We're a nation of gas-aholics, slouching behind the wheel, listening to talk radio discuss global warming. But luckily for Twin Cities inhabitants, our cities are prime for getting out of your four-door and straddling a two-wheel. One of the best cities for bicycling in the United States, Minneapolis has an extensive collection of trails, inner-city paths and bike-welcoming routes. Minneapolis was one of four cities in the country awarded $21.5 million in 2007 through Transit for Livable Communities, federal funding to increase rates of biking and walking, while reducing driving.

So if it's so easy to start riding, why do so many people feel intimidated by city bike culture? It may be the bike fashion or the bike attitude, but somehow Minneapolis bike people give off the air of a high-school clique. Outsiders assume that if your bike isn't fancy or you own a car, the bike groups won't accept you. But ask nearly anyone on a bike if this is true, and you'll get a solid no.

Bike culture in the City of Lakes isn't just about transportation -- it's a movement, run by a growing community of people who are dedicated to a number of open-ended causes: the environment, healthy living and social justice. The goal of nearly any bike enthusiast is to inspire others to ride and enjoy the benefits of cycling through our gorgeous city.

Whether you're into trail riding, racing, errand-running or bar-hopping, there are bikes, bike people and bike shops of all types. Regardless of why you ride a bike, the fact is, you're riding.

Andy Larson

Messenger: His job

  • Age: 26.
  • Occupation: Bike messenger for Blazing Saddles.
  • What he rides: An old Bridgestone road bike he found "wasting away" in a snowbank.
  • Why he rides: "It's ideal. I ride my bike and get paid."
  • Why he thinks others should ride: "Biking is one simple thing we can do to make the world better."
  • His deal: In the six years Larson has been a messenger, he's delivered everything from pantyhose and ice cream to mysterious medical packages and even a birthday cake. Larson zigzags across the city for an average of 35 miles a day. He rides under sunny skies and snowstorms alike; freezing rain is his only gripe. A trendy messenger bag and short-brimmed hats may be all the rage, but Larson hopes as the planet wilts, people will take a more serious look into using bikes for transport.

A bike shop he likes: Behind Bars

This mom-and-pop shop is great for the commuter or messenger who needs to carry things. It has new and used bikes, road and mountain bikes, and lots of gear. (208 13th Av. NE., Mpls. • 612-436-0255 • www.behind-bars.com)


Sean Burns

Racer: His passion

  • Age: 43.
  • Occupation: University of Minnesota info tech professional.
  • What he rides: An Independent Fabrication cyclo-cross bike and a Gunnar Ruffian single-speed mountain bike. Capt. America, his fixed-gear, is in storage until winter.
  • Why he rides: For exercise. For the thrill of the race. For "hedonistic" reasons.
  • What he races: Mainly cyclo-cross; some road, mountain, track and alleycat races.
  • His motto: "Work to eat, eat to live, live to ride, ride to work."
  • His deal: Cyclo-cross racing began in Europe as off-season training for road racers. Throughout a multi-terrain course, riders must hop off their bikes to climb stairs or jump hurdles. Cyclo-cross is about aerobic endurance and bike handling, both aspects Burns finds appealing. But racing isn't always about the finish line for him: "I ride bikes for fun. There's no need to be the fastest." That said, Burns did win the title of B-Class State Champ in 2005.

Shop he likes: Cars R Coffins

The cozy shop is a great place to chat with other two-wheelers over a latté and sandwich. There's a smaller collection of bikes, both used and new. Check out the gear and gadgets in the back and the bike literature under the counter. (3346 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls. • 612-822-4130 • www.carsrcoffins.com)


Bethany Jolson

Newbie: Her hobby

  • Age: 27.
  • Occupation: Business analyst.
  • What she rides: A Kona Dew, a bike intended for asphalt.
  • Why she rides: For the social aspect of riding with friends, for quick and fun rides to the Lake Harriet Rose Garden or the bar across town, and because it's easy to park.
  • Her recommendation: Arrange a bike tour of friends' houses for a fun way to learn roadways and hang out.
  • Her deal: On her 25th birthday, Jolson decided it was time to get her first big-kid bicycle. Jolson's bike is a comfortable ride that requires minimal maintenance. Her bike's frame is dusty blue with yellow, which she said was a great excuse to shop for matching shoes and bag. Jolson has a car, but likes to switch it up with her environmentally friendly wheels, especially if she's only going a short distance or if the sun is out.

Shop she likes: The Alt

Besides the usual cycles, the Alt also has options for weekend warriors, BMXers and those with an eye for the cruiser and basket. Buy a bike and receive lifetime service at no charge. (3013 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls. • 612-374-3635 • www.altbikeboard.com)


Rachel Speck

Commuter: Her transportation

  • Age: 24.
  • Occupation: District support specialist.
  • What she rides: A Raleigh Marathon from the '80s, converted into a fixed gear.
  • Why she rides: Speck doesn't like cars or driving. She likes saving money, being outside and knowing how to fix and maintain her cycle.
  • Myth she'd like to bust: "A super fancy, cool bike isn't a necessity. You can turn any bike into a good working bike."
  • Her deal: When Speck moved to Minneapolis three years ago, she needed transportation. Financially, a car wasn't an option. Today, she still prefers two wheels to four. Speck commutes 13 miles to and from work each day, not to mention running errands, light trips to the grocery store or cycling with friends. For Speck, biking makes transportation a pleasant experience.

Shop she likes: The Hub Bicycle Co-op

A cooperatively owned shop, the Hub has a diverse set of owner/employees, meaning their inventory reflects many different riding styles and opinions. Its two locations feature all types of bikes, new and used. (301 Cedar Av. S., Mpls. 612-238-3593 • 3020 Minnehaha Av. S., Mpls., 612-729-0437 • thehubbikecoop.org)


Shanai Matteson

Enthusiast: Her life

  • Age: 26.
  • Occupation: Bicycle ambassador and program aide for the City of Minneapolis' new Bicycle & Pedestrian Ambassador Program.
  • What she rides: Her uncle's old Benotto racing bike, repainted yellow and converted to single-speed.
  • Why she rides: For the community of cyclists, for exposure to the elements and the world around her, for the environment, to save money and for fun.
  • Her deal: With her urban studies background, Matteson is constantly reminded how cars affect the city. Cars isolate, she says, whereas bikes expose you to your surroundings and help create community. "As far as I know, there aren't too many car communities or auto-body clans," she grinned. "Driving with your friends doesn't compare to the experience of biking with your friends on a beautiful summer day." Matteson has worked with a variety of bike-friendly organizations, most notably Bike Walk Twin Cities. "We need to promote biking as a fun lifestyle anyone can enjoy."

Shop she likes: One On One

If you're interested in creating a bike from scratch, dig deep in the bargain bins in One on One's "junkyard." Amid the parts, you'll also find row after row of ready-to-ride bikes or new models upstairs. The shop is also a cafe, busy with hungry bike folks. (117 Washington Av. N., Mpls. • 612-371-9565 • www.oneononebike.com)