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)
