Spring 2025 ZAP! Newsletter
All the latest cycling news on campus, from new bike lockers and a platinum award to exciting challenges and tours—there's something for every cyclist!
Cover photo: Our new bike locker installed outside of the Donhowe building on East Bank.
Two new shared bike lockers on campus
Two new Shared Bike Lockers (also known as bike hangars) were installed on campus in the Fall 2024 Semester, at the Donhowe Building on East Bank and at the Biological Sciences Center in St. Paul. Built by Cyclehoop, each of these secure lockers is equipped with slots to fit 6 bicycles in one enclosed space. There are now a total of 4 locations on campus!
- Borlaug Hall in St. Paul
- University Avenue Ramp on East Bank
- Donhowe Building on East Bank
- Biological Sciences Center in St. Paul
Platinum Award from The League of American Bicyclists
The University of Minnesota Twin Cities has renewed its Bicycle Friendly University Platinum status from the League of American Bicyclists! The U is the largest university by enrollment in the country to receive a platinum rating. Our many miles of bicycle facilities, bike-friendly infrastructure, Gopher Bikes Program, bike storage options, and much more, has enabled the University of Minnesota to be one of the best in the nation for cyclists.
Twin Cities Bike Tour 2025
Looking for a way to explore the Twin Cities? Want to get to know the bicycling community? Look no further than the Twin Cities Bike Tour! Starting at Minnehaha Park, the tour will include sections in Minneapolis, Saint Louis Park, and Hopkins. All skill levels are welcome. The tour accommodates various comfort levels–you can ride as long as 41 miles or as short as 20.
A map of the tour route, traveling between Hopkins, Saint Louis Park, Minneapolis, and Saint Paul.
The tour is planned for September 14th beginning at 7:00 a.m. A student discount is available and volunteers are needed (and they ride FREE!). See you on the trail!
Bike Advisory Committee restarting
This semester, the university will restart its Bicycle Advisory Committee! The committee will be made up of representatives from student groups and various university departments. The committee will advise Parking & Transportation Services on bicycle-related issues, such as bike infrastructure improvements, safety, and education programs and, of course, be our champions!
Bike center closed, work continues on reopening
Customer Service moves to Coffman Memorial Union
Parking & Transportation Services has moved their in-person customer service to the U Card Office at G22 Coffman Memorial Union, 300 Washington Avenue SE. The front desk on the third floor of the Transportation and Safety Building will no longer serve customers. Customers picking up bike locker keys or ZAP gift card rewards must visit the new location in Coffman.
Gopher Bikes at residence halls extremely popular in first semester
Gopher Bikes long term program sign-ups opening soon
We will be opening our sign-up form for Gopher Bikes spring semester rentals soon. Watch out for an announcement in mid-March!