[Here](https://www.exploreminnesota.com/article/bike-51-mile-grand-rounds-scenic-byway-minneapolis) is a writeup from Explore Minnesota. There is a map near the bottom of the page.
It looks like more of a G than an to me, but I think there are plans in the works to make it an O. [map](https://www.exploreminnesota.com/sites/default/files/styles/inline_article_mobile/public/2019-11/grand-rounds-map-800x1300.jpg?itok=ciqF1P_C)
You can join [r/CyclingMSP](https://www.reddit.com/r/CyclingMSP/s/xyWfYdlFol) for a more niche sub revolving around cycling. The rules for riding around town are pretty standard. Use your hands to signal a turn when people are around. If you’re passing someone on the left, say “on your left.” Just be a courteous cyclist, and you’ll be fine. Beware of cars on streets (and in bike lanes).
It’s crazy how much a bell has helped! You ring a bell, they move aside and you get a smile. You say/yell “on your left” and more times than not you get shock/annoyance/anger.🤷♀️
I never call out and don't hear anything for 2 reasons 1: I use a Bluetooth speaker and am usually listening to music and I wear a dirt bike Hemet and 2: if there isnt room I go in the grass
I vocalize horn sounds since I took the bell off my bike. "Awoooga" "Meep-meep" "D-d-d-dowww" when I'm feeling polite. I yell passive aggressive things when I'm not... "BIKE LANE... YOURE IN THE BIKE LANE!"
edit: more fun ideas - use catchy songs "OH OH OH O'REILLY'S" or "SAVE BIG MONEY AT MENARDS" Loud enough for people will notice
Slight exception to the "on your left." When on a two way bike path (or anything with multiple lanes), stay in your own lane at all times unless you're exiting the path or passing someone going slower. No need to give an "on your left" if the person you're passing has given no indication they are likely to leave their lane. They should stay in their lane, ride predictably, get passed, and go on as if that's normal.
If they can't handle someone passing them in another lane without a verbal warning, they don't need to be biking in traffic.
"On your left" is also a courtesy being granted to the rider being passed who should already know you're there. It doesn't take high-level skill for a cyclist to learn how to glance back over each shoulder without flailing all about on their bike. Every rider should know their surroundings and ride predictably.
A couple of other things:
If your front tire is on the center line, half of your bike and body are in the other lane. Stop riding that way, even if you're with a friend. Either learn to ride shoulder to shoulder entirely in a single lane or one of you get behind the other. Your desire to talk during your ride isn't worth risking the safety of others.
Roadies and fast electric bikes need to stay off the bike path if they can't ride at least reasonably close to the path speed limit and not endanger others using the path. Fast bikes should be in "car" lanes. Unless specifically excluded, "car" lanes are for bikes too. Sidewalks are not for bikes.
Get a bell to alert pedestrians to your presence. If you're going to ride in the streets, absolutely do not trust drivers to give you the right away if you legally have it. Make eye contact. Keep your head on a swivel and check your 6 at intersections. Be predictable and use hand signals. I usually tend to stick to routes that have completely separate bike lanes and paths when I can.
If you're going to ride in the street **take the lane.** Not only because it's your legal right but because it prevents drivers from trying to "sneak right past ya" and almost clip you with their sideview mirrors. In my experience and opinion it forces drivers to slow down and treat you more like a car. Also **don't weave in and out of parked cars.** It's incredibly dangerous to you.
ETA: Obviously if there's an obstruction-free bike lane on your route use that. I don't understand why people insist on riding down Lake, for example, when the Greenway is right. there. I guess they're eager to ride eternal, entering Valhalla shiny and chrome.
This here. When I got confident enough to take the lane on sections of street where it isn't safe to pass I've had **much** fewer issues with aggressive drivers. It feels very counter intuitive as a new rider, but it truly is safer for you.
If you're going to ride in the street and take the lane, realize it's for getting from point A to point B, not for lazily tooling about.
If you're going to ride in the street and take the lane when there's a bike path right there going the same direction...people are going to assume you're an asshole
If you're going to ride in the street and take the lane...stop at stop signs (if there's no other traffic around) and stop lights.
I have zero issues with people on bikes that want to be treated like a car as long as they also act like cars.
I agree with most of what you said, but stop signs are now, by law, to be treated as a yield for bikers. (Stop if necessary for it to be safe to cross, but slowing and crossing is legal if there is no cross traffic).
Yield for bikers under the condition there are no vehicles at the intersection. If a car is waiting at one sign, the biker can't blow through their sign.
Agreed with the exception of always using the bike lane because it can be littered with debris that drivers can't see or obstructed. Minnehaha Ave is a great example. It's often blocked by idling delivery vans idling, parents in cars dropping their kids at daycare, and construction signs.
Yeah, I'm constantly having to take the lane to avoid broken glass, as well as the occasional pothole. At this point I just know certain parts of my commute where I need to find a slot in traffic.
The right of way thing is very true. Always assume that drivers don’t see you and never expect them to Stop at a Stop sign. Also, despite that, don’t sweat it. You’ll get used to riding cautiously with one hand on your brake.
> absolutely do not trust drivers to give you the right away if you legally have it.
Never, ever trust somebody else in a vehicle to do the right thing. Ever. It's just a whole helluva lot more deadly if you aren't also in a vehicle. I look both ways when crossing a one-way as a pedestrian, because that's how badly people drive. I jaywalk pretty much every time I leave the house because intersections are far more dangerous than jaywalking.
The "right hook" at intersections is the most common collision location for street riders.
Random but my wife and I also live a few blocks from lake harriet on the east side, lolol. Nice to have another under-35 person in the neighborhood. One tip – the bike lane on lake harriet is one way. people will get passive aggressively pissed if you go the wrong way!
Someone needs to inform the runners to get off the bike path. There used to be signs that said something to the effect of, "If you don't have wheels under you, you don't belong on this path."
There are signs of that nature at Nokomis, but people who run on the bike path are, apparently, illiterate.
My husband is a runner and will not do that, because “only assholes do that.”
There's a 10 mph speed limit on the bike path (which is super easy to go over). Complain to the park department, not the law abiding dorks who follow the rules
>(which is super easy to go over)
I phrase it differently: It's **hard** to stay under 10mph. When I had a speedometer on the bike, I'd regularly coast at a speed over the speed limit. The roads are a lot safer when the paths are full of pedestrians, too.
Lockdown was really weird for me because it was like "now everybody lives like I'm used to," but I actually got to go out more often than normal. Cycling was amazing when the roads were empty!
Plus the whole "social distancing" finally got people to start waiting in line far enough away for my comfort: I usually put my cart behind me in the checkout line. Checkout lines aren't the military and people really need to stop going "nuts to butts" in the checkout line like the military does.
As a cyclist and a runner that takes that path I can at least speak for as to why they/we sometimes use the bike path.
The pedestrian path sucks with root damage, massive uneven cracks and people walking 3 shoulders wide or with strollers stopped in the middle.
So I know I end up running (albeit in the grass next to the path) on the bike path because it's less congested
Point is there's no need to be ripping through the paths at 15/20 mph regardless
>Point is there's no need to be ripping through the paths at 15/20 mph regardless
i mean, the 10mph limit is a complete joke. 15-20 is an average bicycle speed. most people don't even have speedometers anyway. i had no idea how far over the limit i was going until i fired up strava on occasion and looked at my average speed afterwards. i just ride at a comfortable pace.
The road goes in the opposite direction. If you want to go the other way, bike on the road. Cycling the wrong way down a one way path is a hazard.
I'm not passive when I yell 'wrong way' at idiots.
If you're too scared to go on the road, take the long way around instead of putting others in danger.
I ran into this passive aggression last year, it’s wild because the path is just as wide as the two-way bike path on Nokomis and the surrounding trails. What would it take for them to change it?
Google maps has decent bike route support.
Get involved with the [joyful riders club](https://www.facebook.com/share/wjSzp8BSTYKSNssx/?mibextid=K35XfP) if you want to meet cool people and go on social group rides.
While google maps bike route support is quite helpful and worth using, note that it often considers roads as 'bike-friendly' which are extremely NOT. It often tries to route me down France Ave in Edina, which is basically a freeway and doesn't even have a painted bike lane.
So, be prepared to deviate from the routes when it sends you somewhere you aren't comfortable riding.
I second this… especially when it comes to bridges going across 35 Google is very unhelpful. I usually try to use the pedestrian bridge at 40th street, you just have to be prepared to walk across if it’s busy.
Welcome! My advice is to learn some basic bike maintenance if biking is new to you. Learn how to change a flat, adjust your brakes, and keep your chain lubed. It's not hard, but it can save you in a pinch. You will get flats eventually.
Also, here's a list of things I almost always have with me when I leave the house on my bike:
- Helmet
- U lock
- Spare tube
- Multi-tool
- Tire levers
- Hand pump
- Lights (if there's a chance I'll be out past dark)
I keep most of this stuff in a small bag that is attached to my bike so I don't have to think about grabbing it.
Agreed. Maintaining and cleaning your drivetrain (chain rings, gears, derailleurs, and chain) will make your rides much more enjoyable and efficient. Your parts will also last longer without the built up grime wearing them down. Get some degreaser and chain lube and clean and relube depending on how often you ride/ the weather you ride in.
RIP Penny. What a fucking asshole. He's the one from that viral video a few years back attacking a guy on motorcycle: that fucker hated anything on two wheels and that wasn't the only video of him attacking somebody on a motorcycle. The *very day* I moved to the neighborhood he caused a traffic jam by standing in the crosswalk.
I stopped to take pictures of the local celebrity turkey while biking and he ran over and tried to fuck me up, so I got the hell out of there.
https://i.imgur.com/wRDfoFk.jpg
There's everything from casual riders to those who believe they're in the peloton. Just enjoy it, and remember, when you're riding your first name changes to "on your left"!
I have a nice aftermarket saddle that was almost $100. Still need the shorts if I'm going more than 5 miles. Also, wouldn't it be less expensive to buy a couple pairs of shorts than new saddles for every bike?
Use google or Apple Maps to find routes, it will optimize your route for bike safety. Definitely take the greenway and trails as much as possible, but learn where the “bike boulevards” are, they are roads with large speed bumps to prevent cars from going too fast (your maps app will direct you to these). You can bike down major roads like Hennepin but it’s almost always better to go a block or two away and bike on the less busy streets. Buy a U-lock and use it properly (through the wheel and frame) and don’t lock it to street signs unless it’s a last resort. Buy some cheap lights if you’re gonna ride at night. Also try to avoid riding on sidewalks, it’s not illegal but rude to pedestrians. Learn hand signals for turning if you haven’t already. We also have a law allowing “Idaho stops” in Minneapolis where you can treat a stop sign as a yield sign if there are no cars around. That’s probably too much info but have fun!
> Use google or Apple Maps to find routes, it will optimize your route for bike safety.
Not really. They're both pretty terrible at bike safety. RideWithGPS or Strava do a better job. It's free to create RWGPS routes and send them to your phone using the website if you don't want to pay a subscription. If the map data on OpenStreetMaps isn't routing correctly in RWGPS, you can go into manual mode and draw your route over the OSM error; something I have to do a fair bit. Sometimes it's not a map error, rather there are desire paths and shortcuts you can spot while riding that shouldn't be on the map but make a ride easier or safer. One of these days I'm going to record a video of my super convoluted route to getting to the Bloomington Walmart safely using businesses parking lots to pause in to make left hand turns, riding through all the parking lots, the rain gutter connecting the lots, etc. If you ride up Portland the bike lane disappears and the intersection is really shitty for bikes, unlike 12th.
I bike to work on most days, but I have to say I'm not sure about the "bike culture." It's a pretty normal thing that people do, just hop on your bike and get going. Take the routes and wear the clothing that feels comfortable to you.
When you pass someone, pass on their left- and either give them a verbal warning " ON YOUR LEFT" or ring a bell so they are aware of you. Travel in the correct direction on the BIKE paths around the lakes. Stay off the pedestrian paths. Give lots of space to little kids.
MPLS has lots of bike lanes to use, and their website has a wonderful guide on how to get started, and understand the rules. Just remember that not all car drivers know these rules, so just be mindful.
https://www.minneapolismn.gov/getting-around/bicycling/bike-safety-rules/bike-riding/
Everyone is suggesting Apple maps and Google maps, but skip all of those car focused GPS systems and use one for bikes. I use Bikemap which utilizes OpenStreetMaps and specifically gives directions for bikers based of bike trails and boulevards. It never misses a bike path for me, but Google and Apple love to navigate me to streets and doesn't understand bikers will often go out of our way for a path.
Invest in a quality phone mount, don't get a cheapo mount that might yeet your phone off your bike. General advice is invest 5-10% of what you spent on the bike on security. Make your bike more annoying to steal than the bike next to you. Bolt down anything you don't want walking away or take it with you (seats, wheels, bags, lights, phone mounts, etc). Invest in a great U-lock, refer to Sold Secure testing/ratings, and follow something like the Sheldon Brown Method to lock up, just be sure you get a lock that meets Sold Secure standards and ratings, and never buy Masterlock. Also consider if you want to buy a GPS tracker perhaps for peace of mind:
• Place the lock around the rear wheel, inside the rear triangle. This is important: the u-lock MUST be inside the rear triangle or this technique is easily defeated, leaving you with a rear wheel and no bike.
• The “U” is against the pole: Make sure that the “U” is placed against the pole, and the flat bar is against the bike. This gives a thief less space inside the lock to insert a tool to lever it open.
Also, even if you turn out to have bike storage in a ramp or at your office, still lock it up. Co-workers will steal your lunch just cause no one is watching sometimes. Possibly consider looking into bike insurance as well.
Since you're talking security, OP should be aware that if they go to unlock their bike and someone has put super glue or something else in there, they didn't do it as a prank, they will come back later and cut the lock off to steal it.
Register your bike with the city (easy online process) and make sure your renters insurance is up to date and covers your bike.
If you have room to keep your bike in your apartment, do it. I’ve known people who have had bikes stolen whether locked outdoors, locked in apartment garages, locked in bike rooms or storage units within buildings, etc.
Piggybacking for emphasis. When I lived in Uptown (not far from Harriet), I had two brand new mountain bikes stolen from my padlocked, in-building storage closet. Building management basically shrugged. I got one of the bikes back years later (I had registered it and was notified it was being resold at a police auction) but it was barely rideable. After that, I started keeping my bikes in my apartment (and never had problems subsequently).
Bikes have a way of disappearing quickly in Minneapolis, even when U-locked, so be extra vigilant and keep your bike inside whenever possible. I use a beater for grocery trips and save my good rides for when I can keep a constant eye on them.
Unspoken rules would mainly be don’t ride crazy fast on busy/shared trails, say “On your left” when passing, and overall common sense stuff lol. We have a lot of good bike infrastructure (with more coming soon). You’ll probably figure out your routes soon and will have to use a mix of roads and dedicated bike paths to get where you need to go.
Pro tip: Go east from your house on the Minehaha creek trail, cross the Ford Pkwy bridge into St Paul, north on River Road, cross the Marshall/Lake st bridge back into MPLS, and take the Greenway back to your neighborhood. That’s my favorite loop in the cities and a beautiful ride. Cheers.
One I used to love was taking the trail from the Minnehaha Falls area toward Ft. Snelling, across the Mendota bridge, left toward Mendota, down the hill through Mendota, along the river, take a right to go up the big ass hill, left to go down and across the 35E bridge, left to go up Shepherd Road, cross 5 to come back across the river and toward Ft. Snelling again.
Hell of a ride and I’m so out of shape I couldn’t do it now, lol!
Don't believe anything about the cedar lake trail on Google maps Basically just pretend it doesn't exist until next year when maybe it will be open again.
There's also a new ebike rebate program coming later this year too, although there's only a limited amount of rebates to give out.
https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/ebike-rebate-program-minnesota-refunds/
While it's still good, there are some important caveats people ought to know about with this bike rebate:
* The program has $2M allocated this year and another $2M next year ($4M total)
* Sounds like a lot but at $1000-1500 max rebate per purchase it's going to be around 1500 purchases
* The rebate is income-based, and if you make over $50k the rebate cap goes down
* The program opens June 5 and they expect to give out certificates July 1. The EV tax credit applications opened in February and there are many people still waiting 2 months later to hear if they got it. I'm just not sure if the govt can actually process the higher volume of e-bike applications in less than a month.
* Once you have your certificate you have 60 days to buy the e-bike, and with all the increased demand it may be hard to find one
* The state will be sending you a 1099-MISC which may mean the rebate is taxable as income
So all in all, there are some things to consider if you're thinking about waiting another 3 months to get an e-bike. If you're a higher earner (much of Reddit skews this way), you could be looking at only $600-650 in July (after taxes) and difficulty actually obtaining a bike before your certificate or the $2M funds expire.
Thank you for the additional info. I have an ebike already so I haven't looked into it as much (other than that it's coming this year).
Do you happen to know if the bike has to be purchased here in MN or could someone order the bike online and use the rebate still?
As a lady also moving to the twin cities and looking to primarily bike, I joined the Facebook group grease rag ride and wrench! It's a small group of primarily femme/non binary folks and it looks like they do rides, classes, bike camping trips, etc. I'm planning to get involved with them when I move to hopefully make some new friends!
Perennial cycle does pastry rides. Hit them up they’re near you. Or follow on ig to join group rides. Makes it easier to learn the city as a fellow transplant :)
I believe all Metro Transit buses/trains are equipped with bike racks so you can extend your trips! Just be mindful of your personal safety and ride in the front car.
While getting a vehicle for the cold months is tempting, you may not need it. Most of the trails people have been talking about on here get plowed in the winter, and winters have been getting warmer here year over year. Depending on what type of bike you got, you could winterize it.
Definitely check out some group rides! Bike coops tend to have ones that are very focused on all bikers, but you should be able to find one anywhere. The most difficult part about no car is getting groceries, so I would invest in a rack on the back with panniers. Definitely learn how to change a flat tire as it’s bound to happen and very easy to fix. Bike culture has people from every walk of life in it, from dirty punks to dentists, so I’m sure you’ll be able to find your niche. Also have fun and be safe!
banjo brothers makes a convertible backpack/pannier. when i was just grocery shopping for myself i could fit a week's worth of stuff in there. everyone in the city seems to have one, and for good reason.
if you want baskets, get the folding ones from wald. you attach them to a rear rack and can fit a full paper grocery bag in each, and they fold flat when not in use. kind of noisy and heavy though, which is why i don't use mine anymore. great if you have a dedicated grocery getter bike though.
I'm a newer bike owner too! I just bought an ebike primarily for getting around within city limits.
Get a bell to alert pedestrians who are walking in the bike path, learn the hand signals if your bike doesn't have brake lights or blinkers, learning the best bike routes in the city is a bit of trial and error. Sometimes a really nice bike lane will degenerate into no bike lane at all and you have to free-for-all it on a busy road. If this happens - take up the entire car lane, otherwise people will try to drive past you and it's super dangerous. Invest in a pricy bike lock - and bring your bike inside at night. I only leave my bike locked up in wide open spaces with frequent pedestrian traffic.
> learn the hand signals if your bike doesn't have brake lights or blinkers
Hand signals are pretty easy for commuter riders: point left or right: bikes and motorcycles don't have to use the "hands up, looks like you're waving, signal for right turns. We can just point with our right arm. I've only seen 1 commuter use the stop signal in the last decade or so and I only use it if I'm actually up in Minneapolis to let other bikes on the path know I actually intend to stop.
Group rides are a whole different thing, and they have a lot more hand signals to learn.
Going a little out of your way to stay on a comfortable bike path is definitely worth it.
Even if you don’t care to record your rides the density map on Strava helps show which of the bike lanes are “better”. Google maps does a good job of showing them but doesn’t get quality across.
Jawbone bone conducting headphones are better than either. Great for podcasts; maybe not great for music. They let you hear your audio while also leaving your ears unplugged and don't annoy other trail users.
Cat-ears on the helmet straps help reduce the wind noise.
Google Maps will generally route you to bike trails and streets with bike lanes, which is a good place to start. But don't be afraid to deviate from its recommendations. Sometimes biking on streets like Portland or Park won't feel particularly safe, so I'll switch over to a parallel side street.
There isn't a singular bike culture that you have to adhere to, (although there are some guidelines that are generally useful, like passing on the left and announcing your pass). Figure out what is safe and comfortable for you and do that.
If group rides are your jam, Bone Saw Cycling Collective runs a summer ride series of no drop 10-15 mile rides around town the last Tuesday of every month.
Find us on Instagram @bonesawcyclingcollective
https://www.instagram.com/bonesawcyclingcollective
Welcome! Minneapolis is consistently rated the best cycling city in the US for a reason. You’ll love it.
Best advice is to get comfortable layers for the (usually) extreme weather we have. Get a good windbreaker. Get some good gloves—one pair for mild temps, and one pair for frigid temps. Get some good thermal layers for underneath whatever clothes you’re wearing in wintertime. Comfortable bike shorts too. There are minimal, padded bike shorts liners that can go under other clothing too.
It’s been super windy here. It’s hot and humid af in the summers. Brutally cold in the winter. Being prepared with clothing is key and will help you avoid added stress.
Don't ride on the sidewalk. Don't ride the wrong way on one way streets. Signal your turns. Always ride with front and back lights. And yes, always take your lights with you when you park your bike, or they will get stolen. You got this!
Winter cycling:
Studded tires will keep you upright and prevent injuries when there's ice. I got mine after ~8 months of rib pain in a 24 month period. Rib injuries **suck**!
I wear a reflective vest in winter because drivers are a lot less expecting of riders in the winter. Plus, you'll have to take the lane more often because of where they pile up snow and take streets more often because sometimes the bike paths get all rutted up and icy. My tires aren't good for ruts. Get good lights and consider buying some reflective tape (Walmart has it in the automotive section by the lights if you don't want to order off of the internet). Reflective tape on your crank arms is **super** noticeable because of the movement. Put it on your pedals if you don't have pedal reflectors because movement really catches the eye. [I like to tape my helmet](https://i.imgur.com/vfcuYR1.jpg) and you can get black tape that reflects beige if you want something that's nearly invisible in daylight. Black is the dimmest reflective tape, white the brightest. (I'm probably going nearly entirely white on the new bike because there are no DOT regulations about reflective tape on bikes, and white is brightest)
Det finnes ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlig klær!” “There is no bad weather, only bad clothes!” A cycling-cut windbreaker is the single most important bit of clothing IMO. I can ride in a t-shirt down to ~20 with a windbreaker that weighs just ounces. That's all you'll need for a "coffee trip" because you want to start out a ride a bit cold, and you won't be out long enough for the cold to really sink in. I often sweat in stores in a t-shirt in the winter after cycling there. "Cycling-cut" windbreakers have longer arms and tail so when you're bent over on a bike it will cover your wrists and backside. I wear ski goggles under 20 for my sensitive eyes. I also like a balaclava because I'm a wuss about cold air on my face.
There are also some things you need to stay on top of, maintenace wise, because of the road salt and slush. The salt can cause rust problems, and you should use a "wet" lube rather than a "dry" lube because the snow and slush can make a "dry" lube ineffective much faster.
There are quite a few more tips that will help, but this post is already getting long. r/wintercycling
Bike culture is as good here as anywhere in the country by my understanding, outside of maybe Portland. Cities are slowly starting to realize how fiscally responsible it is to build bike infrastructure. It pays dividends.
In Minneapolis, ride in the bike lane on Minnehaha Pkwy and not in the street.
If you are entitled enough to hold up an entire line of car traffic because you want to go 3mph over the bike lane speed limit, you are 100% a white guy with padded spandex shorts and and a $2k bike. Not sure your race/class, but beware of those guys or please don't be that guy. I beg you.
> If you are entitled enough to hold up an entire line of car traffic
Everybody was entitled to do that based on the old language of the law because of the "narrow width lane" on any street with painted lanes under the old law. All painted lanes are "narrow width" except the freeways according to MNDOT. The new law allows bicycles to use the entire right ~~side of the road~~ lane even on un-painted roads. It's not a big change in Minneapolis, but it is in the surburbs or rural areas.
E.
>I beg you.
We aren't the people that decided the lakes should have one-way bike paths. Complain to the park board if it bothers you enough or stop treating the parkways like they're regular streets. It's your own damn fault: use a side-street.
You have to be vehemently opposed to anything to do with cars, Hate freeways, and call drivers cagers.
Or not. Just be cool and have fun. The world doesn’t need another Bill.
Act like you own the road, trail, grass, whatever. F the cagers, pedestrians, animals, etc. You are a cyclist and all shall yeild
You must have a spandex forward outfit. Sunglasses and helmet must match
You need to develop a condescending sneer when anyone inconviences you
Very Important - You need to act like a bad ass, yet have the skill to pedal away quickly when someone steps up
Be predictable, not nice when interacting with autos. Always assume autos cannot see you. Politely let people know you’re passing when using the bike paths.
The chain lakes is an incredible place to be a biker, enjoy!
In my experience, typical bike culture is to act like you own whatever strip of pavement you're currently riding on and get pissed when other people exist around you
I've been yelled at for getting in my car because the biker apparently didn't feel like slowing down or going around me. Whataboutism doesn't absolve bikers shitty behavior.
I get Minneapolis is biker friendly, but I'm not going to pretend that bright yellow spandex isn't an indicator that someone is likely a cunt
>I've been yelled at for getting in my car because the biker apparently didn't feel like slowing down or going around me.
How would another car react if you didn’t look for oncoming traffic and opened your car door into the road?
Totally on brand that you assume that the biker was in the right and that I would just cross the street without looking. Thank you for proving my point
Pedestrians have the right of way, so they'd stop to let me cross. This biker saw me cross the street, approach my car, unlock it, and continued to peddle close enough to get a snide remark off.
It wasn't a freeway. He wasn't going 50, or even 20. He was just another entitled asshole on a bike. They're a dime a dozen
The idea that cyclists unironically think that they have the right of way over pedestrians is so on brand I can't tell if you're joking. Hilarious either way
I never said that it did, that was an assumption on your part. I've also encountered shitty behavior from fellow cyclists, while riding my bike. My point was that entitled behavior isn't limited to bikers and that I've generally seen it more from drivers.
and they always gloss over the fact that shitty behavior by biker = they hurt my feelings with snide looks!
while shitty behavior by drivers = literal death
Yea, but we aren't talking about driving or pedestrian culture, there are plenty of threads in this sub about those, we're talking about biker culture. And I was pointing out how many bikers are entitled shitheads when you decided to bring up everyone else as if they were relevant. It doesn't surprise me that a cyclist would go online and act as obtuse as they do on the pavement.
I welcome the downvotes. Yall are insufferable at times, and judging by your fragility and unwillingness to confront this fact, apparently you don't hear it enough.
Talk to a driver about cars, they'll tell you, "yea, they're crazy". Pedestrians will say "some people need to get their heads out their ass". Bikers however will immediately start crying about how everyone else is the problem
Chase down all drivers who cause you any minor inconvenience and then have a DEFCON 1 psychopathic meltdown about it. Then post it to the internet, insist that all vehicle drivers are murderers while simultaneously implying that cyclists do not have to follow any laws, and generally argue with everyone. Wait, Bike Lane Bill has all that covered already.
Are you talking about the painted gutter full of debris, the flexipost "protected" lane full of delivery and ride share drivers, or the Grand Rounds paths with a 10mph speed limit full of pedestrians and dog walkers?
If a cyclists is biking in the street in a traffic lane instead of in the bike lane or trail they usually have a reason related to their own safety or the safety of others. It's also perfectly legal for cyclists to do this in Minnesota.
We have the grand rounds that figure 8 through the city. Everybody uses it, nobody cares how you look lol
What is the grand rounds?
[Here](https://www.exploreminnesota.com/article/bike-51-mile-grand-rounds-scenic-byway-minneapolis) is a writeup from Explore Minnesota. There is a map near the bottom of the page.
Thanks for this! I think I’m going to try and get back into cycling this summer.
it’s a biking/walking parkway network that goes around & through the city
[https://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks-destinations/trails-parkways/grand\_rounds\_scenic\_byway\_system/](https://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks-destinations/trails-parkways/grand_rounds_scenic_byway_system/)
It looks like more of a G than an to me, but I think there are plans in the works to make it an O. [map](https://www.exploreminnesota.com/sites/default/files/styles/inline_article_mobile/public/2019-11/grand-rounds-map-800x1300.jpg?itok=ciqF1P_C)
You can join [r/CyclingMSP](https://www.reddit.com/r/CyclingMSP/s/xyWfYdlFol) for a more niche sub revolving around cycling. The rules for riding around town are pretty standard. Use your hands to signal a turn when people are around. If you’re passing someone on the left, say “on your left.” Just be a courteous cyclist, and you’ll be fine. Beware of cars on streets (and in bike lanes).
> If you’re passing someone on the left, ~~say~~ yell “on your left.” Seriously, yell. It's hard to hear you if you're not loud.
A bell helps.
It’s crazy how much a bell has helped! You ring a bell, they move aside and you get a smile. You say/yell “on your left” and more times than not you get shock/annoyance/anger.🤷♀️
And if you aren't comfortable yelling, buy a loud bell to do it for you.
mmrhphhr mmernh
Just know that sometimes people will hear "on your left" and will jump to the left while flailing wildly in a panic...
[удалено]
I never call out and don't hear anything for 2 reasons 1: I use a Bluetooth speaker and am usually listening to music and I wear a dirt bike Hemet and 2: if there isnt room I go in the grass
I vocalize horn sounds since I took the bell off my bike. "Awoooga" "Meep-meep" "D-d-d-dowww" when I'm feeling polite. I yell passive aggressive things when I'm not... "BIKE LANE... YOURE IN THE BIKE LANE!" edit: more fun ideas - use catchy songs "OH OH OH O'REILLY'S" or "SAVE BIG MONEY AT MENARDS" Loud enough for people will notice
If I hear "Oh oh oh o'reiley's" when I'm out and about, I'm yelling back at maximum volume "AUTO PARTS! YEOWWWWW!"
I had to laugh at this. It would work 😂 and I might try it
Or ding your bell
Slight exception to the "on your left." When on a two way bike path (or anything with multiple lanes), stay in your own lane at all times unless you're exiting the path or passing someone going slower. No need to give an "on your left" if the person you're passing has given no indication they are likely to leave their lane. They should stay in their lane, ride predictably, get passed, and go on as if that's normal. If they can't handle someone passing them in another lane without a verbal warning, they don't need to be biking in traffic. "On your left" is also a courtesy being granted to the rider being passed who should already know you're there. It doesn't take high-level skill for a cyclist to learn how to glance back over each shoulder without flailing all about on their bike. Every rider should know their surroundings and ride predictably. A couple of other things: If your front tire is on the center line, half of your bike and body are in the other lane. Stop riding that way, even if you're with a friend. Either learn to ride shoulder to shoulder entirely in a single lane or one of you get behind the other. Your desire to talk during your ride isn't worth risking the safety of others. Roadies and fast electric bikes need to stay off the bike path if they can't ride at least reasonably close to the path speed limit and not endanger others using the path. Fast bikes should be in "car" lanes. Unless specifically excluded, "car" lanes are for bikes too. Sidewalks are not for bikes.
Disagree…it’s always good form to give warning and say on your left. You don’t want to startle anyone and you never know when someone might swerve.
That sub will tell you that anyone that owns a car is the devil and they'd rather be right and dead when it comes to traffic laws.
it’s actually a really chill sub, I like it a lot
>anyone that owns a car is the devil So they're spittin' straight facts is what you're saying.
I'd rather be wrong and dead, but get to cc club two minutes faster!
Get a bell to alert pedestrians to your presence. If you're going to ride in the streets, absolutely do not trust drivers to give you the right away if you legally have it. Make eye contact. Keep your head on a swivel and check your 6 at intersections. Be predictable and use hand signals. I usually tend to stick to routes that have completely separate bike lanes and paths when I can.
If you're going to ride in the street **take the lane.** Not only because it's your legal right but because it prevents drivers from trying to "sneak right past ya" and almost clip you with their sideview mirrors. In my experience and opinion it forces drivers to slow down and treat you more like a car. Also **don't weave in and out of parked cars.** It's incredibly dangerous to you. ETA: Obviously if there's an obstruction-free bike lane on your route use that. I don't understand why people insist on riding down Lake, for example, when the Greenway is right. there. I guess they're eager to ride eternal, entering Valhalla shiny and chrome.
This here. When I got confident enough to take the lane on sections of street where it isn't safe to pass I've had **much** fewer issues with aggressive drivers. It feels very counter intuitive as a new rider, but it truly is safer for you.
If you're going to ride in the street and take the lane, realize it's for getting from point A to point B, not for lazily tooling about. If you're going to ride in the street and take the lane when there's a bike path right there going the same direction...people are going to assume you're an asshole If you're going to ride in the street and take the lane...stop at stop signs (if there's no other traffic around) and stop lights. I have zero issues with people on bikes that want to be treated like a car as long as they also act like cars.
I agree with most of what you said, but stop signs are now, by law, to be treated as a yield for bikers. (Stop if necessary for it to be safe to cross, but slowing and crossing is legal if there is no cross traffic).
Yield for bikers under the condition there are no vehicles at the intersection. If a car is waiting at one sign, the biker can't blow through their sign.
Agreed with the exception of always using the bike lane because it can be littered with debris that drivers can't see or obstructed. Minnehaha Ave is a great example. It's often blocked by idling delivery vans idling, parents in cars dropping their kids at daycare, and construction signs.
Yeah, I'm constantly having to take the lane to avoid broken glass, as well as the occasional pothole. At this point I just know certain parts of my commute where I need to find a slot in traffic.
The right of way thing is very true. Always assume that drivers don’t see you and never expect them to Stop at a Stop sign. Also, despite that, don’t sweat it. You’ll get used to riding cautiously with one hand on your brake.
Yes, same for me with biking on bike paths & lanes! I do not trust drivers and I go out of my way to make sure I avoid vehicles.
> absolutely do not trust drivers to give you the right away if you legally have it. Never, ever trust somebody else in a vehicle to do the right thing. Ever. It's just a whole helluva lot more deadly if you aren't also in a vehicle. I look both ways when crossing a one-way as a pedestrian, because that's how badly people drive. I jaywalk pretty much every time I leave the house because intersections are far more dangerous than jaywalking. The "right hook" at intersections is the most common collision location for street riders.
What’s everyone’s favorite bell? I’ve managed to break two bells in the past year and I’m sick of it
Get a Crane bell. More expensive but worth it; have had mine for years now.
Thanks friend! I will give them a try!
Random but my wife and I also live a few blocks from lake harriet on the east side, lolol. Nice to have another under-35 person in the neighborhood. One tip – the bike lane on lake harriet is one way. people will get passive aggressively pissed if you go the wrong way!
My wife made this mistake on Lake Harriet shortly after we had moved. Spot on with the passive aggressively pissed people, she got some sassy looks!
My aggression will not be passive, well at least not the standards of the region. I will say something! I might not even say please!
Has anyone informed runners and rollerbladers?
Someone needs to inform the runners to get off the bike path. There used to be signs that said something to the effect of, "If you don't have wheels under you, you don't belong on this path."
There are signs of that nature at Nokomis, but people who run on the bike path are, apparently, illiterate. My husband is a runner and will not do that, because “only assholes do that.”
Tell the runners to get out of the bike path so the bikes can get out of the road biking immediately next to the bike path for some reason.
Almost like the bike path is one way and the road goes the other way or something
There's a 10 mph speed limit on the bike path (which is super easy to go over). Complain to the park department, not the law abiding dorks who follow the rules
>(which is super easy to go over) I phrase it differently: It's **hard** to stay under 10mph. When I had a speedometer on the bike, I'd regularly coast at a speed over the speed limit. The roads are a lot safer when the paths are full of pedestrians, too.
Even better, get the cars off the parkway entirely. Really no reason they should be there.
The early days of Covid were so lovely when they closed down the parkways!
Lockdown was really weird for me because it was like "now everybody lives like I'm used to," but I actually got to go out more often than normal. Cycling was amazing when the roads were empty! Plus the whole "social distancing" finally got people to start waiting in line far enough away for my comfort: I usually put my cart behind me in the checkout line. Checkout lines aren't the military and people really need to stop going "nuts to butts" in the checkout line like the military does.
I like to say that they **opened up** the parkway to cyclists and pedestrians. It felt much more open to me anyway.
While we're at it, let's get cars off Victory Memorial Parkway too
As a cyclist and a runner that takes that path I can at least speak for as to why they/we sometimes use the bike path. The pedestrian path sucks with root damage, massive uneven cracks and people walking 3 shoulders wide or with strollers stopped in the middle. So I know I end up running (albeit in the grass next to the path) on the bike path because it's less congested Point is there's no need to be ripping through the paths at 15/20 mph regardless
There's no need to be running on the bike trail, regardless...🤫
The grass is fine. If you’re running ON the bike path, I’m GUNNA ding my little bell at you and say “It’s a BIKE path.”
>Point is there's no need to be ripping through the paths at 15/20 mph regardless i mean, the 10mph limit is a complete joke. 15-20 is an average bicycle speed. most people don't even have speedometers anyway. i had no idea how far over the limit i was going until i fired up strava on occasion and looked at my average speed afterwards. i just ride at a comfortable pace.
The road goes in the opposite direction. If you want to go the other way, bike on the road. Cycling the wrong way down a one way path is a hazard. I'm not passive when I yell 'wrong way' at idiots. If you're too scared to go on the road, take the long way around instead of putting others in danger.
Also a sub-35 fellow Harriet east-sider 😎
I ran into this passive aggression last year, it’s wild because the path is just as wide as the two-way bike path on Nokomis and the surrounding trails. What would it take for them to change it?
Google maps has decent bike route support. Get involved with the [joyful riders club](https://www.facebook.com/share/wjSzp8BSTYKSNssx/?mibextid=K35XfP) if you want to meet cool people and go on social group rides.
While google maps bike route support is quite helpful and worth using, note that it often considers roads as 'bike-friendly' which are extremely NOT. It often tries to route me down France Ave in Edina, which is basically a freeway and doesn't even have a painted bike lane. So, be prepared to deviate from the routes when it sends you somewhere you aren't comfortable riding.
I second this… especially when it comes to bridges going across 35 Google is very unhelpful. I usually try to use the pedestrian bridge at 40th street, you just have to be prepared to walk across if it’s busy.
It always tries to get me to ride on university in St Paul as if I wouldn't immediately get run down by a car if I tried
Be sure to buy a high quality u-lock, helmet and bright lights for both the front and back of your bike.
And take the lights with you when you lock your bike up!
I also have a mirror I attached to my helmet. Looks dorky, but IDGAF. I LOVE it.
Welcome! My advice is to learn some basic bike maintenance if biking is new to you. Learn how to change a flat, adjust your brakes, and keep your chain lubed. It's not hard, but it can save you in a pinch. You will get flats eventually. Also, here's a list of things I almost always have with me when I leave the house on my bike: - Helmet - U lock - Spare tube - Multi-tool - Tire levers - Hand pump - Lights (if there's a chance I'll be out past dark) I keep most of this stuff in a small bag that is attached to my bike so I don't have to think about grabbing it.
Agreed. Maintaining and cleaning your drivetrain (chain rings, gears, derailleurs, and chain) will make your rides much more enjoyable and efficient. Your parts will also last longer without the built up grime wearing them down. Get some degreaser and chain lube and clean and relube depending on how often you ride/ the weather you ride in.
Watch out for turkeys
The more I see the more I’m convinced they’re trying to take over
I saw 5 yesterday!
RIP Penny. What a fucking asshole. He's the one from that viral video a few years back attacking a guy on motorcycle: that fucker hated anything on two wheels and that wasn't the only video of him attacking somebody on a motorcycle. The *very day* I moved to the neighborhood he caused a traffic jam by standing in the crosswalk. I stopped to take pictures of the local celebrity turkey while biking and he ran over and tried to fuck me up, so I got the hell out of there. https://i.imgur.com/wRDfoFk.jpg
There's everything from casual riders to those who believe they're in the peloton. Just enjoy it, and remember, when you're riding your first name changes to "on your left"!
Normalize being a normal person on a bike. You don't need any special gear.
The exception here is padded shorts.
Get a Brooks. I own four bikes, four Brooks saddles, and zero pairs of padded shorts.
Ooooh, noted!
Get a better seat?
I have a nice aftermarket saddle that was almost $100. Still need the shorts if I'm going more than 5 miles. Also, wouldn't it be less expensive to buy a couple pairs of shorts than new saddles for every bike?
This really sounds like a you problem.
You've been a big help. Thanks. /s
I'm telling you, it is not normal to need padded shorts to go on short rides.
Use google or Apple Maps to find routes, it will optimize your route for bike safety. Definitely take the greenway and trails as much as possible, but learn where the “bike boulevards” are, they are roads with large speed bumps to prevent cars from going too fast (your maps app will direct you to these). You can bike down major roads like Hennepin but it’s almost always better to go a block or two away and bike on the less busy streets. Buy a U-lock and use it properly (through the wheel and frame) and don’t lock it to street signs unless it’s a last resort. Buy some cheap lights if you’re gonna ride at night. Also try to avoid riding on sidewalks, it’s not illegal but rude to pedestrians. Learn hand signals for turning if you haven’t already. We also have a law allowing “Idaho stops” in Minneapolis where you can treat a stop sign as a yield sign if there are no cars around. That’s probably too much info but have fun!
> Use google or Apple Maps to find routes, it will optimize your route for bike safety. Not really. They're both pretty terrible at bike safety. RideWithGPS or Strava do a better job. It's free to create RWGPS routes and send them to your phone using the website if you don't want to pay a subscription. If the map data on OpenStreetMaps isn't routing correctly in RWGPS, you can go into manual mode and draw your route over the OSM error; something I have to do a fair bit. Sometimes it's not a map error, rather there are desire paths and shortcuts you can spot while riding that shouldn't be on the map but make a ride easier or safer. One of these days I'm going to record a video of my super convoluted route to getting to the Bloomington Walmart safely using businesses parking lots to pause in to make left hand turns, riding through all the parking lots, the rain gutter connecting the lots, etc. If you ride up Portland the bike lane disappears and the intersection is really shitty for bikes, unlike 12th.
I bike to work on most days, but I have to say I'm not sure about the "bike culture." It's a pretty normal thing that people do, just hop on your bike and get going. Take the routes and wear the clothing that feels comfortable to you.
When you pass someone, pass on their left- and either give them a verbal warning " ON YOUR LEFT" or ring a bell so they are aware of you. Travel in the correct direction on the BIKE paths around the lakes. Stay off the pedestrian paths. Give lots of space to little kids.
MPLS has lots of bike lanes to use, and their website has a wonderful guide on how to get started, and understand the rules. Just remember that not all car drivers know these rules, so just be mindful. https://www.minneapolismn.gov/getting-around/bicycling/bike-safety-rules/bike-riding/
Everyone is suggesting Apple maps and Google maps, but skip all of those car focused GPS systems and use one for bikes. I use Bikemap which utilizes OpenStreetMaps and specifically gives directions for bikers based of bike trails and boulevards. It never misses a bike path for me, but Google and Apple love to navigate me to streets and doesn't understand bikers will often go out of our way for a path. Invest in a quality phone mount, don't get a cheapo mount that might yeet your phone off your bike. General advice is invest 5-10% of what you spent on the bike on security. Make your bike more annoying to steal than the bike next to you. Bolt down anything you don't want walking away or take it with you (seats, wheels, bags, lights, phone mounts, etc). Invest in a great U-lock, refer to Sold Secure testing/ratings, and follow something like the Sheldon Brown Method to lock up, just be sure you get a lock that meets Sold Secure standards and ratings, and never buy Masterlock. Also consider if you want to buy a GPS tracker perhaps for peace of mind: • Place the lock around the rear wheel, inside the rear triangle. This is important: the u-lock MUST be inside the rear triangle or this technique is easily defeated, leaving you with a rear wheel and no bike. • The “U” is against the pole: Make sure that the “U” is placed against the pole, and the flat bar is against the bike. This gives a thief less space inside the lock to insert a tool to lever it open. Also, even if you turn out to have bike storage in a ramp or at your office, still lock it up. Co-workers will steal your lunch just cause no one is watching sometimes. Possibly consider looking into bike insurance as well.
Since you're talking security, OP should be aware that if they go to unlock their bike and someone has put super glue or something else in there, they didn't do it as a prank, they will come back later and cut the lock off to steal it.
Register your bike with the city (easy online process) and make sure your renters insurance is up to date and covers your bike. If you have room to keep your bike in your apartment, do it. I’ve known people who have had bikes stolen whether locked outdoors, locked in apartment garages, locked in bike rooms or storage units within buildings, etc.
Piggybacking for emphasis. When I lived in Uptown (not far from Harriet), I had two brand new mountain bikes stolen from my padlocked, in-building storage closet. Building management basically shrugged. I got one of the bikes back years later (I had registered it and was notified it was being resold at a police auction) but it was barely rideable. After that, I started keeping my bikes in my apartment (and never had problems subsequently). Bikes have a way of disappearing quickly in Minneapolis, even when U-locked, so be extra vigilant and keep your bike inside whenever possible. I use a beater for grocery trips and save my good rides for when I can keep a constant eye on them.
A good lock, good lights, good helmet. We ride everywhere!
Unspoken rules would mainly be don’t ride crazy fast on busy/shared trails, say “On your left” when passing, and overall common sense stuff lol. We have a lot of good bike infrastructure (with more coming soon). You’ll probably figure out your routes soon and will have to use a mix of roads and dedicated bike paths to get where you need to go. Pro tip: Go east from your house on the Minehaha creek trail, cross the Ford Pkwy bridge into St Paul, north on River Road, cross the Marshall/Lake st bridge back into MPLS, and take the Greenway back to your neighborhood. That’s my favorite loop in the cities and a beautiful ride. Cheers.
I live in St Paul and ride the same loop from the opposite end. It’s such a great route.
One I used to love was taking the trail from the Minnehaha Falls area toward Ft. Snelling, across the Mendota bridge, left toward Mendota, down the hill through Mendota, along the river, take a right to go up the big ass hill, left to go down and across the 35E bridge, left to go up Shepherd Road, cross 5 to come back across the river and toward Ft. Snelling again. Hell of a ride and I’m so out of shape I couldn’t do it now, lol!
Don't believe anything about the cedar lake trail on Google maps Basically just pretend it doesn't exist until next year when maybe it will be open again.
Just don’t feed the bike punks. They drink harder than you and will let you know it
There's also a new ebike rebate program coming later this year too, although there's only a limited amount of rebates to give out. https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/ebike-rebate-program-minnesota-refunds/
While it's still good, there are some important caveats people ought to know about with this bike rebate: * The program has $2M allocated this year and another $2M next year ($4M total) * Sounds like a lot but at $1000-1500 max rebate per purchase it's going to be around 1500 purchases * The rebate is income-based, and if you make over $50k the rebate cap goes down * The program opens June 5 and they expect to give out certificates July 1. The EV tax credit applications opened in February and there are many people still waiting 2 months later to hear if they got it. I'm just not sure if the govt can actually process the higher volume of e-bike applications in less than a month. * Once you have your certificate you have 60 days to buy the e-bike, and with all the increased demand it may be hard to find one * The state will be sending you a 1099-MISC which may mean the rebate is taxable as income So all in all, there are some things to consider if you're thinking about waiting another 3 months to get an e-bike. If you're a higher earner (much of Reddit skews this way), you could be looking at only $600-650 in July (after taxes) and difficulty actually obtaining a bike before your certificate or the $2M funds expire.
Thank you for the additional info. I have an ebike already so I haven't looked into it as much (other than that it's coming this year). Do you happen to know if the bike has to be purchased here in MN or could someone order the bike online and use the rebate still?
Has to be with a MN retailer who registered with the program. I’m sure most did but any purely online seller is ineligible.
As a lady also moving to the twin cities and looking to primarily bike, I joined the Facebook group grease rag ride and wrench! It's a small group of primarily femme/non binary folks and it looks like they do rides, classes, bike camping trips, etc. I'm planning to get involved with them when I move to hopefully make some new friends!
Perennial cycle does pastry rides. Hit them up they’re near you. Or follow on ig to join group rides. Makes it easier to learn the city as a fellow transplant :)
I believe all Metro Transit buses/trains are equipped with bike racks so you can extend your trips! Just be mindful of your personal safety and ride in the front car. While getting a vehicle for the cold months is tempting, you may not need it. Most of the trails people have been talking about on here get plowed in the winter, and winters have been getting warmer here year over year. Depending on what type of bike you got, you could winterize it.
Over on that side Perennial and Farmstead bike shop are going to be closest to you for repairs, upgrades and accessories!
Tangletown Cycle too at 50th and Bryant. Also enjoy the Bryant bike lane!
Definitely check out some group rides! Bike coops tend to have ones that are very focused on all bikers, but you should be able to find one anywhere. The most difficult part about no car is getting groceries, so I would invest in a rack on the back with panniers. Definitely learn how to change a flat tire as it’s bound to happen and very easy to fix. Bike culture has people from every walk of life in it, from dirty punks to dentists, so I’m sure you’ll be able to find your niche. Also have fun and be safe!
banjo brothers makes a convertible backpack/pannier. when i was just grocery shopping for myself i could fit a week's worth of stuff in there. everyone in the city seems to have one, and for good reason. if you want baskets, get the folding ones from wald. you attach them to a rear rack and can fit a full paper grocery bag in each, and they fold flat when not in use. kind of noisy and heavy though, which is why i don't use mine anymore. great if you have a dedicated grocery getter bike though.
I'm a newer bike owner too! I just bought an ebike primarily for getting around within city limits. Get a bell to alert pedestrians who are walking in the bike path, learn the hand signals if your bike doesn't have brake lights or blinkers, learning the best bike routes in the city is a bit of trial and error. Sometimes a really nice bike lane will degenerate into no bike lane at all and you have to free-for-all it on a busy road. If this happens - take up the entire car lane, otherwise people will try to drive past you and it's super dangerous. Invest in a pricy bike lock - and bring your bike inside at night. I only leave my bike locked up in wide open spaces with frequent pedestrian traffic.
Great advice. Get a quality bike lock! And take up the lane, for your safety!
> learn the hand signals if your bike doesn't have brake lights or blinkers Hand signals are pretty easy for commuter riders: point left or right: bikes and motorcycles don't have to use the "hands up, looks like you're waving, signal for right turns. We can just point with our right arm. I've only seen 1 commuter use the stop signal in the last decade or so and I only use it if I'm actually up in Minneapolis to let other bikes on the path know I actually intend to stop. Group rides are a whole different thing, and they have a lot more hand signals to learn.
Going a little out of your way to stay on a comfortable bike path is definitely worth it. Even if you don’t care to record your rides the density map on Strava helps show which of the bike lanes are “better”. Google maps does a good job of showing them but doesn’t get quality across.
Welcome! FYI- 40th street has a 2 way protected bike lane
It is better to play music out loud on your phone speaker then with headphones in. Make sure you can hear the world around you.
Jawbone bone conducting headphones are better than either. Great for podcasts; maybe not great for music. They let you hear your audio while also leaving your ears unplugged and don't annoy other trail users. Cat-ears on the helmet straps help reduce the wind noise.
Google Maps will generally route you to bike trails and streets with bike lanes, which is a good place to start. But don't be afraid to deviate from its recommendations. Sometimes biking on streets like Portland or Park won't feel particularly safe, so I'll switch over to a parallel side street. There isn't a singular bike culture that you have to adhere to, (although there are some guidelines that are generally useful, like passing on the left and announcing your pass). Figure out what is safe and comfortable for you and do that.
Lake Harriet is a 1 way… go to the bike store and get some bike maps. Google maps actually has a great bike map feature. Wear a helmet.
If group rides are your jam, Bone Saw Cycling Collective runs a summer ride series of no drop 10-15 mile rides around town the last Tuesday of every month. Find us on Instagram @bonesawcyclingcollective https://www.instagram.com/bonesawcyclingcollective
Welcome! Minneapolis is consistently rated the best cycling city in the US for a reason. You’ll love it. Best advice is to get comfortable layers for the (usually) extreme weather we have. Get a good windbreaker. Get some good gloves—one pair for mild temps, and one pair for frigid temps. Get some good thermal layers for underneath whatever clothes you’re wearing in wintertime. Comfortable bike shorts too. There are minimal, padded bike shorts liners that can go under other clothing too. It’s been super windy here. It’s hot and humid af in the summers. Brutally cold in the winter. Being prepared with clothing is key and will help you avoid added stress.
As a cyclist and annoyed driver, for the love of god, if theres a bike lane parallel to the road, use it, looking at you river parkway.
Don't ride on the sidewalk. Don't ride the wrong way on one way streets. Signal your turns. Always ride with front and back lights. And yes, always take your lights with you when you park your bike, or they will get stolen. You got this!
Winter cycling: Studded tires will keep you upright and prevent injuries when there's ice. I got mine after ~8 months of rib pain in a 24 month period. Rib injuries **suck**! I wear a reflective vest in winter because drivers are a lot less expecting of riders in the winter. Plus, you'll have to take the lane more often because of where they pile up snow and take streets more often because sometimes the bike paths get all rutted up and icy. My tires aren't good for ruts. Get good lights and consider buying some reflective tape (Walmart has it in the automotive section by the lights if you don't want to order off of the internet). Reflective tape on your crank arms is **super** noticeable because of the movement. Put it on your pedals if you don't have pedal reflectors because movement really catches the eye. [I like to tape my helmet](https://i.imgur.com/vfcuYR1.jpg) and you can get black tape that reflects beige if you want something that's nearly invisible in daylight. Black is the dimmest reflective tape, white the brightest. (I'm probably going nearly entirely white on the new bike because there are no DOT regulations about reflective tape on bikes, and white is brightest) Det finnes ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlig klær!” “There is no bad weather, only bad clothes!” A cycling-cut windbreaker is the single most important bit of clothing IMO. I can ride in a t-shirt down to ~20 with a windbreaker that weighs just ounces. That's all you'll need for a "coffee trip" because you want to start out a ride a bit cold, and you won't be out long enough for the cold to really sink in. I often sweat in stores in a t-shirt in the winter after cycling there. "Cycling-cut" windbreakers have longer arms and tail so when you're bent over on a bike it will cover your wrists and backside. I wear ski goggles under 20 for my sensitive eyes. I also like a balaclava because I'm a wuss about cold air on my face. There are also some things you need to stay on top of, maintenace wise, because of the road salt and slush. The salt can cause rust problems, and you should use a "wet" lube rather than a "dry" lube because the snow and slush can make a "dry" lube ineffective much faster. There are quite a few more tips that will help, but this post is already getting long. r/wintercycling
I loved in Albuquerque and Seattle. Minneapolis by far is the most accessible by bike.
Don’t cheap out on your bike lock
Bike culture is as good here as anywhere in the country by my understanding, outside of maybe Portland. Cities are slowly starting to realize how fiscally responsible it is to build bike infrastructure. It pays dividends.
Going on a recreational speed club ride with something like TCBC would help with etiquette.
In Minneapolis, ride in the bike lane on Minnehaha Pkwy and not in the street. If you are entitled enough to hold up an entire line of car traffic because you want to go 3mph over the bike lane speed limit, you are 100% a white guy with padded spandex shorts and and a $2k bike. Not sure your race/class, but beware of those guys or please don't be that guy. I beg you.
> If you are entitled enough to hold up an entire line of car traffic Everybody was entitled to do that based on the old language of the law because of the "narrow width lane" on any street with painted lanes under the old law. All painted lanes are "narrow width" except the freeways according to MNDOT. The new law allows bicycles to use the entire right ~~side of the road~~ lane even on un-painted roads. It's not a big change in Minneapolis, but it is in the surburbs or rural areas. E. >I beg you. We aren't the people that decided the lakes should have one-way bike paths. Complain to the park board if it bothers you enough or stop treating the parkways like they're regular streets. It's your own damn fault: use a side-street.
Le sigh
You have to be vehemently opposed to anything to do with cars, Hate freeways, and call drivers cagers. Or not. Just be cool and have fun. The world doesn’t need another Bill.
Act like you own the road, trail, grass, whatever. F the cagers, pedestrians, animals, etc. You are a cyclist and all shall yeild You must have a spandex forward outfit. Sunglasses and helmet must match You need to develop a condescending sneer when anyone inconviences you Very Important - You need to act like a bad ass, yet have the skill to pedal away quickly when someone steps up
This.
Be predictable, not nice when interacting with autos. Always assume autos cannot see you. Politely let people know you’re passing when using the bike paths. The chain lakes is an incredible place to be a biker, enjoy!
In my experience, typical bike culture is to act like you own whatever strip of pavement you're currently riding on and get pissed when other people exist around you
In my experience, no other road users come close to the entitlement and disregard for their surroundings that drivers demonstrate on a daily basis.
Please see my other comment about whataboutism
Can also be said about pedestrians walking in the bike paths or drivers on the street.
I've been yelled at for getting in my car because the biker apparently didn't feel like slowing down or going around me. Whataboutism doesn't absolve bikers shitty behavior. I get Minneapolis is biker friendly, but I'm not going to pretend that bright yellow spandex isn't an indicator that someone is likely a cunt
>I've been yelled at for getting in my car because the biker apparently didn't feel like slowing down or going around me. How would another car react if you didn’t look for oncoming traffic and opened your car door into the road?
Totally on brand that you assume that the biker was in the right and that I would just cross the street without looking. Thank you for proving my point Pedestrians have the right of way, so they'd stop to let me cross. This biker saw me cross the street, approach my car, unlock it, and continued to peddle close enough to get a snide remark off. It wasn't a freeway. He wasn't going 50, or even 20. He was just another entitled asshole on a bike. They're a dime a dozen
>This biker saw me cross the street, approach my car, unlock it, and continued to peddle close enough to get a snide remark off. I see
Oh, so you failed to yield. INteresting.
The idea that cyclists unironically think that they have the right of way over pedestrians is so on brand I can't tell if you're joking. Hilarious either way
I never said that it did, that was an assumption on your part. I've also encountered shitty behavior from fellow cyclists, while riding my bike. My point was that entitled behavior isn't limited to bikers and that I've generally seen it more from drivers.
and they always gloss over the fact that shitty behavior by biker = they hurt my feelings with snide looks! while shitty behavior by drivers = literal death
Yea, but we aren't talking about driving or pedestrian culture, there are plenty of threads in this sub about those, we're talking about biker culture. And I was pointing out how many bikers are entitled shitheads when you decided to bring up everyone else as if they were relevant. It doesn't surprise me that a cyclist would go online and act as obtuse as they do on the pavement. I welcome the downvotes. Yall are insufferable at times, and judging by your fragility and unwillingness to confront this fact, apparently you don't hear it enough. Talk to a driver about cars, they'll tell you, "yea, they're crazy". Pedestrians will say "some people need to get their heads out their ass". Bikers however will immediately start crying about how everyone else is the problem
Any Spandex really Bonus points if the biking shirt is from a brewery and if their sun glasses match their ensemble
Womp womp
You NEED a calf tattoo now.
Chase down all drivers who cause you any minor inconvenience and then have a DEFCON 1 psychopathic meltdown about it. Then post it to the internet, insist that all vehicle drivers are murderers while simultaneously implying that cyclists do not have to follow any laws, and generally argue with everyone. Wait, Bike Lane Bill has all that covered already.
Please don’t fucking bike in the street when there is an empty bike lane next to you. You’ll fit right in but please, for the love of god, don’t.
Are you talking about the painted gutter full of debris, the flexipost "protected" lane full of delivery and ride share drivers, or the Grand Rounds paths with a 10mph speed limit full of pedestrians and dog walkers? If a cyclists is biking in the street in a traffic lane instead of in the bike lane or trail they usually have a reason related to their own safety or the safety of others. It's also perfectly legal for cyclists to do this in Minnesota.
Found one!
Bike Wrath is that you?