Bicycle Friendly Community

Minneapolis, MN | Gold Level

Community Highlights: Minneapolis has the second most number of bicycle commuters of the larger cities in the U.S., right behind the truly four-season-city Portland. Minneapolis has invested in a connected network of more than 120 miles of on and off street facilities, launched education programs for cyclists, and encouraged more people to get on their bikes. The city's bicycle ambassador program employs four full-time staff who are dedicated to build a culture of courtesy, acceptance and safety for all mode shares including motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. The city also promotes bicycling by offering subsidized shower, locker and bicycle storage facilities at two downtown parking facilities. On Bike to Work Day 2008, Mayor Rybak pedaled his bicycle to win the Twin Cities’ first-ever Great Commuter Challenge – which included commuters by car, transit and foot.

Most Compelling Community Statistic: The estimated percentage of commuters who bicycle in Minneapolis increased from 2.5 percent to 3.8 percent between 2006 and 2007 – the second largest increase out of America’s largest 50 cities.