Dear Sam,
Can you tell me a feel-good story of volunteers who have reduced pollution and expanded bike trips locally?
Sincerely,
Tangletown Neighbor
———-
Dear Neighbor,
Yes! I know just the story. This one will help you feel inspired by local volunteers, pleased that car pollution will be reduced, and ready to start using a program in its second operational year (well, once the snow melts). It’s the story of the Minneapolis Cargo Bike Library.
The Cargo Bike Library is the brainchild of founder Laura Groenjes Mitchell, who recognized that choosing an electric cargo bike can be more complicated than just a test ride at the store. It’s about getting a feel for the bike with your gear, figuring out how it will fit in your garage, apartment, or house, and experimenting with it in your daily life and commute. This is especially true for those who want to add young children to their ride. Because a cargo bike is a larger purchase, the organization’s founders wanted to reduce the risk of buyer’s remorse or a later desire for a different cargo bike model. Thus, the Cargo Bike Library was formed!
The Cargo Bike Library is a local chapter of the state-wide “Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota.” Minneapolis residents 18+ can register on the website, complete an in-person orientation, and then borrow from an assortment of electric cargo bikes for an entire week at no charge. The seven-day borrowing program gives users the chance to experiment with a different bike each week, in order to see how different bikes would fit into the home and daily commute, including charging considerations. Watch a video featuring some of the models here.
After starting as a solo project, founder Laura Groenjes Mitchell eventually was able to partner with Cyclehoop to store the bikes in a portable bike locker and partner with Lyndale Neighborhood Association to store the bike locker next to their office. Although the program is completely free, donations to the library are always appreciated, and merch is available for purchase on their website (proceeds go to the library).
Thanks to a generous grant from The Minneapolis Foundation, two new Cargo Bike Library locations will be added in 2026! This year’s cargo bike reservations will begin in March, once the snow melts. The 2026 orientation schedule will be updated online at mcbl.bike/orientation. Several neighborhood associations are hoping to plan a special training for residents later this spring, so stay tuned!
Sustainably,
Sam