The third annual “
30 Days of Biking” event encourages community members to bike somewhere every day during the month of April.
It’s hosting a number of “group rides” and other events to keep the momentum up and introduce participants to each other, according to information posted on its website.
So far, 1,900 people have signed up for the local challenge, according to the site. Patrick Stephenson, a spokesperson for the group, expects that figure to increase to 4,000.
Over the past several years, the event has gotten bigger and bigger, which is a trend that he’d like to see continue.
In 2010, 600 people joined in the first 30 Days. “It’s a city that’s really excited about bikes,” and the infrastructure is there to support this type of program, he says. There are a number of bike paths in place, “which is probably the reason why Minneapolis has taken hold of it.”
This time around, 30 Days of Biking is hosting a story contest. It’s asking for brief essays about a moment that stands out during the biking month. “Any life-changing epiphanies? Spiritual awakenings? Fun times with friends and family?” the project asks on its website.
It’s also asking people to share their stories via social media. “I really like the grassroots flavor,” Stephenson says. “We’re trying to make it as fun and popular as we can.”
Looking ahead, he’d like to see the event “get more legitimate,” and that “we get better at doing it” and put more time into it. Hopefully it’ll have “more things that people can share.”
Source: Patrick Stephenson, 30 Days of Biking
Writer: Anna Pratt