There are many people who, when they think Minnesota, they think bicycles. That is because Minnesota is ranked as the second most bicycle-friendly state in the nation, according to the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota, also known as BikeMN.
Washington, incidentally, is the most bike-friendly state. Delaware is third.
Not only is Minnesota crisscrossed with a series of excellent scenic biking-hiking trails, such as this area’s Wobegon Trail and its extensions, but also the state is home – at last count – to 86 “Bicycle Friendly Businesses.” Just recently, the League of American Bicyclists recognized five new companies as BFBs. They are U.S. Bank Stadium (Minneapolis), Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union (Fergus Falls), the Minnesota Department of Transportation (District 6, Rochester), the Fergus Falls Area Family YMCA and SNR Consulting Group (Plymouth).
In addition, Dero Bike Racks (Fridley), a previously named BFB, was upgraded from gold to platinum, making it one of the top-rated BFBs in the state.
Two businesses received Honorable Mention: Otter Tail County governmental offices in Fergus Falls and the Windom Area Hospital.
BFBs are ranked at the levels of bronze, silver, gold and platinum. Those who received bronze in the latest round of recognition are Bank Stadium, SRF Consulting and Fergus Falls’ YMCA. The Minnesota Department of Transportation and Affinity Plus earned silver. The businesses are honored for recognizing and encouraging the option of bicycling for their employees, customers and for their cities in general.
The BFB program is just one way BikeMN promotes and supports bicycling in the state. It partners with local and national groups on a variety of issues pertaining to bicycling, including education, safety, bike-trail developments, bicycle rodeos for children, Safe Routes to School promotions, state funding for bicycling, lobbying at the legislature, working with street departments and networking with the Minnesota Environmental Partnership, People for Bikes, Fresh Energy and Transit for Livable Communities, to name just three.
BikeMN is very much a grassroots effort, and that is the key to its success. Its many volunteers concentrate on developing all aspects of bicycle-friendly cities and rural areas based on the natural assets and the needs of those areas. It also helps promote many fun, bike-related events, such as the well-known annual Tour of Saints bicycle course in the St. John’s University/St. Joseph area.
It might seem odd Minnesota, so snow-covered half of the year, should be the second most bike-friendly state in the country, but the snowy cold is one of the reasons, no doubt. After being cooped up by winter, the state’s residents are champing at the bit, come spring, to get outdoors, and so many love to hop on their bicycles and take leisurely, relaxing rides.
Bicycling is good for bikers; it’s good for the environment; it’s good for the soul.
A good way to promote bicycling and having lots of fun in the process is to volunteer for BikeMN. To find out the many ways to help out, visit its website at www.bikemn.org/volunteer.
