Bike Walk Week events highlight the pleasure of walking and bicycling
Whether driven by the pleasure of saving gas money, enjoying better health or getting some time for themselves, a lot of people are choosing to drive less and commute instead by walking or riding a bike. Celebrate or try out active transportation during the seventh annual Twin Cities Bike Walk Week.
Bike Walk Week is June 4 to 12. It’s a time to encourage folks to leave their vehicles at home and bike or walk to their destinations. There are many ways to participate, including smart traffic skills classes, bike rides and other celebratory events to support and reward you and others for pedaling or walking.
The week’s big public celebrations will take place on Bike Walk to Work Day. In Minneapolis, biking and walking commuters will gather the morning of Thursday, June 9, at the Government Center Plaza for free food, music and prize giveaways. Bicyclists and walkers will also stop at a number of spots throughout Minneapolis for everything from free breakfasts to "happy hour" deals.
Bike Walk to Work Day
Minneapolis gathering
Thursday, June 9, 6:30-9 a.m.
Government Center Plaza
Other Bike Walk Week events include:
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Riverlake Greenway grand opening, Saturday, June 11
Riverlake Greenway is a new east-west connector, running about halfway between the Midtown Greenway and Minnehaha Creek. It includes the City's first bike boulevard, which puts a priority on bicycle traffic. Motorized vehicles are permitted, but bicycle-friendly features make it more convenient for motorized through traffic to use other streets. -
Open Streets, Sunday, June 12
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Lyndale Avenue South between 22nd and 42nd streets will be closed to motor vehicles. Bicyclists, walkers, skaters and wheelchair users will have the opportunity to enjoy their neighborhood street without the presence of motorized traffic. This event is coordinated by the Minneapolis Bicycle Coalition. -
Bike Walk to the Ballgame, Sunday, June 12
Join your fellow cyclists as we bike over to the new Target Field and watch the Minnesota Twins take on the Texas Rangers. Game starts at 1:10 p.m. For more information, go to http://bikewalkweek.org/events/16/bike-walk-to-the-ballgame
Walking and biking as transportation are workouts that also get you where you want to go. Get fit while saving gas money and reducing your carbon footprint.
Register to participate in Bike Walk Week to support biking and walking as a part of transportation and a chance to win prizes, such as bikes, gear, gift certificates and more.
Bike commuter amenities in MPLS Parking ramps
MPLS Parking ramps offer safe and convenient parking for your bike and other amenities for you. Ease your bike commuting logistics with contracted bike lockers, lockers and showers for you (at some locations), free bike racks, bike anchors and bike banks at various ramps. For more information, see MPLSparking.com and ABC-Ramps.com.
Why walk and bike?
- Streets and neighborhoods feel safer and become safer, and Minneapolis is a more vibrant and bustling city when there are people outside using the sidewalks and paths.
- Walking and walkable environments support the local economy. Vibrant public spaces are attractive to both employers and employees when choosing where to locate, and pedestrians support local businesses while en-route to other destinations.
- Walking and biking are great ways to maintain physical fitness, they’re good for your mental health, and they’re good for your budget since you don’t have to spend any gas money.
- Walking and biking are good for the environment since they are forms of transportation that don’t pollute or use fossil fuels.
- It’s fun to walk and bike. It’s the commute that’s a pleasure, not a chore.
For more information on biking, see our Bicycles website. For more information on walking including distance calculators and the City's pedestrian master plan, see Walking in Minneapolis.
Published Jun. 6, 2011