Minn. cycling fans get boost at summit

Minnesota bicycling advocates gathered in Mankato last month and discussed what needs to be done to make the state the best in the country for cycling. Minnesota is currently fourth, just below Wisconsin, among the most bike friendly states, as ranked by the League of American Bicyclists.?

"We have biking resources that are next to none and it's about time we got together and started to tell the world about it, because we have a lot to be proud of," said John Edman of Explore Minnesota Tourism, according to KEYC TV in Mankato.

At the 2011 Minnesota Bicycle Tourism Summit in Mankato on November 3, Edman said Minnesota is about to launch a new marketing campaign that spotlights bicycling opportunities. "We need to start getting a little more bold about how we promote Minnesota, and biking is one of those areas where we stand out," Edman said, according to the Mankato Free Press.

The summit's keynote speaker, Tim Blumenthal, president of Bikes Belong, a national coalition of bicycle retailers and suppliers, said, "I believe that in Minnesota, which is already the No. 4 ranked state in the category of bicycle friendly states, you have huge potential here."