wellness
Cycling routes safe for families and beginners
Minneapolis families can access flat, protected paths along the river and lakes this summer without venturing into heavy traffic.
How we reported this
Minneapolis opened an additional 3 miles of protected bike lanes along West River Parkway on May 15 this year, creating a continuous 12-mile stretch from downtown to the Ford Parkway bridge that families and new riders can use without crossing vehicle lanes.
Summer demand for beginner routes has risen sharply since the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board reported a 22 percent increase in trail permits issued to households with children under 12 between 2024 and 2025, reflecting parents seeking low-stress outdoor options close to home during the school break.
Named routes near central neighborhoods
The Midtown Greenway offers a 5.7-mile east-west corridor between Hennepin Avenue and the Mississippi River that stays fully separated from cars, while the 3.1-mile paved loop at Lake Harriet in the Linden Hills neighborhood provides restrooms, drinking fountains and a flat surface suitable for training wheels. Both locations fall under the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s maintained network and connect directly to the larger Grand Rounds system.
Board data from 2025 shows 47 miles of the city’s 120-mile paved trail system carry the family-designated label, with average daily counts reaching 1,800 riders on the Greenway segment between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekends. Daily bike rentals from the Nice Ride station at 42nd Street and Nicollet Avenue start at $8 for two hours, with helmets included at no extra charge.
Practical next steps
Families can download the free MPRB trail map app or pick up printed copies at the park board headquarters on 2117 West River Road before heading out. Saturday morning group rides for beginners depart from Minnehaha Park’s 50th Street entrance at 9 a.m. through August 30, requiring only advance registration on the board’s website.