This last Sunday the weather was perfect to bike Lyndale Avenue in Minneapolis, at its first Open Streets (see further recap of Sundy’s event) of the season. Expanding its footprint from previous years this 2016 kickoff event stretched 20-blocks down Lyndale Avenue, which was closed to automobiles, only open to bicycles and pedestrians. At this first open Streets and each of the events scheduled throughout the summer you will find food and music along secured roadway while learning how easy it is to use other modes of transportation to get around. As several local residents and visitors alike mentioned, with a large gathering coming out and taking over the street, the energy was amazing!

Here Open Streets allowed people to bike, roller blade or walk through protected intersections on Lyndale Avenue..

For the past several years, streets in Minneapolis have transformed to allow residents and visitors a chance to experience the city in a whole perspective — by bike, by skateboard, however they please. Called ‘Open Streets Minneapolis’ it has grown from one event in 2011 to eight events all across the city in 2016!

Open Streets allowed people to bike, stop and listen to music and other side show acts along the way.

Open Streets Minneapolis is the perfect chance to promote healthy living, local businesses, sustainable transportation and civic pride in the Twin Cities. On multiple days throughout the year, the Minneapolis Bike Coalition creates miles of safe, car-free streets so that residents of all ages can walk, bike, shop, participate in spontaneous play activities, and get to know one another.

More Open Streets events in Minneapolis this summer

If you didn’t  make it to last Sunday’s Open Streets event check their summer schedule and come wander the next Open Streets, July 10th and have some fun. The next Open Streets is in Downtown Minneapolis, on Washington Avenue North, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.  And like all of them it’s free!