Comments on: Party on the greenway: New bike center opens

By: Nic

Nic — Tue, 20 May 2008 16:31:46 +0000

You could take the LRT to lake street or cedar-riverside and be less than a mile away from the Greenway.

By: Monte

Monte — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:50:11 +0000

I was thinking about parking next to the greenway to check it out, but parking on one of the parkways instead and riding to the Greenway seems like a good idea. I park there all the time on the theory that there’s enough activity that someone breaking into cars is going to get noticed. I also have the same “mini rounds” route in mind- Lakes, Greenway, West river, and Minnehaha. Another idea I had was Greenway, Cedar Lake, and West River once they finish up the Cedar Lake trail.

Unfortunately I live in Bloomington, so it’s too far to ride to the Minneapolis trails without being exhausted before I even get there, and I don’t like riding on streets or sidewalks.

By: bsimon

bsimon — Mon, 19 May 2008 15:45:06 +0000

Monte asks
“I never got a response before so I’ll ask again. Is the Greenway safe, or if drive down to the area to take a ride on it will I be hassled by bums and punks and get the CD player stolen from my car while I’m out riding?”

I don’t know why you would. The Greenway is great as an alternative to city streets when you have to get from A to B. But I don’t really see the draw as a biking destination. Having said that, we’ve used it to complete a loop that includes the trail along Minnehaha Creek, to the trail along West River Road, to the Greenway, to the trail around Calhoun/Harriet & back to the creek trail. That’s a great ride on a nice day. Park where you’re comfortable - or - ride your bike to get there…

By: Dodgeboy

Dodgeboy — Sun, 18 May 2008 22:14:58 +0000

FYI- The state reached a budget deal, including the $70 million for Central Corridor and $ for a new Lake Vermillion state park!!!!

By: barryS

barryS — Sun, 18 May 2008 02:28:13 +0000

The Greenway is quite safe during the day. At night, I’d be prepared with something (pepper spray or trusty bike lock) but I haven’t had any problems and I’ve ridden it a few dozen times after sunset.

I stopped at the Bike Center today. I do think they are going to have to ‘reroute’ the traffic. There is only 3′-4′ of space between the westbound bike lane and the front door. With the tables out front, it would be really easy to get tangled in the bike traffic. A kid got up from one table and walked right in front of a cyclist, thankfully with enough time to get out of the way. If they just move the lanes over where they put the temporary bike racks, it should take care of any issues.

It’d be nice to have a place like this along the Cedar Lake Trail as well. Like at the intersection of the Kenilworth trail. Perhaps if the Southwest Corridor LRT is ever built along that path it can be part of the proposed Penn Ave stop.

By: Elsa

Elsa — Sun, 18 May 2008 01:25:09 +0000

During the day, I think the Greenway’s very safe. If it’s a nice day, there’s generally a lot of bike traffic. I’ve heard of a few problems after dark.

By: Barry

Barry — Sat, 17 May 2008 22:55:54 +0000

Yes. Safe. I won’t try after sundown, but this time of year, that’s plenty of time.
There’s so much traffic that any thug would be stupid to try anything there. See ya on the Greenway!

By: Monte

Monte — Sat, 17 May 2008 22:38:29 +0000

I never got a response before so I’ll ask again. Is the Greenway safe, or if drive down to the area to take a ride on it will I be hassled by bums and punks and get the CD player stolen from my car while I’m out riding?

Speaking of Bike shops, does anyone know when this years models go on sale? Mid summer? Fall? This winter? I went to several bike shops and came to the conclusion a Trek Triple 1.2 or a Fuji Newest 2.0 is what I want, but I can’t really stomach paying $800 right now.

I looked at three cheaper models but they weren’t really what I wanted. The Raleigh Sport, Jamison Venture Sport and the Fuji Newest 4.0 all had characteristics that eliminated them from consideration.

By: mary

mary — Sat, 17 May 2008 14:51:38 +0000

I love the:
Drinking fountains
Rest rooms
Repair shop with while-you-wait tire changes
Coffee shop

and it’s fun to look at the yellow Electra “Amsterdam” bike with a skirt guard and floral design.

By: Frustrated

Frustrated — Sat, 17 May 2008 12:28:22 +0000

Nice concept…hope it works. Give it year and see if it turns into showers for the homeless. See how many people use it then.