Raising awareness for biking in Mankato, Minn. on May 15th, the Rack & Roll Task Force celebrated the installation of 29 new bike racks with a ribbon cutting and Mayors’ Ride.

Demonstrating how other businesses in the community  could become more bike friendly the Rack and Roll event was a success as it gained the attention of other companies in town. Helping more businesses in town step forward and sponsor additional rack installations in front of more places of business, along trails and in city parks.

Both, City of North Mankato Mayor Mark Dehen and Mankato Mayor Eric Anderson spoke at the event, declaring a joint proclamation for the Greater Mankato Bike Week celebrations. Each of them shared the importance of biking in Mankato.  Eric Harriman, the director of the City Center Partnership, spoke to the benefits of being bike-friendly for a city’s economy. The Bike and Walk Advocates also spoke about the benefits of biking to businesses and residents in Mankato. See local news channel KEYC video.

Following the ribbon cutting, both Mayor Anderson and Mayor Dehen helped lead a Mayors’ Ride as a part of the Greater Mankato Bike and Walk week celebration.

The Rack & Roll Task Force was formed through the inspiration of the Greater Mankato Bike & Walk Advocates and led by Visit Mankato with the purpose of establishing more bike parking in the cities of Mankato and North Mankato. The Rack & Roll Task Force is made up of representatives from the Greater Bike & Walk Advocates, Visit Mankato, City Center Partnership, Twin Rivers Council for the Arts, City of Mankato and City of North Mankato.

The cities of Mankato and North Mankato are one of 11 communities throughout the state designated a Bicycle Friendly Community. Bicycling is aligned with the city of Mankato’s sustainability efforts. Offering and encouraging options for efficient transportation, such as biking, walking and the city bus, is important for a sustainable future. See more at: www.visitmankatomn.com.    *Information and photos provided by the Visit Mankato Tourism 

Share your Bike Walk Week Celebration successes and stories here at HaveFunBiking.com. By sending your community accomplishments and stories to us we may help inspire other cities to become more bike friendly. Send to [email protected], thanks!