Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get a bicycle map?
The City’s official Bicycle Map is available online and at all Minneapolis bike shops and public library locations. Other mapping resources are available on the Maps & Where to Ride page.
I’d like to report a maintenance issue related to a bikeway. Who should I call?
To report a maintenance issue related to a bikeway in Minneapolis, please call 311 or (612) 673-3000. You can also visit the bicycling Maintenance Requests page to view agency responsibilities and get more direct contact information.
Can I ride my bicycle on the sidewalk?
In Minneapolis you can ride a bicycle on the sidewalk in all locations except in commercial districts or where posted. Please be courteous to pedestrians and give advanced warning when passing.
Are bicycles allowed to ride in the street with traffic?
Bicycles are legally considered traffic and are allowed to ride on all roads except where posted. Like motorists and pedestrians, bicyclists are required to follow all traffic signals and laws. A listing of bicycle-related laws can be found on the Understanding the Law page.
If a bike lane or a side path is present, is a bicyclist required to ride in or on it?
There is currently no mandatory side-path law in Minneapolis requiring bicyclists to ride in a bike lane or on a side path. Often times a bicyclist will need to exit the bike lane or path to avoid debris or prepare for a turn. While bicyclists tend to use a bicycle facility when one is present, motorists should expect to see bicyclists in all areas of the roadway.
Why are some bike lanes painted green?
Some bike lanes are painted green to highlight locations where motorists merge across or turn across a bike lane. To draw attention and increase safety at these locations, bike lanes are colored green to alert motorists that they must yield to thru bicyclists. More information about green bike lanes and other bicycle markings can be found on the Understanding Bicycle Markings page.
What are the green bikes around town?
The green bikes are part of the Nice Ride Bicycle Sharing system operated by Nice Ride Minnesota. Nice Ride has bicycles available to rent for a small fee and kiosks are located throughout most of Minneapolis and in parts St. Paul. The system is in operation from April to November and more information can be found on Nice Ride’s website.
Are there any new or planned bikeways near me?
There likely are. To see the city’s existing bikeway network you can view the Minneapolis Bicycle Map. You can also visit the Projects & Planning page to find out information about new bikeways or long-term projects outlined in the Bicycle Master Plan.
What is the City doing to improve the safety of bicyclists?
The City of Minneapolis wants bicycling to be a safe, easy and fun option for everyone. As more people bicycle in Minneapolis the crash rate has decreased. Despite this decrease, many bicycle crashes still occur. From engineering to enforcement to education, Public Works is trying make the streets safer for everyone. For specific examples of what the City is doing, browse the most recent Bicycling Account.
Where can I park my bicycle?
You can lock your bicycle to any bicycle rack or sign post in the public right-of-way. Bicycles cannot be locked to trees, fences, or light or traffic poles. More information about bicycle parking ordinances is available on the Bicycle Parking page.
I would like to rent a bike locker. How do I get one?
Bike lockers are available at many activity centers and are managed by agencies including the City of Minneapolis, Metro Transit and the University of Minnesota. Lockers can be rented on a seasonal or annual basis. More information can be found on the Bicycle Lockers page.
My bicycle got stolen. What should I do?
We’re really sorry to hear that. The best thing to do is report the theft to the Minneapolis Police Department. For information about stolen bicycles and how to prevent thefts, visit the How to Lock Your Bike page.
Can I bring my bicycle on the bus or train?
Bicycle racks are available on all Metro Transit buses and trains and on many suburban transit buses. On buses, bikes can be placed on the racks on the front the bus. On light rail vehicles and North Star trains, space is available for bikes inside the train. More information is available on the Bikes & Transit page.
Where can I rent a bicycle?
Bicycles are available to rent at many Minneapolis bicycle shops. A listing of shops and rental information is available on the Bicycle Shops page.
Does the City offer any classes on riding a bicycle or bike maintenance?
Bicycle-related classes are offered as part of the Bike Walk Ambassador program. Free classes are offered for all types of people and cover a variety of topics. A full listing of classes is available on the Encouragement, Classes & Events page.
I’d like to get involved in the Minneapolis bicycling community. Are there any local resources, organizations or upcoming events?
Minneapolis’ bicycling culture is alive and well. Classes and events are hosted by the Bike Walk Ambassadors and there are also a number of local organizations and advocacy groups that work on improving bicycling Minneapolis. The City of Minneapolis also has a Bicycle Advisory Committee with citizen members appointed from each City ward.
Last updated Mar. 16, 2012