Word on the Streets

Minneapolis Bike Week Work Group Meeting

On Thursday at the Coalition's headquarters, 3 volunteers met with Nick Ray, Bike Week Coordinator, to discuss planning and preparation for Minneapolis Bike Week 2014. Bike Week is scheduled to take place the week of May 5th, 2014, and may include the weekend before, the weekend after, or both.

After giving a short history of the former Twin Cities Bike Walk Week, Nick explained that the Coalition is the new, more permanent home for this event, which will now focus on Minneapolis and bicycling. Goals for events include promoting all types of cycling (expanding the event’s previous focus on cycling for transportation) and focusing on engaging new cyclists. The Coalition’s goal is to act as a centralized home for resources.

Probable 2014 Bike Week events include (but are not limited to) a downtown celebration, bike to work day celebrations, commuter pit stops, Minneapolis Public School events, and free breakfasts.

The main goal of the meeting was to generate ideas for potential Bike Week partnerships. Partnership is defined as a group contributing to Bike Week in any capacity, which could mean contributions of time, money, goods, or other ways to participate. Probable 2014 partners that are already on board include: the City of Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Metro Transit, Minneapolis Public Schools, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, Transit for Livable Communities, Commuter Connections, ZAP, and Target Corporate. Many suggestions were made for other possible partners, and volunteers were charged with signing up to reach out to them, as well as continue to think of others to add to the list. Resources will be made available to help volunteers with this task.

More volunteers are needed to add to the list of potential partners, as well as to reach out to them. Down the road, we will also need help planning the events to take place during Bike Week.

If you are interested in volunteering, or would like more information, email Nick at [email protected].

This Work Group will next meet on January 9th, 2014, and has proposed meeting the second Thursday of every month.

posted by | December 06, 2013

Events and Outreach Group Recap

The Events and Outreach Group met on Wednesday, November 13 at Common Roots. The meeting primarily focused on feedback from the Coalition board regarding the group's activities this past year and the vision for ongoing efforts to connect and reach out both within the Coalition and the larger community. Ethan Fawley, Executive Director, thanked the group for outstanding work this year. He noted the excellent attendance at both the seven Happy Hours and five JoyRides scheduled this past year, as well as the group's outreach efforts including seven tabling events.

As a result of feedback from the Board, the group's discussion focused primarily on brainstorming ways to increase and build on the synergies which exist between Events and Outreach and other Coalition sub-groups. The purpose would be to enhance overall cohesion and effectiveness of Coalition activities. In particular, there were suggestions for collaboration with fundraising, Bikeways for Everyone, and increased communication about the Coalition and its work at all sponsored events.

Additionally, Events and Outreach is in the beginning stages of planning a rich calendar of events for 2014. Suggested events: more JoyRides (including a winter JoyRide if there is enough interest!) and more topical Happy Hours. To refresh your memory, check out these recaps of The Bikey Horror Picture Show and our Happy Hour with Louis Moore from the Major Taylor Bicycling Club.

We welcome your involvement and feedback! If you are interested in volunteering, please complete this volunteer form. Great ideas for events? Contact us, or watch for updates on our next meeting!

posted by | November 25, 2013

Introducing: Minneapolis Bike Week

In May 2014, Minneapolis will join communities across the country in celebration of National Bike Month with a new event, Minneapolis Bike Week. No, not that kind of bike week. Nor the “human bicycle” kind. Rather, we’re talking the good ‘ol fashion, classy pedal-powered kind and a whole week to celebrate it (although the other two might be onto something with the leather chaps and moving walkways).

The Minneapolis Bicycle Coalition is proudly taking the helm in organizing Minneapolis Bike Week this spring as part of the region-wide evolution of Twin Cities Bike Walk Week. (Think: the awesomeness of Bike Walk Week combined with the epicness of National Bike Month!) The weeklong series of events and activities will promote all types of bicycling (uni- and tri- variations included) with a focus on encouraging those who do not normally ride to give it a try. To give you an idea of what's on the menu, probable 2014 events include:

Bike to Work Day downtown celebration

Bike to School Day celebrations

workplace and campus celebrations

commuter pit stops

free breakfasts

prizes and giveaways

general two-wheeled fun and (legal and positive) shenanigans

Volunteers Needed

Although centrally organized by the Coalition, Minneapolis Bike Week will be a coordinated effort among local businesses, non-profits, community groups, government organizations, and other entities. The Coalition is looking for volunteers interested in reaching out to potential partners—volunteers who can connect and build relationships with groups interested in promoting cycling. We have a lot of freedom in shaping Bike Week, and your input is greatly valued. The possibilities are limited only by our imagination, ambition, and the amount of coffee at the volunteer meetings (don’t worry—I’m on that).

We need volunteers who can create a Bike Week that gets people out riding through creative events and activities. Whether a sunny day commuter, casual weekend rider, or dedicated competitive cyclist of the stretchy pants or cut off denim variety, Minneapolis Bike Week encourages and celebrates all types of riding (except salmoning). Most of all, however, we encourage people who do not normally bike to give it a shot. And you know how to make that happen.

Interested? Get Involved!

If you’re still reading you must be interested! And your friend must be, too! Anyone and everyone interested in shaping this new event (no volunteer experience necessary) is encouraged to attend the first Minneapolis Bike Week Work Group:

Minneapolis Bike Week Work Group Kickoff Meeting

When: Thursday, December 5th, 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Where: Minneapolis Bicycle Coalition

1428 Washington Avenue South, Suite 204

Minneapolis, MN 55454

Come help us make Minneapolis Bike Week success. All we need is your great ideas.

Contact Nick Ray [[email protected]] with any questions or if you wish to participate but are unable make the first meeting.