Carefree and car-free
Getting around the Twin Cities by bike and bus
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Let’s face it: Owning a car in the city is a hassle. College students need all the time and money they can spare, and the cost of gas and parking isn’t worth driving around the congested city or campus. Public transit and cycling are both great ways to get around cheap and fast, and cut down on pollution in the process. Cycling can be both a mini-adventure and a break from the commute from class or work, with several trails connecting the city and campus. Plus, you can combine cycling with mass transit for increased efficiency: Bike racks are located at the front of every bus and inside of the light rail. For either choice, it’s easy to get started.
BUSING: THE PUBLIC LIMOUSINE
Metro Transit has information on the majority of bus lines serving the Minneapolis and St. Paul area, as well as the light rail. New riders can find route information online at metrotransit.org, or call 612-373-3333 to request a start-up packet, which includes info about ordering bus passes, requested route lines, free ride passes, and a transit map of the city. Copies of various routes are available at the Metro Transit stores, Minneapolis Central Library, Coffman Union, and the St. Paul Student Center.
The cost of local fare during non-rush hours is $1.75 or $2.25 for express; during rush hours (6-9 a.m. and 3-6:30 p.m.) that rises to $2.25 and $3, respectively. Bus passes available for purchase through Metro Transit include the Go-To Card or SuperSavers passes. The Go-To Card allows you to pre-purchase a semester’s worth of rides, and carries the benefit of product registration, which means you can get a refund if you lose your card. Supersavers are 31-day passes that do save you some money, but at a marginal rate. Stored value cards are also available for purchase. University of Minnesota students can purchase a U-Pass, which is a great deal at $97 for the entire semester. Students from other colleges and professional schools, meanwhile, have the option of the reduced-rate “Go-To College Pass,” which they can purchase through their participating school.
The U of M campus connector, Route 121, is the best line for getting across campus fast, and students don’t need to pay a fare to ride. Other popular bus lines include the 3,16, and 50, which all serve Minneapolis and St. Paul. The 2 line is a great connection for students, going through Dinkytown, Seward, and Uptown. The 113 and 114 lines are express routes to campus from Uptown.
Allow plenty of time to reach your destination, as buses often run late for a variety of reasons, including construction detours and bad weather. They’re especially busy during rush hour and at the beginning of the semester. To ease confusion, rider alerts are posted near bus stops, through handouts on buses, or posted on Metro Transit’s website at metrotransit.org.
BIKING: KEEP IT WHEEL
Ranked second in the nation for cyclists that commute to work, the Twin Cities is becoming known for its bike culture. No longer just another sport for the athletic types, biking now affords a little fun for the cool kids, too. From Doomtree’s video for “Drumsticks,” where the collective cruises the city on bikes like they’re Cadillacs, to the punk-rock biker philosophy behind Cars R Coffins or the steel frames of Surly’s, the DIY appeal of biking couples an opposition to vehicle use with the desire for a more simple and sustainable way of life.
The Stone Arch Bridge and Midtown Greenway are both old railways turned into lanes intended expressly for bikes and pedestrians. Many bike paths exist all over campus, and bike lines run parallel with bus lines downtown and the light rail. (Check out the U of M's transportation website for biking rules and trail information, including routes between the Minneapolis and St. Paul campuses.) But biking doesn’t always have to be about the commute—there are many scenic trips you can take on a bike, with trails wrapping around and connecting nearly all of our local parks and lakes.
The law varies for bikers, depending on what area of the road they occupy. When on the street, cyclists must obey the same law as cars; when on the sidewalk, they become pedestrians. Cyclists can legally park temporarily on bike racks and signposts, but not on trees, parking meters, traffic signal posts, light posts, and handrails. Further information can be found at sharetheroadmn.org.
BIKING: GEAR AND MAINTENANCE
Locks are necessary to prevent theft, but not just any type will do. Cable or chain locks are no good, as they can be easily cut. The Kryptonite U-lock is the best—it’s more expensive, but the protection is worth the price. U-locks can also be registered with Kryptonite, offering extra protection if the combination is lost or the bike is stolen. The University of Minnesota also offers enclosed lockers to stow your bike for $84 per year.
Bikes must be equipped with lights to remain visible during night riding, and to avoid a ticket. White lights are used in the front of the bike, attached to the handlebars, and red for the rear, located on the seat post. Additional necessary accessories include fenders for rain and mud protection, a rack for transporting goods, a water bottle cage, gloves, and a helmet. Chrome bags are great for bikers, come in different sizes, and are comfortable, weatherproof, and offer a lifetime guarantee.
Dressing for the season is also crucial. Wearing moisture-wicking clothes, such as Dri-Fit, is a good way to reduce sweat during the summer. Layers are necessary in the winter to hold in heat, and are removable to avoid sweat becoming cold and wet.
After every ride, check the air in your tires and clear the chain and frame of dirt or grime. The chain should always be a little moist, or it could fall off or wear down, and should be re-lubed whenever it rains or looks dry. Bikes should have a tune-up at least once a year, depending on where, how much, and in what conditions they’re ridden.
Used bikes can be purchased at many bike shops, including the Hub or Sunrise, and also from Re-Cycle or Craigslist. Be wary of buying used, since these bikes usually don’t carry a warranty. Websites like Craigslist can spell trouble for someone with limited knowledge; sometimes damages cannot be repaired, or could end up costing more than a new model. The availability of parts for the bike should also be taken in consideration—many vintage models become more difficult to fix the older they get.
Bike shops
Dinkytown
Varsity Bike & Transit
1316 Fourth St. SE, 612-623-0990, varsitybike.com
Erik’s Bikes/Boards
1312 Fourth St. SE, 612-617-8002, eriksbikeshop.com
West Bank
Freewheel Bike Shop
1812 S. Sixth St., 612-339-2219 (sales), 612-339-2235 (Freewheel Mobile service), freewheelbike.com
The Grease Pit
1507 S. Sixth St., greasepitbikes.com
The Hub Bicycle Co-op
301 Cedar Ave. S, 612-238-3593, thehubbikecoop.org
Downtown
One On One Bicycle Studio
117 Washington Ave. N, 612-371-9565, oneononebike.com
Northeast
Behind Bars
208 13th Ave. NE, 612-436-0255, behind-bars.com
Uptown
The Alt
3013 Lyndale Ave. S, 612-374-3635, altbikeboard.com
Freewheel Midtown Center
2834 10th Ave. S, 612-238-4447, freewheelbike.com
Penn Cycle
710 W. Lake St. and other metro locations, 612-822-2228, penncycle.com
Sunrise Cyclery
901 West Lake St., 612-824-6144, sunrise-cyclery.com
South
The Hub Bicycle Co-op
3020 Minnehaha Ave. S, 612-729-0437, thehubbikecoop.org
St. Paul
Grand Performance
1938 Grand Ave., 651-699-2640, gpbicycles.com
Sibley Bike Depot
712 University Ave., 651-222-2080, sibleybikedepot.org
Express Bike
1158 Selby Ave., 651-644-9660, exbike.com
