Digest of r/cyclingmsp

For the first time in 6.5 years(?!) I biked from Target Field to the south terminus of the Kenilworth Trail.

1. There was some major work going on at/under Target Field.
   
2. Concrete barrier still up at the detour turn by Target Field.
   
3. Random dirt work being completed along Cedar Lake Trail between Van White and 394.
   
4. Had to wiggle around a barrier at 21st.
   
5. Work still being completed at south terminus. Was not allowed through.
   
6. Hopped the curb onto 28th.

2019 feels like a century ago.

Release the Epstein Files.

Knibb High football rules! 

Biking in town for the past 3 years and finally lost a tire in broad daylight outside Sister Sludge

Southbound it drops you onto Broadway with zero bikeways, despite the bike path on Stinson just a few blocks east and the bike boulevard on Fillmore just a handful of blocks west, to say nothing about how not great it is to cross New Brighton Blvd (Hwy really) to the Great Northern Greenway just across the street on 18th.

Hey everyone,

My wife and I are planning a move to the Twin Cities area this spring and are starting our housing research. I'm an avid cyclist, so I’m hoping to factor bikes into our search.

I'd love to get the sub’s insight on areas to check out. Here's some info to go on:

Neighborhood Vibe: If possible we're looking for a "community node." It would be great to be within walking distance of a good coffee shop, a few restaurants, or a brewery that has a low traffic route for biking. Who doesn’t love a few mile roll for their caffeine fix and a pastry?

Bike Clubs: Community is one of the things I love most about what bikes. It is really important to me to find a club because I find it both safer to ride and I’m an extrovert lol. If it helps I hope to continue to race cyclocross, enjoy bikepacking, and a good coffee ride. I haven’t done a ton of road racing but I’ve enjoyed doing enduro events like Seattle to Portland, Ride Across Wisconsin, and I just completed the DAMn this last summer! Based on my current club geographical proximity is super helpful especially on type 2 weather days. What clubs sound like they might be a good fit and where do they ride from?

Housing: Looking to get into a middle of the market home probably targeting 4 bedrooms so that we could host visitors for a longer stay comfortably.

Bike Trails: I’m more comfortable riding on the road but my wife is super excited about the trail infrastructure the cities has. We'd love to be reasonably close to the trail system for weekend rides.

Bike Shops: There have been lots of great threads on here but I’ve got an interesting twist on this one. What shop do you recommend for someone who likes to do maintenance on their bike but needs to learn along the way? I’ll outsource my bottom bracket but enjoy setting up my wheels tubeless and tunning my derailleur. My current shop knows I like to tinker but that I’ll order from the store rather than bailout and order on amazon.

Commute: I will need to commute to Eagan, but only about once a week. This means we're pretty flexible in terms of location. Although having visited friends this past summer, the Northwest burbs are probably off limits. I’d love to hear any thoughts anyone has about a bike commute to Eagan!

We're totally open to Minneapolis, Saint Paul, or a suburb if it fits the bill. Trail access and neighborhood feel are probably more important than shaving a few minutes off the once-a-week commute.

Any and all suggestions are massively appreciated. Thanks!

Edit: Removed an airport radius limit. Because I'd rather just hear about awesome neighborhoods instead of that being the focus.

Any old timers up for a get together? Please DM and we will find a time place to talk 1990- 2005ish Bike advocacy and wrenching. Cycles For Change can join too.

The markings seem ambiguous to me — there’s a tiny “island” with a bike stamped on it, which makes it seem like it’s a kind of crosswalk for bikes. I’ve noticed that most drivers do not interpret it as a place they need to yield, though.

EDIT: On reflection, I agree with the majority of the replies that say that cyclists do not have right-of-way here since we have a stop sign and the drivers don’t!

Thought I'd bring this reminder back with the time change and a lot of people commuting home in the dark. On separated paths where you're only passing other cyclists, please try to angle your lights down a bit (like 30-45 degrees below horizontal or something). It's a win-win because it illuminates the road better and helps you avoid potholes anyway.

Of course, when you're interacting with cars, visibility is most important so feel free to keep those headlights high and bright.

I'm sure this has been covered before but I'm intending to ride to work this season as much as I can.

I have a waxed chain currently. When they add the chemicals to the road someone told me as long as I use a brush to clean my chain after every ride I'll be good. Just to remove the ice melting chemicals. Any deeper advice with this?

As far as winter gear what do you guys use for footwear ? Boots? Water proof hiking shoes? Something else?

I do have a merino wool under layer but the footwear has me perplexed.

Open to any advice or links you guys have to preferred gear.

Looks like it was paved yesterday.

Going south there is an unprotected bike lane. Going north there isn't anything. There is a wide walking path. Is that where I am supposed to bike?

I am referring to the red highlighted section.

I sent some emails today that de-center the automobile, and I thought I would share in case you've had these thoughts yourself. I highly encourage you to voice them too!!

First two photos - Guthrie's box office sends email reminders when you have tickets to a show. They share pertinent information about how to get there, etc. I responded letting them know that bikers who bike to their shows exist and also had a question of my own about the storage of stuff.

Second set of photos - Reached out to my councilperson for the first time today to share my experiences riding the B line. Got a response that somewhat soothed me and gave me some other emails to send.

Last photo - This is an ETA photo of taking just the B-line from my apartment to a Saint Paul destination. Point A and B are negligible distances from B-line stops. Yet, I'm pretty sure I would be able to bike there quicker than taking the BRT. And compare both modes to a 16 minute drive - I don't fault people who can drive to choose driving instead.

Find your council representative:

Minneapolis: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/city-council/find-my-ward/

Saint Paul: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/InformationLookup/index.html?appid=8d3e5bc01c624dcbb4542fc4db9d920c

things are happening. New pavement opened up around the station getting rid of that stupid temporary sharp turn. Trail is nice and wide. 7 bike racks installed…seems a little given the amount of space available.

There are still a few obstacles on the trail, including a section where there’s no payment. I didn’t check if you can make it up from the Greenway.

Yes, the Perennially Joyful DJ Team is supporting a Wedge Live Election EVE EVE Emergency DJ Ride that's being sponsored by Eric Harris Bernstein

Ready or not, the election is Tuesday. Possibly a dancing bike ride with some serious drum and bass by DJ Deveric is just what you need to prepare yourself.
Bike nerd? Dancing diva? Political junkie? EDM connoisseur? or just bored and want to be around people with smiles on their faces...

The one thing we will all have in common at this event is that we all think voting is a big deal. Most of us really like having fun in community as well.

This will be a slow rolling party in the dark. Bring lights, be visible and wear clothes that will keep you warm when riding SLOWLY!

Location: Mueller Park, 2509 Colfax Ave
Time: 7:45pm meetup, 8:00pm rollout, 9:30 end

Just throw this on the pile of Katie Cashman not giving a shit about pedestrian and bike safety in Loring Park or Loring Park in general. I tried the 311 site and it's just "address not found" with either specific address or intersection.

First time poster here. Just want to make sure everyone has a plan to vote on or before Nov 4th. I want to make sure Minneapolis stays the #1 most bikeable city in the US and continues to improve!

All city positions are in this election: Mayor Every City Councilmember (1 for each of the 13 wards) Park Board (3 at large, 1 per district) Board of Taxation and Estimation (2 positions)

Remember this is ranked choice voting so make sure to research all the candidates.

Ask your questions here and I or someone else on the sub can answer.

Sorry to bring in politics, this is one week per year you should think about politics, after that continue as normal.

Stay civil, I know there could be some disagreement here.

Edit: St Paul Mayoral election is also happening!

494 bridge bike lane is open.

Grab your bike helmet, grab your Minnesota United scarves and join me for an impromptu group ride from Steel Toe Brewing to Allianz field to cheer on the Loons as they take on the Sounders in Game 1 of the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs.

This will be a casual party pace ride, all skill levels are welcome, and no Loon supporter will be left behind. There might be singing, there might be chanting. If anyone happens to show up with a sound system, there might be music. No promises other than to a fun evening ride with friends to the Stadium and a couple pints along the way.

Meet at Steel Toe or any of the waypoints along the route.

Steel Toe opens at 3pm, I plan to be there about 3:30 pm, roll @ 4:25pm

Stop #1 Humboldt / Midtown Greenway: Arrive 4:45 pm Roll @ 4:50 pm

Martin Sabo Bridge: Arrive 5:15 pm Roll @ 5:20 pm

Dual Citizen Brewing: Arrive 5:45, grab a pint or a soda, Roll @ 6:45 pm

Arrive at Allianz Field NW Bike Racks @ 7 pm, Game is at 8 pm

I will be happy to lead the return ride; plan would be to leave roughly 20-25 minutes after the final whistle. We will take a more direct route back via St Anthony, Prior, Marshall, West River Rd and the Greenway provided we have numbers otherwise I would take Lake Street or further south as the Greenway can get a bit sketchy late at night…

Link to the Facebook event if anyone is still on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/share/19yR8MKKCS/

I frequently ride the N Cedar Lake Regional Trail, especially the stretch toward Van White Memorial, and I’ve noticed a growing number of homeless encampments and trash starting to pile up along the path.

I want to be clear, I’m not trying to complain about people experiencing homelessness. I understand that housing insecurity is a complex issue, and people need safe places to stay. That said, the trail is starting to feel less safe and less usable for cyclists and pedestrians.

Does anyone know which city or park department handles trail maintenance or encampment outreach in this area? Are there ways to report conditions or support outreach efforts that help connect folks to resources?