The folks staging next month's Minneapolis Bike Week are seeking a few good men and women to help with giveaways, share knowledge about biking and to simply hang out and celebrate those who get around on two wheels.
The Minneapolis Bicycle Coalition and the City of Minneapolis will sponsor events, classes and other activities May 4 to 11 to promote bicycling and encourage people who don't normally ride to try it. Specifically, volunteers are needed to staff the Mayday Parade and Festival bicycle corral at Powerhorn Park on May 4 and to work at "Commuter Pit Stops" that week.
At Commuter Pit Stops, volunteers will serve free breakfasts, pass out bike lights, offer free bike repair and offer support and encouragement to bicyclists.
"Minneapolis Bike Week is primarily driven by volunteer efforts," the coalition's website says. "All of our great events are staffed and largely organized by volunteers like you."
Other activities during the weeklong celebration of biking include group rides with Minneapolis City Council members, the American Indian Wellness Fair, classes to teach adults how to ride, and a Ride to Local Businesses Block Party on May 10.
The goal of the week is to showcase "the ease, simplicity and enjoyment of going places by bike," the coalition's website says.
Many people have already discovered that. A report out this week from the Alliance for Biking and Walking, a national nonprofit advocacy group, said Minneapolis ranks second in bike commuting.
