificate and a Smart Trips T-shirt.

How to apply:

Contact Laura Baum at laura@smart-trips.org or 651-224-8555 x21 or download the application (pdf).

St. Paul Biking and Walking Maps

When residents of Summit-U order their FREE Smart Trips Kit, they have the option to request a number of great tools and resources to help them get around.

One of the resources available is our biking and walking maps of St. Paul's Midway area and Summit-U neighborhood (pictured above).

Don't live in Summit-U? No problem. We've made the maps available for download online.

Events Calendar – Free and open to all

No reservation is necessary, just show up!
Questions? E-mail Laura Baum at laura@smart-trips.org or call 651-224-8555 x21.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter and get news and updates on practical options for getting around St. Paul.

Walks

Public Art – Summit Ave and Its Environs
June 21 @ 10AM
Summit Lookout Park (map)

Enjoy a walking tour of local public art lead by Public Art Saint Paul.

History and Culture with Councilmember Melvin Carter
June 26 @ 6PM
Golden Thyme Coffee Café, 921 Selby Ave (map)

Explore the neighborhood with City Council member Melvin Carter. Hear historical tales and personal anecdotes from this long-time Summit-U resident.

Historic Rondo
July 17 @ 7PM, July 19 @ 4PM
MLK Center – Entryway, 270 N Kent St (map)

This walk coincides with the 25th Annual Rondo Days Festival, which is dedicated to preserving, conserving and accurately interpreting the contributions of African Americans in and around the Rondo Community. The walk will explore the old Rondo neighborhood with walk leaders from the African American Heritage Corridor.

History and Culture with Commissioner Toni Carter
July 26 @ 10AM
Golden Thyme Coffee Café, 921 Selby Ave (map)

Explore the neighborhood with Ramsey County Commissioner Toni Carter. Hear historical tales and personal anecdotes from this long-time Summit-U resident.

Public Art – Capitol and St. Paul College
August 7 @ 6PM
Western Sculpture Park on Marion St (map)

Enjoy a walking tour of local public art lead by Public Art Saint Paul.

Rides

Bike with a Park Ranger
August 20 @ 6:30PM
Meet outside the Cathedral of St. Paul, Summit & Selby (map)

This easy ride takes you along the Missippi River and is led by experienced Park Rangers.

Women and Bikes – Indian Mounds Park
June 5 @ 6PM
Nina’s Coffee Café, 165 Western Ave N (map)

Pull that old bike out of the basement and join us for a women-only ride through St. Paul! Take this opportunity to connect with women in your neighborhood, share tips and routes, and enjoy an easy ride to Indian Mounds Park and back.

Biking Through Saint Paul History
June 24 @ 6PM, June 25 @ 6PM
Meet outside the Cathedral of St. Paul, Summit & Selby (map)

Discover some of Saint Paul’s historic architecture and landscapes on this ride lead by Historic Saint Paul.

Lowertown Farmers’ Market
June 28 @ 9AM
July 19 @ 9AM
Nina’s Coffee Café, 165 Western Ave N (map)

This ride will provide you with helpful new skills, including a route to downtown St. Paul and tips for carrying stuff by bike. We will be spending about 30 minutes at the farmers market. If you do not have a basket or bags that attach to their bike, we recommend you bring a backpack or messenger bag to cart home your purchases.

Getting Comfortable on Trails, Lanes and Roads
July 15 @ 6PM
July 16 @ 6PM
Golden Thyme Coffee Café, 921 Selby Ave (map)

This ride will introduce you to a variety of street environments, from quiet residential streets, to bike lanes, to busier arterials. Develop confidence riding and learn the different skills required for each type of street. We’ll make a couple of stops along the way to discuss tactics and answer questions.

Ride Led by Major Taylor Bicycling Club
August 5 @ 6PM
Nina’s Coffee Café, 165 Western Ave N (map)

Enjoy a ride around St. Paul with volunteers from the premier African American cycling club in Minnesota.

Tips for Safe Urban Bicycling (co-hosted by Mississippi Market)
August 13 @ 6PM
Mississippi Market, 622 Selby Ave (map)
Please pre-register by calling 651-310-9499

Local cyclists will provide tips and advice on how to bike safely (and have fun doing it!) in the Twin Cities. Presented by Bike/Walk Twin Cities, Transit for Livable Communities.

Learn the basics of bike mechanics, such as how to change a tire and fix a slipped chain, as well as some simple preventive care tips to keep your bike running smoothly.

Using Transit to Reduce your Carbon Footprint (co-hosted by Mississippi Market)
July 16 @ 6PM
Mississippi Market, 622 Selby Ave (map)

This class will provide practical advice on integrating busing into your daily life, which is surprisingly easy considering all the routes that serve Summit-U! Presented by Metro Transit.

HOURCAR: A Hybrid Car-share System (co-hosted by Mississippi Market)
July 30 @ 6PM
Mississippi Market, 622 Selby Ave (map)
Please pre-register by calling 651-310-9499

This class will provide you with the basics on car-sharing, an easy, earth-friendly and economical neighborhood service. Presented by HOURCAR.