BikeMN’s E-News Updates 8/2/2024
E-news looks best in your inbox – Subscribe today! BikeMN Chapter, Albert Lea Area Cyclists, presents Rock-n-Roll the Lakes Ride Saturday August 10thChoose from 3 different routes from 10, 30 […]
Latest News
2024 State Legislative Recap
Thanks to the efforts of our lobbyists, advocacy committee, staff, members, and community who met with legislators at our Minnesota Walk Bike Summit in February, BikeMN has several wins to […]
2024 National Bike Summit Recap
angela olsonDeputy DirectorMarch, 2024 Cherry Blossoms in full bloom on Capitol Hill From March 19-21 of this year, the League of American Bicyclists held its National Bike Summit at the […]
ADULT LEARN TO RIDE: 2023 PROGRAM REVIEW
By BikeMN Education Staff Helena Howard and Ilse Griffin As we end our 2023 season, we’re celebrating another fun and successful year of Adult Learn to Ride. Join us as […]
La Crescent Earns Bronze Bicycle Friendly Community Award & Hutchinson, Hennepin County, Woodbury, and Greater Grand Forks Renew
The League of American Bicyclists is honoring the efforts of the five Minnesota communities to build better places for people to bike with Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) awards.
Historic Transportation Bill Includes More Funding for Biking and Walking than Ever
We are thrilled! Nearly every policy and funding priority BikeMN has had this year is now law thanks to a historic transportation bill.
Meet Ilse!
Hi, my name is Ilse Griffen (they/them) and I am BikeMN’s new Education Assistant!
Shifting Gears
Last month BikeMN announced that I would be retiring from BikeMN in July this year, but I like to think of it as shifting gears. My plan is to step down from being Executive Director but still be involved in BikeMN’s advocacy work and fundraising.
Meet Maryellen!
Hi, my name is Maryellen Saatzer (she/they) and I am BikeMN’s new Membership & Accounting Clerk.
Two Wheels and a Tailwind
On February 28, 2023, Natalie Gille will leave her role at the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota as the Greater Minnesota Program Manager.
MN Bicycling Handbooks Translated to Spanish and Somali for Adult Learn to Ride
The Minnesota Bicycling Handbook is now available in Spanish and Somali thanks to support from the Met Council through our Adult Learn to Ride program.
Meet MN Bike Trail Navigator!
Who are you, and what’s the best way to describe your relationship with bicycling? My name is Chris Chavie and I’ve always loved cycling and that passion was reignited later […]
Why Should the Legislature Invest in Active Transportation?
Join us February 9th at the Minnesota Bike Walk Summit on Capitol Hill to get the answers to this question before and asking your legislators to make that investment. Biking and walking are key strategies for addressing our public health, climate, and community sustainability challenges and you’ll hear from experts and leaders in all those areas.
People Friendly Drivers Virtual Class Recap
BikeMN held a virtual People Friendly Drivers course to teach motorists safe driving behaviors around people who are walking or biking.
Big Gains for Biking and Walking Ahead – With Your Support
2023 is likely to be a great year for biking and walking in Minnesota. But, we need your support and action to make it a reality.
All About the 2023 Minnesota Bike Walk Summit!
Mark your calendar for February 9, the 2023 Minnesota Bike Walk Summit! Join people from all over the state to advocate for bike and walk related issues.
Biking, Walking, and Transit Lose a Tireless Advocate
We were saddened by the passing last Friday of William “Bill” Dooley, an avid cyclist, transportation options advocate, and dear friend to BikeMN. Bill served on the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota’s board of directors, executive committee, and as the longtime chair of BikeMN’s advocacy committee.
Women Who Walk | Bike Walk Leadership Network Webinar Recap
Learn how the Walking College supported the planning and implementation of two pedestrian projects in Bemidji and Fergus Falls, Minnesota.
Thief River Falls is Minnesota’s Newest Bike Friendly Community!
Thief River Falls is Minnesota’s newest Bicycle Friendly Community! Walker and Richfield move up to Silver-level Bicycle Friendly Community Awards. Marshall, Edina, and Battle Lake successfully renew their Bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community Awards.
Meet Jenna, BikeMN’s New Communications and Advocacy Intern!
My name is Jenna Hawkes, and I am BikeMN’s new communications and advocacy intern! I am excited to use my love of the outdoors to engage with BikeMN’s mission of promoting equitable engagement and enhancing the safety of biking, walking and public transportation.
BikeMN Volunteers at Open Arms of Minnesota
BikeMN staff and Board volunteered to prepare and package nutritious meals for immunocompromised clients supported by Open Arms of Minnesota.
A Guide to the Winter Cycling Congress
Take a look at what the Winter Cycling Congress is and the initiatives they have in place to encourage year-round cycling.
Meet a Member – Cathy of St. Cloud Area
Want to be featured in our Meet-A-Member section like Cathy? Just complete the short survey here and tell us your BikeMN story. Tell us something cool about your love of […]
BIPOC League Cycling Instructor Seminar: Overview, Stories & Discussion | Bike Walk Leadership Network Webinar
A recap of the September Bike Walk Leadership Network Webinar and roundtable discussion with Neil Walker.
BikeMN and Camden Cycles Host Free Bike Repair Station at Webber-Camden Neighborhood BBQ
BikeMN and Camden Cycles hosted a free bike repair station and gave away over 75 helmets at the Camden-Webber neighborhood BBQ.
A Story of Grit and Determination – an interview with Morsal Azizi
Morsal Azizi, a past participant, graduate, and current volunteer with BikeMN’s Adult Learn to Ride program talked with BikeMN about confidence, community, and learning to ride a bike.
Bikeable Community Workshops – Cultivating Quality Partnerships in Mahnomen
Learn from statewide and local advocates about the Bikeable Community Workshop, and hear from Mahnomen about their experiences.
A Look Inside an Adult Learn to Ride Class!
A peak inside an Adult Learn to Ride Class, with insight from participants who took the course!
Minneapolis City Council Passes Hennepin Ave Bus Lanes & Bike Lanes!
The Hennepin Avenue redesign passed Minneapolis City Council. Tell Mayor Frey to approve the plan today!
Bike and Walk Advocacy and Education in Greater Mankato
Learn from local advocates in Mankato about what it takes to be an effective advocacy and education organization for the region.
Adult Learn to Ride Class in Brooklyn Park!
Join our Adult Learn to Ride classes with ACER in Brooklyn Park. Participants can earn a free bike after two classes.
Learn How to Plan, Organize and Lead Open Streets Events with the Open Streets Minneapolis Experts
Learn from the local movers and shakers who put on beloved events in Minneapolis that celebrate community, culture, creativity, and moving by biking, walking, and rolling.
Spotlight: Limitless Cycling
Learn more about the nonprofit Limitless Cycling, bringing outdoor experiences to seniors, community members, and less-abled residents of the St. Croix River Valley area.
What About Tandem Biking in Minnesota?
A brief look at tandem bike riding and fun routes to ride in Minnesota.
Meet Litzy Silva Sandoval, BikeMN’s New Fundraising Intern
I am Litzy Silva Sandoval and BikeMN’s new fundraising intern.
Workshops in Mahnomen and Willmar!
BikeMN, MnDOT, and MDH brought together engineers, planners, school administrators, community leaders, and advocates for bike-friendliness in Mahnomen and WIllmar!
Pine River Boasts Four New Bicycle Friendly Businesses and Back Street Bicycle Service & Repair Move from Gold to Platinum In Walker
[SAINT PAUL, MN] – Four new Minnesota companies have been recognized as Bicycle Friendly Businesses (BFBs) by the League of American Bicyclists (LAB). Minnesota, the fifth most bicycle-friendly state in […]
2022 Lake Alice 100 Recap
I want to state this for the record: The Lake Alice 100 might be my new favorite Minnesota bike ride and I want this best-kept-secret to be a lot less […]
Bike to Work During National Bike Month
With Bike to Work Week and Bike to Work Day coming up soon, we’re listing out some tips we’ve learned to make bicycle commuting more fun and comfortable.
Recap: Leadership Network Talks E-Bikes
A recap of the April Bike Walk Leadership Network webinar, with questions and answers. You can also watch the replay on BikeMN’s YouTube page.
Honor Earth Day By Choosing to Walk, Bike, Roll, or Use Transit
While so many people care deeply and want to help address the problem, the enormity of the challenge can feel dispiriting and disempowering. Riding your bike, walking, rolling, or taking transit offers you a way to make a difference while experiencing your corner of Minnesota in a new way, building new friendships and connections with others, and moving your body in celebration.
BikeMN’s Adult Learn to Ride Program Gets Big Donation
BikeMN’s Adult Learn to Ride Program was lucky enough to receive dozens of bikes courtesy of The Recyclery.
Walk! Bike! Fun! Educator Training Kicks Off!
BikeMN held our first on-bike Educator Training of the season.
Our 2022 Lobby Day Asks at the National Bike Summit
It’s been three years since Bicycle Alliance staff or constituents attended the National Bike Summit in person to participate in workshops, bike rides around the city, and, of course, Lobby […]
Meet Spencer Polk, BikeMN’s new Communications and Advocacy Intern
Meet Spencer, our Advocacy and Communications Intern
After 12 years, BikeMN’s Deputy Director, Nick Mason is riding off into the sunset
After twelve years at BikeMN, I am filled with gratitude. I moved to Minnesota in 2002 believing that surely there would be a bicycle advocacy organization here. There was not […]
BikeMN Legislative Update March 22nd
It’s an unusual year the the Minnesota Legislature. Read our March updates here!
Meet Angela Olson, BikeMN’s new Education Director
Meet BikeMN’s new Education Director, Angela Olson!
Meet Helena Howard, Education Associate with BikeMN
Meet BikeMN’s new Education Associate, Helena Howard!
15 Ways to Embrace April’s 30 Days of Biking
15 things you can do to during 30 Days of Biking besides just ride your bike!
Launching BikeMN’s Higher Education Network Webpage
The BikeMN Higher Education Network is excited to release a webpage as a one-stop-shop for all of your higher education bike content needs!
Meet a Member – Luke of Jackson MN
Want to be featured in our Meet-A-Member section like Luke? Just complete the short survey here and tell us your BikeMN story. Tell us something cool about your love of […]
The Legislature is Talking About Biking and Walking
The 2022 Minnesota Legislative session convened on January 31st and runs to the third week of May. One of the first things on the House Transportation Committee’s agenda was to […]
Get to Know Your Legislators – Support BikeMN Initiatives
The 2022 Legislative session began January 31st and is scheduled to end in the latter half of May. BikeMN recently held a 30-minute workshop on getting to know your state legislators. […]
A Winter Bike Chat With Adam Malmanger
Adam Malmanger was captured riding his bike in Two Harbors, Minnesota, on a -19 degree morning. We asked Adam what gets him pedaling each winter.
Little Falls Bicycle Shop Achieves Platinum, Mayo Clinic Receives Bronze Bicycle Friendly Business Award
[MINNEAPOLIS, MN] – Three new Minnesota companies have been recognized as Bicycle Friendly Businesses (BFBs) by the League of American Bicyclists (LAB). Minnesota, the third most bicycle-friendly state in the […]
New Year’s Eve with Mayor Carter
Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter hosted a bike ride that highlighted some of the City’s great new infrastructure on the afternoon of December 31st. The ride was organized by Anthony […]
Tips for Winter Biking!
Roll with Ted on his way to the BikeMN office on one of the most beautiful commutes imaginable! We’ll also share some tips to brave the elements and thrive in […]
Last Minute Gift Idea While Supporting BikeMN
Still need a gift for the brewery, restaurant lover, or grill master in your life? The Community Alliance App is a brewery and restaurant passport that provides you with discounts […]
2022 Bikeable Community Workshop Applications Are Now Open!
We are happy to announce the return of Bikeable Community Workshops, now conducted via a hybrid model! Is your community eager to capture the momentum of the recent bike boom? […]
In-Depth: Bicycle Friendly Community Awards for Winter 2021!
Featuring more perspectives from local advocates and community members! [MINNEAPOLIS, MN] – Stillwater is Minnesota’s most recent city to be recognized as a Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) by the League […]
Stillwater is Minnesota’s Newest Bicycle Friendly Community, Jackson Moves Up a Notch, and St. Paul and St. Cloud Renew
Stillwater is Minnesota’s most recent city to be recognized as a Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) by the League of American Bicyclists (LAB), scoring a bronze award. Jackson, Minnesota, moved up in the BFC ranks from bronze to silver, making strides in their bicycle friendliness since they received their bronze award just a few years ago in 2018.
BikeMN Gift Guide
BikeMN Staff created a guide for anyone looking for the perfect gift for someone who bikes!
Part 1: Tim’s GreenCorps Tales
Explore Tim’s route as he develops a ride template guide for Colleges and Universities in Minnesota!
Advocate for an I-94 that puts people, our environment, and communities ahead of cars
This TUESDAY (tomorrow) and WEDNESDAY, November 16 and 17, MnDOT is holding a series of webinars to get public feedback on its “Rethinking I-94” proposals. MnDOT is planning to reconstruct […]
BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE BILL PASSES WITH MAJOR FUNDING FOR BETTER BIKING & WALKING
By now I’m sure you’ve all heard that Congress passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) on November 5th. Thanks to the League of American Bicyclists (LAB), the Safe Routes Partnership, and others it includes unprecedented levels of funding for active transportation and the safety of vulnerable road users, and it represents an important step towards building more livable communities. But, most of the media coverage and news releases have focused on what the IIJA does for roads and bridges, high speed internet, clean drinking water, airports, EV charging, and does and does not do for public transportation and climate change, not biking and walking. So what exactly did happen related to biking and walking?
Revisiting Lilydale Park
If you’re able to venture to Saint Paul before the snow flies here is a potential route worth checking out. Saint Paul Parks has built a spiffy new picnic shelter in Lilydale Park. The Saint Paul Classic has gone through Lilydale before and it’s quite a treat for anyone who has never visited.
Welcome, Tim! BikeMN’s new GreenCorps member!
Welcome Tim Brackett, BikeMN’s newest GreenCorps Member serving for the 2021-22 term.
Rendezvous Brewing, Walker Hotel, The Piggy BBQ, and More Join Bicycle Friendly Business Ranks
[SAINT PAUL, MN] – 13 new Minnesota companies have been recognized as Bicycle Friendly Businesses (BFBs) by the League of American Bicyclists (LAB). Minnesota, the third most bicycle-friendly state in […]
Bike Walk Leadership Network Webinar Recap: August 2021
Bike to the Future: Retro Events, Art, and Bikes in Holdingford BikeMN held the August Bike Walk Leadership Network Webinar yesterday. The network connects local leaders to share stories and […]
BikeMN Successfully Pushes for Updated E-Bike Regulations
Minnesota became one of 36 states to sign model electric bicycle legislation into law, so what does it mean? E-bikes have only become more popular, increasing in sales nationwide by […]
BikeMN’s 2021-2026 Strategic Plan is here!
After nearly six months, BikeMN has completed our latest, and most forward-thinking strategic plan. This plan will guide us through 2026. It builds on more than a decade of successful […]
All About The Latest BikeMN Chapter: Willmar Bikes!
By: Pam Vruwink Willmar Bikes is a bicycle and pedestrian advocacy group dedicated to making biking and walking fun, safe, and easy for everyone. We are excited to become a […]
The Origins of the Lake Alice 100!
by: Dave Jensen For eight years now, residents of west-central MN have been converging upon a small lake located in the heart of Fergus Falls. Known to the locals as Lake […]
BikeMN Joins the Hmong Community Celebrate Your Parks Day!
This past Saturday, Dorian, and Maya with BikeMN, and Tammy, a League Cycling Instructor, bike rider, and invaluable volunteer with BikeMN headed to Brooklyn Center for the Hmong Community Day […]
Exploring Public Art Along the Midtown Greenway and Chain of Lakes
Public art is becoming a more popular and effective way of forming communities and giving spaces meaningful identity. Like all art, public art inspires observers to think about their world […]
Bike Walk Leadership Network Webinar Recap: July 2021
Fresh from LA Fergus Falls is Going in Circles to Promote Bicycling (Around Lake Alice) BikeMN held the July Bike Walk Leadership Network Webinar. The network connects local leaders to […]
Welcome to the new bikemn.org!
It’s been nearly a decade, but bikemn.org finally has a super new home! Over the last several months, staff and our web team at Windmill Strategy have been working hard […]
Next Day Animations, Willmar CVB, and River Rider Cycle named Bicycle Friendly Businesses by the League of American Bicyclists
[MINNEAPOLIS, MN] — Today, the League of American Bicyclists (LAB) recognized Next Day Animations with a Silver Bicycle Friendly Business (BFB) award along with River Rider Cycle (Wabasha) and the Willmar […]
Sanford Health and Eagles Club of Thief River Falls named a Bronze Award Bicycle Friendly Business by the League of American Bicyclists
Today, the League of American Bicyclists recognized Sanford Health and the Eagles Club of TRF with a bronze award level Bicycle Friendly Business (BFB) award, earning them a place alongside […]
A new mission & vision for BikeMN
This year marks the start of a new five year Strategic Plan for BikeMN! We’re excited with where we are headed. Our Strategic Plan Working Group, composed of staff, board, […]
New MN Bicycling Handbook Rolls Out for Spring Cycling
[MINNEAPOLIS, MN] – More people than ever before are riding bicycles in Minnesota. That’s why the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota (BikeMN) is rolling out the 2021 edition of the Minnesota […]
St. Louis Park Advances from Bronze to Silver, Grand Marais and New Ulm Renew Bicycle Friendly Community Awards
[MINNEAPOLIS, MN] –St. Louis Park moves up in the ranks from bronze, the entry-level ranking, to silver with their Bicycle Friendly (BFC) award, and Grand Marais and New Ulm successfully […]
Things Are Moving At The Capitol And In D.C.
By: Dorian Grilley, Executive Director of BikeMN Things started moving at the Minnesota Capitol with the House Transportation Committee hearing the e-bike rules and regulations update bill, which was introduced by […]
Walk! Bike! Fun! has moved
After eight years, Walk! Bike! Fun! has a home of its own! Check out the brand new walkbikefun.org site. It’s the vision that funders MN Safe Routes to School and […]
House Transportation and Bonding Bills are Strong
As tensions continue rising about how to address police use of force and budget issues, the pace at the Capitol is continuing to gain momentum. The Transportation committee chairs in […]
Down to the Wire at the Capitol
By: Dorian Grilley, Executive Director of BikeMN The Minnesota Legislature is heading toward a special session with no agreement on a state budget and mandatory adjournment scheduled for Monday. That […]
Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota and Our Streets Minneapolis Welcome the Bike Film Festival Back to Minnesota
The Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota and Our Streets Minneapolis have teamed up to host a panel for the 20th annual Bicycle Film Festival. The festival, which runs from February 26th through […]
2020 in review
This year has been a challenge for everyone, and we recognize that it has impacted some more severely than others. Our small but mighty BikeMN staff has made considerable effort […]
How Bicycling Encourages Resilience: A Closer Look at Bike Shops
In March of this year, life seemingly shut down in an instant in response to COVID-19. As Spring wore on, Minnesota slowly reopened. Businesses deemed “essential” to everyday life continued […]
Indigenous Land Acknowledgement
In recognition of Indigenous People’s Day and Native American Heritage Month, the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota (BikeMN) is formally launching its Indigenous Land Acknowledgement. “We have a role to play […]
Repurposed Streets: Paving the Way to Long Term Mobility Solutions
Covid-19 Road Closures and spotlight the community of Duluth Last week BikeMN held our July Bike Walk Leadership Webinar. The network connects local leaders to share stories and ideas about […]
Our Promise to Act for Black Lives and Justice
Over the past few weeks, people across the country and the globe have taken to the streets in protest of the murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis […]
Detroit Lakes Recognized as Minnesota’s Newest Bicycle Friendly Community Alongside Willmar and Proctor for Local Bike Culture
[MINNEAPOLIS, MN] – Today, Detroit Lakes was awarded for their efforts to build better places for people to bike with a bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) Award from the League […]
BikeMN’s Statement On George Floyd’s Death in Minneapolis
[MINNEAPOLIS, MN] – On Monday, May 25th, George Floyd died in police custody in Minneapolis. The Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota issued the following statement in response: “Our hearts are heavy […]
BikeMN Introduces Walk Bike Fun! Distance Learning Program to Help Children and Families Bike and Walk Safely
[MINNEAPOLIS, MN] — Today, the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota (BikeMN), along with Minnesota Safe Routes to School and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) released distance learning guides in English, […]
BikeMN Chosen to Complete 2020 Learn to Ride Programming
[MINNEAPOLIS, MN] — Today, Cycles for Change (C4C) announced the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota (BikeMN) was chosen as the partner organization for 2020 Learn to Ride (LTR) programming. The adult […]
BikeMN Applauds Protection of Bicycling, Walking, and Bike Shops Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
[MINNEAPOLIS, MN] — Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Tim Walz today announced an emergency executive order directing Minnesotans to stay at home starting this Friday, March 27th. We urge everyone […]
2020 BikeMN Legislative Advocacy Update
By: Dorian Grilley, Executive Director of BikeMN Thanks to the many of you that attended the Minnesota Bike Walk Summit on March 5th. More than 100 of you joined us […]