Updated Info:
http://www.facebook.com/#/minneapolis.bicycle.coalition
http://www.minneapolisbicyclecoalition.org

Next Meeting:
http://www.facebook.com/#/event.php?eid ... 19&index=1
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Original Post:
There are several transportation advocacy goups in the metro, but one does not yet exist to represent cyclists of Minneapolis. Given the recent redesign of Downtown's streets, the vibrant local bicycle culture, the high density of bicycle commuters, and the fact that Minneapolis is touted as the #2 Bicycle city in the US, it seems the time has come to develop an organized advocate for our interests.

An organizational meeting will be held at the TC Streets for People offices to get the ball rolling. Anyone interested in helping develop this organization is welcome.

Edit: Last updated by hereNT 1/4/2010

Woohoo count me in unless I have to work or some shit

Yeah! I am glad one is starting up and I'll most likely be there.

Here is our draft agenda.

I am planning on being there!

I'll try to make it, but I'm not usually moving much by 11 on saturdays...

Hm, probably a little late to ask, but why is this scheduled for the same time as homie? I would think almost any other day in fall would have more potential attendees...

None of the meeting originaters knew that was today. From the looks of the thread, not much of anyone knew. See y'all there in 15 min...

I was busy teaching a class today and as much as I wanted to, could not attend.

What did you all decide to do?

Think we have a couple plans of action, things that must be tackled and fixed before we even have an actual 'organization.'

But it's going to be super secret until we have a little clearer roadmap.

Next full meeting will be Nov 15th, though there may be some smaller stuff happening before then.

If you live in Ward 6 (Ventura Village, Steven's Square, Phillips West, Whittier), you can vote for a very pro-bike candidate for city council.

Having worked with her I can vouch for her dedication to expanding bike routes and adding bike lanes to every street (I was really excited when I heard this from her).

She is also working to fight poverty and is running against the DFL endorsed candidate, so she needs all the help she can get, and she will absolutely advocate for cyclists in Minneapolis.

If you'd like to vote for her or volunteer, go to the website: www.laurajeanyourfirstchoice.com

Or call: 612-799-5200

I'll be at the next meeting!

Wait this was scheduled for Halloween? Who was responsible for that decision? Did it have to be this specific week or something?

Very few Halloween parties start before noon. The overscheduling of Homey Fall Fest was an oversight, but seriously, something happens every weekend day in the Mpls bike world.

Nothing against Laura Jean, but CM Robert Lilligren (Ward 6 Incumbent) is a long time ardent supporter of cyclists and better cycling conditions in Minneapolis. He was a volunteer board member and involved with the Midtown Greenway Coalition and is a founding board member of Twin Cities Streets for People.

I share this just so folks know that Robert is certainly a wonderful (and effective) CM for cyclists. Robert sits on the Transportation and Public Works committee where bicycle transportation issues are dealt with. Sending Robert back to the council (which he deserves, IMO) could result in him being elected the Chair of the Transportation and Public Works Committee due to his experience and seniority, which would be fabulous for the MPLS cyclists and those who want better conditions so they can begin cycling.

[/end endorsement]