Move Minneapolis and ABC Ramps presented Downtown Bike Day on Wednesday, June 1st, 2022, a celebration of bike commuting, recreational riders, and those curious about city biking. This new event elevated the bike/pedestrian infrastructure, mobility hubs, and secure bike parking that are improving downtown access and safety. Highlighting bike amenities and safe routes, and featuring free tune-ups and safety checks by Venture North Bikes, this educational event brought the community together for a celebration of Minneapolis as a top biking city.
Bringing the Community Together
For many exhibitors, it was the first in-person event they’ve attended in over two years. Representatives from community organizations engaged with attendees, promoting biking resources, programs, updates to infrastructure, group rides, events, and more. It was also the debut of the ABC Ramps Mobility Hub Bicycle Facilities Web Map, featuring amenities offered at the ABC Ramps Mobility Hub.
Metro Transit Bike and Ride
Target Plaza provided an idyllic backdrop with convenient proximity to the Metro Transit Bike and Ride, a free facility located in Ramp B (516 2nd Ave. N., Minneapolis) that provides bike parking in a secure, enclosed structure with controlled access. Register for free with a Go-To Card, Metropass, UPass, or College Pass. Once registered, simply tap your card at the door and secure your bike with your own lock at any available rack.
Register for the bike and ride here.
Nice Ride/Lyft Scooter Free Rides
Attendees curious about Nice Ride bikes and Lyft Scooters had the ability to take free test rides at the event and learn about Nice Ride for All, an affordability program that offers $5 annual memberships to those who qualify for certain state or federal assistance programs.
Leaders Celebrate Biking in Minneapolis
Amongst the information shared and conversations held across the Plaza, Downtown Bike Day also featured remarks about bicycling in Minneapolis by three Minneapolis leaders: Anthony Taylor (Slow Roll MSP), Philipp Muessig (City of Minneapolis Bicycle Advisory Committee), and Mayor Jacob Frey.
“We can actually create a movement that includes women, includes people of color, includes low to moderate income people… All of our work is around creating a culture that is full of empathy, that honors humanity, that sees equity as what we do and we do it right.”
-Anthony Taylor
Listen to a snippet of Anthony Taylor’s remarks.
“As we rebuild our city, as we build out our transportation system, we want to make sure we’re also doing it with a mind for biking – and not just those that have the most skill and experience.”
-Mayor Jacob Frey
For both attendees and exhibitors, it was a wonderful day to talk biking, soak in the sunshine, and enjoy downtown.
