Open Streets-Ciclovia Minneapolis 2011

The biking joys of Minneapolis rose to a new level this weekend.  Yesterday was the grand opening of the RiverLake Greenway.  Today,  for the first time Minneapolis closed about 2 miles of a major 4 lane street (Lyndale Ave.) to motor vehicles.  For 4 hours bicyclists, walkers, strollers, runners, roller bladers, and more flocked to cruise up and down the street during Open Streets 2011.  We popped Henry in the Bobike, stuffed Theo's bike with him in the Winther Kangaroo, and headed down the Midtown Greenway to Lyndale Ave.  Within half-a-mile of Lyndale, Theo couldn't wait any longer and got out to ride his bike.  He was definitely out to break his long distance biking record today.  Little did we know he would end up biking nearly 7 miles, much of it on the new RiverLake Greenway - the first time he biked on a bike route with cars (albeit few).

Here are a few videos and pictures from the day. 

"My bike is a kite!" (above).

Biking on the RiverLake Greenway for the first time (below).  We were surprised by the extent of its  rolling hills.  Here Theo is pushing up one of the hills.  It was a little nerve-racking at times having Theo on the road, crossing intersections for the first real time.  But there was relatively little traffic, he has gotten a lot of biking practice, and was listening very well.

 

Minneapolis' bike share program, Nice Ride,  was at Open Streets in full force.  Here they are making "Nice Cream" while biking. Gotta try some next time.

Mayor Rybak dueling it out for the slow bike race.  Go Nice Ride!

Gorilla Yoga and a Bakfiets bike.

Decorating Theo's bike at one of many bike decorating stations.

RiverLake Greenway overpass above 35W.  Note the blue yarn bombing behind me.

The Bobike seat is great, until your kid falls asleep.  Should have gotten Henry home earlier, or at least into the Kangaroo trike where he could have slept without the head bobs.

We are looking forward to the next Open Streets event!