Tag Archives: Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota

Bike Pic Oct 06, it’s Saturday and the Mankato River Ramble is tomorrow

Here in this bike pic, we captured a biker chick having fun pedaling around Mankato last year on the Mankato River Ramble. This year’s Ramble is this Sunday, October 7th, see more here.

What better way to continue your summer fun and your #NextBikeAdventure. View all the great ideas and bike destinations in the latest Iowa or Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide. Then plan your next outing with family and friends in one of Minnesota’s HaveFunBiking Destinations.

Thanks for Viewing Our ‘HaveFunBiking’ bike pic

We are now rolling into our 10th year as a bike tourism media. As we pedal forward our goal is to continue to encourage more people to bike and have fun while we highlight all the unforgettable places for you to ride. As we continue to showcase more places to have fun, we hope the photos we shoot are worth a grin. Enjoy the information and stories we have posted as you scroll through.

Do you have a fun bicycle related photo of yourself or someone you may know that we should post? If so, please send your picture(s) to [email protected]. Include a brief caption (for each) of who is in the photo (if you know) and where the picture was taken. Photo(s) should be a minimum of 1,000 pixels wide or larger to be considered. If we use your photo, you will receive photo credit and acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.

As we continue to encourage more people to bike, please view our Destination section at HaveFunBiking.com for your #NextBikeAdventure – Also, check out the MN Bike Guide, now mobile friendly, as we enter into our 8th year of producing this hand information booklet full of maps.

Remember, bookmark HaveFunBiking.com on your cell phone and find your next adventure at your fingertips! Please share our pics with your friends and don’t forget to smile. We may be around the corner with one of our cameras ready to document your next cameo appearance while you are riding and having fun. You could be in one of our next Pic of the Day.

Have a great day!

Bike Pic Sept 17, another fun day riding into the Monday morning sun

Here on in this Monday morning bike pic, we captured a couple biker chicks riding the Mississippi River Trail (MRT). This picture was captured in St. Paul, MN, on the MRT.

Thanks for Viewing Our ‘Into the sun’ Monday bike pic

Have a great day!

Bike Pic Sept 08, have fun and enjoy all the ride events this weekend

It’s bike pic Saturday and another perfect day to be out riding. Here we found this group of bikers riding down Summit Avenue, in St Paul, MN. Don’t forget this Sunday is the Saint Paul Classic Bike Tour and there is still room on the ride if you haven’t already signed up.

What better way to keep your summer rolling than planning our #NextBikeAdventure. View all the fun ideas and bike destinations in the latest Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide. Then plan your next outing with family and friends in one of Minnesota’s HaveFunBiking Destinations.

Thanks for Viewing Our ‘Saturday’ Bike Pic

We are now rolling into our 13th year as a bike tourism media. As we pedal forward our goal is to continue to encourage more people to bike and have fun while we highlight all the unforgettable places for you to ride. As we continue to showcase more places to have fun, we hope the photos we shoot are worth a grin. Enjoy the information and stories we have posted as you scroll through.

Do you have a fun bicycle related photo of yourself or someone you may know that we should post? If so, please send your picture(s) to: [email protected]. Include a brief caption (for each) of who is in the photo (if you know) and where the picture was taken. Photo(s) should be a minimum of 1,000 pixels wide or larger to be considered. If we use your photo, you will receive photo credit and acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.

Have a great day!

Bike Pic Sept 7, Saint Paul Classic showcases many parks of the city

The Saint Paul Classic Bike Tour, in its 23rd year, spotlights several of the scenic parks and parkways of Saint Paul. This year’s annual ride will take place on Sunday, September 10, 2017. Don’t miss this family-friendly Saint Paul tradition!

What better way to continue your summer fun and your #NextBikeAdventure. View all the great ideas and bike destinations in the latest Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide. Then plan your next outing with family and friends in one of Minnesota’s HaveFunBiking Destinations.

Thanks for Viewing Our ‘Saint Paul Classic’ of the Day

Remember, bookmark HaveFunBiking.com on your cell phone and find your next adventure at your fingertips! Please share our pics with your friends and don’t forget to smile. We may be around the corner with one of our cameras ready to document your next cameo apperance while you are riding and having fun. You could be in one of our next Pic’s of the Day.

Have a great day!

Bike Pic Aug 23, ride like a bear on the St Paul Classic Bike Tour

Pedal your bike down along Summit Avenue and join the ‘Ride Like a Bear’ crew at this years St Paul Classic Bike Tour, September 10th.

What better way to ride through the tail end of the summer and your #NextBikeAdventure. View all the fun ideas and bike destinations in the latest Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide. Then plan your next outing with family and friends in one of Minnesota’s HaveFunBiking Destinations.

Thanks for Viewing Our ‘Bike Tour’ Pic of the Day

Remember, bookmark HaveFunBiking.com on your cell phone and find your next adventure at your fingertips! Please share our pics with your friends and don’t forget to smile. We may be around the corner with one of our cameras ready to document your next cameo apperance while you are riding and having fun. You could be in one of our next Pic’s of the Day.

Have a great day!

Bicyclists 3-Feet Rule Just Became Easier For MN Motorists To Accept

Thanks BikeMN (Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota) for pushing the legislature to update the law making it easier for bicyclists and motorist to Share the Road. This new revision allows motorists the option to pass a bicycle and use a portion of a no passing zone to stay minimum of three away from cyclist. This makes it more comfortable for all, plus Minnesota becomes a more bike-friendly state.

Bicyclists Now Have An Added Layer Of Protection On MN Roads

When Governor Dayton signed the new transportation bill into effect it enacted a change to the law. This revision to the law was advocated by the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota. It allows motorists the ability to pass a bicycle in a no passing zone, if safe to do so. Before this recent change in the law motorist had to allow a minimum of three feet when passing, only passing zones. They had to keep a distance of when passing a bike, staying on the right side of the double yellow line. In many cases this rule was an impossible feat for drivers to perform as many of the states roads are to narrow without using a passing lane. This new update to the law now makes it legal so an automobile can change lanes to pass a bicycle even in a no passing zone when safe to do so.

A Win-Win For Motorists and Cyclists

“This change, proven successful in nine other states, is a win-win. We’ve made things both safer for bicyclists and more convenient for drivers,” said BikeMN volunteer lobbyist Joe Olson while thanking legislators for helping to make this happen.

“This revision to the law is a convenience for motorists because it legalizes a current practice of reasonable driving, especially on the many flat and straight low-speed roads in our communities,” says Dorian Grilley, BikeMN’s executive director. “Many people see the double yellow line and they think ‘Oh, I can squeeze by that bicycle in the 12-foot lane ahead,” Grilley said. “Now we hope drivers will allow bicyclists a little more space without fear of getting a ticket.”

BikeMN encourages bicyclists to ride where they are visible and have room to maneuver. The law states bicyclists should ride as far to the right as practicable, which does not mean as far to the right as possible. Bicyclists should ride away from the curb in the right wheel track of vehicles and at least a minimum of 24 inches away from the road edge. A motor vehicle should either wait to pass or change lanes to overtake the bicyclist. This law change expands opportunities for safe automobile passing while improving the flow of overall road traffic.

Details To The Changes

The change can be found on Line 62.4 of the transportation bill, House File 3. It states: Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 169.18, subdivision 5 (Subd. 7.Laned high (c)), is amended to read: a motor vehicle may be driven to the left side of the roadway (in a noway (c passing zone) to safely overtake a bicycle under the following circumstances:

(1) the bicycle is proceeding in the same direction as the motor vehicle

(2) the driver of the motor vehicle either (i) provides a safe clearance distance, in no case less than the greater of three feet or one-half the width of the motor vehicle, or (ii) completely enters the left lane of the highway

(3) the operator of the bicycle is not (i) making a left turn, or (ii) signaling that the bicycle operator intends to make a left turn and

(4) the driver of the motor vehicle complies with all other applicable requirements under this section.

Now that it’s legal to pass a cyclist in a double yellow, as of July 1st, advocates around the state hope drivers will be more willing to make a wide pass around cyclists.

The new law is intended to reinforce the rule that you must give at least 3 feet to pass a cyclist on the road.

Alisa Reckinger, who bikes frequently around Minneapolis, wasn’t aware of the new law until now and hopes it makes her trips a little safer. “I think a lot of it comes down to common sense a little bit,” she said. “I think sometimes drivers don’t realize how close they are, but I think giving a little more space makes everyone feel a little safer out there.”

About BikeMN

The Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota is working to make Minnesota a place where bicycling is an easy, safe, and fun for everyone. The mission of BikeMN is to unite and strengthen bicycle advocacy, provide education, and work for a more bicycle friendly Minnesota. Visit www.bikemn.org to learn more about local advocacy around Minnesota.

Congratulations New Ulm, One of the Latest Bronze Bike Friendly Communities in the U.S.

New Ulm achieved honorable mention bike status designation in 2016. Last week it was announced they are the 21st Minnesota community to earn the bike friendly honor, with bronze. Provided by the League of American Bicyclists (LAB), to celebrate the honors local residence and dignitaries convened in Harman Park, this last Saturday for a bike ride marking the occasion.

Cindy Winters from Hearts Beat Back Project is shown here presenting the LAB Bicycle Friendly Community plaque to New Ulm Mayor Bob Beussman.

A Proud Accomplishment For Everyone In New Ulm

“This is a huge accomplishment that everyone in the entire community should be very proud of,” said Cindy Winters, manager for Hearts Beat Back: The Heart of New Ulm Project, which collaborated with The New Ulm Bike Club and the City of New Ulm to submit the application. “Over the last several years, individuals and organizations throughout our community have worked very hard to help implement changes that make it safer and more enjoyable for everyone to bike,” Winters said.

Enjoying the 13-mile paved bike traile loop around the city of New Ulm

Enjoying the 13-mile paved bike trail loop around the city of New Ulm

A Bicycle Friendly Community welcomes bicyclists by providing safe accommodations for bicycling and encouraging people to bike for transportation and recreation. Making bicycling safe and convenient are keys to improving public health, reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality and improving quality of life.

Dorian Grilley, executive director of the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota (BikeMN) will present the designation to the New Ulm City Council, at its May 16 meeting. Grilley said, “I am very pleased to see the work of the City, schools and The Heart of New Ulm Project be rewarded with a Bronze level Bicycle Friendly Community award. BikeMN looks forward to continuing our support of their efforts to make bicycling and walking an easy, safe and fun choice for all.”

Click here for a complete list of Bike Friendly LAB Communities in Minnesota

More information on the Bicycle Friendly Community program is available on the League of American Bicyclists website at: http://bikeleague.org/community.

To find out more about the city and county bike maps of New Ulm, click here.

Bike Pic Oct 4, Get Ready for Sunday’s Mankato River Ramble

Escape the Twin Cities for the 5th annual Mankato River Ramble on Sunday, October 9, 2016. Here, you will find some of the best bicycling Minnesota has to offer in and around Blu Earth County. See more bike-friendly Mankato information here.

With the leaves turning and perfect weather on Sunday, we hope to see you at the Mankato River Ramble for a fun Minnesota fall ride. See many more bike friendly places to explore in the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide.

Thanks for viewing the Mankato River Ramble Pic of the Day.

Now rolling into our 10th year as a bike tourism media, our goal is to continue to encourage more people to bike and have fun. While showcasing all the unforgettable places for you to ride. As we continue to showcase more place to have fun we hope the photos we shoot are worth a grin. As you scroll through the information and stories we have posted, enjoy.

Do you have a fun bicycle related photo of yourself or someone you may know that we should post? If so, please send your picture(s) to: [email protected]. Include a brief caption (for each), of who is in the photo (if you know?) and where the picture was taken. Photo(s) should be a minimum of 1,000 pixels wide or larger to be considered. If we do use your photo, you will receive photo credit and acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.

As we continues to encourage more people to bike, please view our Destination section at HaveFunBiking.com for your next bike adventure – Also, check out the MN Bike Guide, now mobile friendly, as we enter into our 8th year of producing the guide.

So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure. And don’t forget to smile, while you are riding and having fun. We may capture you in one of our next photos that we post daily.

Have a great day!

Wise Bike Wednesdays – ABC Quick Check Your Way to Fun

Wise Bike Wednesdays has a reminder,“Before You Go,” always remember your ABC’s:

A is for Air

B is for Brakes

C is for Cranks, Chain, and Cassette

Quick = is for quick release lever – make sure it’s tight!

Check = take a quick ride to check it all before you go on your next bike adventure!

With many students heading back to school this week biking is a great way to get some exercise, be green, and avoid the traffic and congestion of a long bus ride to school.

Whether you’re a parent getting your kids on their bike to get to school or someone who will be responsible for your own bike and adventure, it’s important to remember the key safety rules for biking.

You can check these basics in the HaveFunBiking digital Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide on page 60-61. If you have our print copy, check it out on page 30.

Help with a Wise Bike Wednesdays bike rodeo training course, lead by instructors of BikeMN, so biking to school is fun.

Thanks for viewing Wise Bike Wednesdays, here at HaveFunBiking.

Now rolling into our 10th year as a bike tourism media, our goal is to continue to encourage more people to bike and have fun. While showcasing all the unforgettable places for you to ride. As we continue to showcase more place to ride to and have fun we hope the photos we shoot are worth a grin.

Learning to use turn signals at a Wise Bike Wednesdays rodeo training course lead by instructors of BikeMN, so biking to school is fun.

Learning to use hand signals at a Wise Bike Wednesdays rodeo training course, lead by instructors of BikeMN,

Do you have a fun bicycle related photo of yourself or someone you may know that we should post? If so, please send your picture(s) to: [email protected]. Include a brief caption (for each), of who is in the photo (if you know?) and where the picture was taken. Photo(s) should be a minimum of 1,000 pixels wide or larger to be considered. If we do use your photo, you will receive photo credit and acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.

So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure. And don’t forget to smile, while you are riding and having fun. We may capture you in one of our next photos that we post daily.

Have a great day!

BikeMN 2016 Train & Trail Tour – Photo Gallery Recap

On Saturday, June 20th the skies were sunny and the raindrops promised to stay away for a fun-filled day on the 4th Annual BikeMN Train & Trail Tour. After checking in at the BikeMN (Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota) table, at the Minneapolis Parks and Rec Board headquarters, everyone pedaled to the train. At the Target Field Station train platform, over 100 bicyclists boarded the Northstar Train for the ride to Big Lake, MN. After a 45-mile train ride, they arrived in Big Lake, where tour participants rolled their bikes off the rail cars. They were ready to take off for the 42-mile journey back to Minneapolis.

Facebook Photo Gallery of the 2016 Train & Trail Tour

Enjoy the pictures we took while following the riders that were having fun riding their bikes along the Mississippi River Trail (MRT) in the HaveFunBiking Facebook Photo Gallery. The MRT is a bicycle route that has been mapped by MnDOT (Minnesota Department of Transportation). In Minnesota, the full route of the MRT meanders roughly 620-miles paralleling the river. Starting from its source at Itasca State Park to the Iowa border – then on to New Orleans. Utilizing largely low-traffic roads, the MRT route also includes relatively long segments of scenic state and regional trails.

The Tour

In Downtown, the Elk River tour riders enjoyed a catered lunch in the town square. Located next to the fountain overlooking the confluence of the Elk and the Mississippi Rivers, it was a great location to see the rivers.

At the Highway 169 Bridge, in Champlain, the MRT trail allows riders to choose two routes into Minneapolis. Crossing the Mississippi River here, riders can tour the Twin Cities Gateway through the nine wonderful towns. These communities include Anoka, Coon Rapids, and Fridley, all paralleling the river on the East-MRT.

For the Train & Trail Tour, riders stayed on the Minneapolis Northwest 301 side, or West-MRT, heading south towards Minneapolis. After crossing the I-694 Freeway Bridge, riders found the shaded trails along this stretch a comfort from the hot sun. The afternoon heat on this day made things a bit sticky. Leaving the North Mississippi Regional Park, it’s approximately three-miles to the end. For Train & Trail participants it meant it was time for ice cream.

If you were not able to join BikeMN on one of these Train & Trail Tour adventures, then don’t worry. If you would like to experience this route on your own, it’s easy to plan. First, check Metro Transit’s Northstar Rail schedule and connection to get you and your bike up to Big Lake or all the way to St Cloud. Then, study MnDOT’s County Bike Maps for a desirable route that you would prefer to ride back.

HaveFunBiking – it’s a great multi-modal experience traveling by train and then biking back to your original destination.