Google maps bicycling route plotter shows a number of routes in Rochester MN, including some ways to bypass the interstates' intersection to get to the southern part. I52 does really divide the town, but not really any differently to British motorways - you wont catch me cycling over J13/14 of the M1 too frequently anyway. There seems to be some decent traffic free routes up towards the fishing spot at Oronoco, maybe a mile off the direct way. The hill on the way to the fishing spot that "is so steep it faces the sky" on 18NW is I believe listed on strava as +2.2%
http://app.strava.com/segments/1254151, a bit of a drag but something that gearing and taking slowly should make easy work of, especially compared to the rides lugging bambi and hunting gear around.
DR's whole arguement is based on how he has a certain method of transport that he feels is incompatible with the rules of the road, so they should change the rules to allow him specifically his "rights of movement". If someone disabled couldn't afford a bicycle but did happen to have an old land yacht (worked but had no resale value), should they be allowed to ride it on the pavements and hard shoulder too? Maybe someone disabled had a car that works but couldnt afford to tax/insure/license it and percieves a higher risk of collision, so wants to drive it down the shoulder to stay out of the way?