This isn’t exactly bike parking news, but we found it too entertaining not share. Hungary’s Ministry of Economics and Transport apparently released this Public Service announcement to encourage people to cycle.  Who knew that a country’s government could be so… passsionate… about bicycling. They definitely have a better sense of humor than Uncle Sam.

Hundreds gathered for what promises to be the premier bicycle center in the US. Dignitaries including Mayor RT Rybak, and council members Gary Schiff (ward 9) and Robert Lilligren (ward 6), shared their incredible enthusiasm for the project. Don Pflaum, city of Minneapolis bike coordinator, expressed his thanks to all those who have put in countless hours into the bike center, which has been more than 10 years in the making.

Bike Center Manager Dan Breva helps a customer

Freewheel owner, Kevin Ishaug, noted that the center is set up to accomodate up to about 250 bikes initially with room for significant expansion in the future. Visitors can store their bikes on a temporary basis for $2 a day . Allina and other local employees who bike year round can purchase an annual membership for $110. Member ship includes additional benefits, like access to shower facilities and discounts on bike rentals and service. All those who stop by during business hours can refuel with local Peace Coffee and offerings from the adjacent Midtown Global Market.

Not to be overlooked in the beautiful new space, is the Midtown Greenway Coalition’s (MGC)headquarters. This marks a milestone in MGC history. It will be the first time the group who envisioned the 2,500/ day path can work from its side.

Dero donated additional, temporary bike racks for the opening weekend, which were jam-packed and greatly appreciated by the crowds.

Find out more: www.freewheelbike.com

 Downtown Minneapolis Bike Walk to Work Celebration just after the rush.

Wednesday, May 14th celebrated Twin Cities Bike Walk to Work Day. In what was certainly the most beautiful Bike Walk Days in years:

Dero supplied over 450 parking spots to the downtown celebrations in Minneapolis and St. Paul, which were well used in both locations. Dero also donated a cool, bike rack trophy for the winner of the workplace team compitition. At Dero headquarters, 100% of staff participated by bicycling or walking for at least part of the daily commute. That includes our four legged companions, Abby, who runs in 3 miles daily and Baxter, who arrives in style in his custom dog trailer. All particpants enjoyed free lunch on Dero for reaching our goal.

Mayor RT Rybak (left) accepting BFC award from Harry Brull.

Recently, Minneapolis Mayor RT Rybak has been getting some publicity for his speed on the roads… on his bike! The kick-off event for Bike Walk Week Twin Cities, the Great Commuter Challenge, pitted Mayor Rybak (on bicycle) against Ramsay County Commissioner Toni Carter (on transit) and Star Tribune writer Jim Foti, aka Roadguy, (by car). The race included some errands (picking up a paper, tickets for a show, and dropping off a library book) for all competitors. But, the bicyclist and car needed to stop to fuel up- one with a muffin and the other a gallon of gas.  Mayor Rybak beat Commisioner Carter by a few minutes, while both handily beated Jim Foti mostly due to traffic signals and parking. Dero’s advocacy coordinator, Nick Mason, served as judge for Foti to ensure that laws and rules were followed. 

After the race, League of American Bicyclist (LAB) Regional Director, Harry Brull, presented the mayor with the Silver Bicycle Friendly Community Award from LAB. It was a rigorous application, and Brull suggested that Minneapolis was not far from Gold. Brull recognized the city’s Shaun Murphy, and Dero’s Nick Mason for putting the application together. Mayor Rybak hopes to work on numerous improvements, including a new bike share program, to make Minneapolis the most bicycle friendly city in the US in the next few years. Currently, Minneapolis has more than ten times the national average of major cities for bike parking and more bikeways per square mile than Platinum city, Portland, OR.

Mayor Rybak with the new Bike Walk Ambassadors.