People interested in supporting and promoting bicycling in the state can register now for the 2015 PedalMN Bicycle Conference May 4-5 at The Commons Hotel in Minneapolis. The theme for the conference is “Building a Bike-Friendly State.”

The conference will feature speakers and sessions on how Minnesotans are creating partnerships, making connections and growing businesses to build a bike friendly state.

Parks and recreation staff, public health practitioners, tourism businesses and organizations, transportation planners, elected officials and biking advocates are encouraged to attend. To register, go to www.regonlinecom/2015pedalmnbikeconference.

The conference is hosted by PedalMN, a partnership of agencies and organizations, including the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Health, National Park Service, Explore Minnesota Tourism, Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota, and Parks and Trails Council. The conference is in cooperation with the University of Minnesota and the city of Minneapolis.

U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison will kick off the two-day event with a pre-recorded video message at the opening session May 4. U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar and State Sen. Scott Dibble are also expected to attend. State Rep. Kim Norton will also open the conference. Other keynote speakers are Liz Cornish Jones, League of American Bicyclists, and Gabe Klein, former commissioner of the Chicago Department of Transportation and former director of the District of Columbia Department of Transportation.

On May 5 Steve Clark, Minneapolis, League of American Bicyclists, is the morning speaker.

 

 

 

 

Minneapolis Mayor Betty Hodges, St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman, Bemidji Mayor Rita Albrecht, and Rochester Mayor Ardell F. Brede are featured lunch speakers in a panel discussion moderated by MnDOT Commissioner Charlie Zelle.

“Bicycling promotes and supports local economies, tourism, the environment and healthy lifestyles,” said Commissioner Zelle. “Minnesota has a supportive environment for bicycling and this conference is a way to celebrate the work being done and the work we can still do to make the state bicycle friendly.”

Breakout sessions will be held on both days of the conference. Mobile workshops will offer participants a guided tour of some of Minneapolis’ most enjoyable places to ride and a neighborhood bikeways tour. To view a conference agenda, go to www.regonline.com/2015pedalmnbikeconference.

Cost for the full conference is $190 ($90 for students) if registered by April 24. One-day registration options are also available.

Conference accommodations are available at The Commons Hotel. To receive the conference rate, participants should make reservations before April 10.

The Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota’s annual meeting will be Sunday, May 3. More information is at www.bikemn.org.