What? Located in the University’s Oak Street Parking Ramp, just south of Washington Ave. S.E., the bike center will feature repair services, a retail outlet, trip planning services, meeting space, classes, and (for members) 24-hour secure bicycle storage, showers and changing areas. The Bike Center will be the base for an innovative RFID system, which will permit bicyclists who install an identity tag on their bikes to earn rewards. The University of Minnesota has the highest percentage of bicyclists in the state, with approximately 6,500 bikes crossing the Washington Avenue campus bridge each day.

When? A grand opening of the facility will be held Thursday, September 29, noon-2 p.m. and will include:

• Bike Center tours: Including a free gift to the 1st 100 people to take the center tour
• Group bicycle ride featuring the University’s great bicycling amenities and new routes
• FREE Raising Cane’s chicken fingers & Texas toast (PLUS cake and refreshments), while supplies last! (Thanks to U of M Parking and Transportation Services)
• Information tables/Informational displays

Where? University Bike Center, University of Minnesota campus, near Stadium Village.

Why? The new University of Minnesota Bike Center will serve as the definitive hub for all things biking on the campus. With repair services, trip planning services, meeting space and bike storage, the Bike Center will be a “one-stop-shop” for students and faculty on campus.

Sign up to participate in the group ride (or reserve a Nice Ride bike) here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PF5LS3B. And, if you are planning to ride, take a peek at the route here.