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Cycling in Minneapolis, United States
United States

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is renowned for its comprehensive urban trail network—headlined by the Grand Rounds and the Midtown Greenway—and a strong year‑round cycling culture supported by winter maintenance.

Stolen Bikes in Minneapolis

Bike theft is an ongoing challenge in Minneapolis — current risk: High (2,018 reported in 2022). Learn how to protect your ride with our Security Tips and understand coverage options in the Insurance Guide. If your bike was taken, you can report a stolen bike in Minneapolis to alert the community.

At a glance

Daily riders

3.8%

Dedicated paths

200+ miles of on‑street and off‑street bikeways

Bike sharing stations

0

Theft risk

High (2,018 reported in 2022)

Stolen bikes are commonly targeted near transit hubs and popular areas. Use two quality locks and register your frame number.

Quick map

Open Minneapolis on the map

View map

Theft insights

High (2,018 reported in 2022)

Why it’s special

Grand Rounds Scenic Byway: 51‑mile parks, lakes, river loop.

Midtown Greenway: 5.5‑mile car‑free east‑west rail corridor.

Robust winter snow/ice clearing plan on major bike routes.

Protected bikeways, neighborhood greenways, and off‑street paths.

Strong advocacy (e.g., Our Streets Minneapolis) driving improvements.

Safety tips

Use a white front light and red rear reflector/light from sunset to sunrise.

Announce “on your left” when passing on trails; yield to pedestrians.

Be predictable: signal turns/stops and ride with traffic.

In winter, extend braking distances and favor plowed priority routes.

Ride like a local

Rules that matter

  • Front white light and rear red reflector (or light) required from sunset to sunrise.
  • Ride with traffic; cyclists may take the full lane when needed.
  • Use hand signals for turns and stops; be predictable.
  • Obey all signals and signs (stop for red lights and stop signs).
  • Yield to pedestrians at all crosswalks (marked or unmarked).
  • Sidewalk riding is prohibited in business districts; elsewhere allowed unless signed—always yield to pedestrians.

Typical fines (EUR)

No lights at night125
Red light / Stop sign125
Failure to yield to pedestrian125

Unwritten etiquette

  • Be calm and predictable; maintain the flow
  • Use your bell as a friendly heads‑up
  • Glance over your shoulder before lane changes
  • Make eye contact at crossings

Security & parking

Parking like a pro

  • Use plentiful public bike racks across the city.
  • For downtown security, use ABC Ramps Mobility Hub secure bike parking.
  • Choose well‑lit, high‑traffic areas; avoid obstructing sidewalks/entrances.
  • Do not lock to trees/railings/unauthorized structures—bikes may be removed.

Theft & lock strategy

  • Use a high‑quality U‑lock or heavy chain; avoid cable‑only locks.
  • Lock the frame and at least one wheel to a fixed rack.
  • Register your bike's serial number with the City and Bike Index; keep photos.
  • If stolen, file a police report with serial number and photo immediately.

Rent a bike

Wheel Fun Rentals

from ~$15/hour

Cruiser • Tandem • Surrey

Tangletown Bike Shop

~$50–$90/day

City • E‑bike • Gravel

Nice Ride bike share is in transition after Lyft ceased operations; public bike share availability is unreliable (late 2023/2024). Visitors should rely on private rental shops.

Epic day trips

Grand Rounds Scenic Byway Loop • 51 miles (82 km)

Signature loop connecting Chain of Lakes, Minnehaha Falls, and the Mississippi River.

Midtown Greenway & Mississippi River • 15–20 miles (24–32 km)

Ride the car‑free Greenway east, then follow river trails north to downtown or south to Fort Snelling.

Theodore Wirth Regional Park • Varies

Explore paved paths and singletrack minutes from downtown; options for all levels.

Your perfect day

09:00

Rent & Coffee

Pick up a rental near the lakes (e.g., Wheel Fun Rentals at Bde Maka Ska) and grab coffee.

10:00

Ride the Chain of Lakes

Loop Bde Maka Ska, Lake of the Isles, and Lake Harriet on the Grand Rounds.

12:30

Lunch in Uptown

Park and explore Uptown for lunch and people‑watching.

14:00

Midtown Greenway

Cruise the car‑free trench across the city; connect to river trails.

15:30

Minnehaha Falls

Head south on Grand Rounds to visit the falls and park before returning.

Live here or visiting? List your bike to help the community

Join thousands protecting each other from theft. Add your bike now and get instant alerts if it goes missing.

List your bike in Minneapolis

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