Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota (BikeMN)

Did you see a familiar website in the latest video by Shifter? https://lnkd.in/ddxQpXtd

Transportation is about more than moving people; it’s also about the people that move transportation. This #BlackHistoryMonth, we’ve been telling the undertold Black history of transportation innovation and activism. We also need to reflect on transportation's role in racism. When it comes to race and power, U.S. transportation and land use decisions are not neutral. Throughout American history, government power has been used to control Black people and exclude Black communities from opportunity. The legacy of racist decisions made by transportation planners and policymakers in the 20th century is still with us today. Throughout the 20th century, racist lending & housing practices—redlining—limited where Black families could live. Now, Black neighborhoods are disproportionately disconnected from centers of opportunity, perpetuating systems of exclusion & oppression. In many cities, these practices forced Black communities into areas that today are more prone to flooding and other early impacts of climate change. In the 1950s, Black neighborhoods were disproportionately seized & razed to build Interstate Highways. This racist practice created freeways that led through—not to—neighborhoods, benefiting White suburban commuters at the expense of Black communities. Highways didn’t just cut through neighborhoods: they also generate small-particulate pollution from cars and trucks. Today, many Black communities have elevated rates of asthma as compared to white areas. Inequitable resource allocations and decision-making processes persist; often Black neighborhoods lack basic safety features like sidewalks, street lights, crosswalks, and bike lanes. Today, it is much more dangerous to walk while Black than almost any other race or ethnicity. An overreliance on enforcement to manage transportation systems often places Black people in danger. Research shows that helmet laws, e-bike bans, jaywalking and fare evasion are often disproportionately enforced against Black people. To move forward, the transportation industry and, we, the people in it, we will need to grapple with these topics and more.

Housing + Land-Use + Transportation all need to be working together for any of them to succeed. No matter if that is in large urban areas or smaller communities. We're glad to see this housing aid grant program become available for non-metro communities with populations under 10,000!

Know of business in the metro that is looking for ways to get more people commuting by bike? Encourage them to apply to our E-bike Commuter Assistance Program (ECAP), we will provide up to ten e-bikes, along with accessories and training, for your employees to use - at no cost to you. https://lnkd.in/dirHsE6S

BikeMN is pleased to announce that we have been chosen as the recipient of the 2025 One Minnesota Award by Explore Minnesota in recognition of our dedication to promoting cycling, tourism, and community engagement all across our state! Our Communications Manager Erik Noonan and our BAM Ride Director Mary Derks, were there at the Minneapolis Convention Center to receive this award in person. Thank you Explore MN for recognizing the enormous economic impact bikes continue to have around our state. And congratulations to our fellow nominees Visit Stillwater and Silver Bay Adventure Park who both ran tremendous campaigns highlighting their respective communities!

I just wanted to amplify this message from Tonya Allen at the McKnight Foundation. People who bike, walk, roll, and rely on transit are often far from the halls of power. The Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota (BikeMN) works to ensure that the transportation needs of all people are met. Everyone deserves to have transportation that they can afford and to arrive home safely after every trip. No matter who you are or where you live we are committed to serving you, including your special talents, and making sure that your needs are met.

Yesterday I had the honor of speaking at Minnesota’s inaugural E-Bike Policy Summit on incentivizing e-bikes for consumers and package delivery companies. E-bikes are incredibly popular and inventive programs can help governments meet climate commitments through providing that extra nudge. On the commercial side, emerging research shows that policy makers have tools at their disposal as well. Many thanks to my SRF Consulting Group colleagues Josie Myers, Sam Ricord, and Mark Berndt for presentation collaboration as well as Michael Wojcik from Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota (BikeMN) and Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota for an inspiring conference.

Join our mission to create safer, healthier communities! We’re seeking dedicated individuals to join the Safe Routes Partnership Board of Directors. As a board member, you’ll play a vital role in advocating for safe, healthy, and equitable opportunities for people to walk, bike, and access public transportation. Who We Are Safe Routes Partnership (SRP) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing safe, healthy, and equitable opportunities for people to walk, bike, and access public transit. Through our work, we improve community health, foster environmental sustainability, and promote active transportation for all, with a strong focus on advancing equity in every community. We value a diverse board with a wide range of life experiences because we recognize that we are stronger when our organization benefits from the innovative contributions, creative solutions, practical know-how, and community insights brought by people of different backgrounds. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community, and we welcome prospective board members from all backgrounds. Learn more: https://ow.ly/7Oc550TxG4l #PublicHealth #Bike #Equity #Transportation #Tech #Planning

Increasingly the City of Rochester is building safer urban roads. The Minnesota Department of Transportation should follow suit.

In the 1880s, Matthew Cherry patented improvements to the velocipede, a pedal-less predecessor to modern bikes. He also invented the tricycle, which in our time has evolved into a more stable and accessible option for many people to travel than standard two-wheel bikes. Transportation is about more than moving people; it’s also about the people that move transportation. This #BlackHistoryMonth, we’re reflecting on transportation’s role in racism and telling the undertold Black history of transportation.