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The Great Commuter Challenge

by Denis Jeong
Minneapolis Mayor, Ramsey County Commissioner, and Roadguy blogger take to the streets for Bike Walk Week.
Minneapolis Mayor RT Rybak stands by his bike, waiting for the other contestants. Rybak makes the final stretch. Rybak runs from his bike to the finish line. And Rybak wins the race! Ramsey County Commissioner Toni Carter is the second to cross the finish line, on foot and public transit power alone. Roadguy blogger Jim Foti runs from his car to the finish line. Clearly, cars aren't the answer. Rybak and Carter coyly wait for Foti to finish the race. Ha! Foti arrives at last. Contestants mingle after the race. And now a word from our mayor. Rybak receives a Silver Award for Bicycle Friendly Community designation.

(Click an image above to begin viewing slides.)

On May 12th, at 7:40 a.m., commuters took off from Merriam Park Community Center for a cross-river trek to the Minneapolis Public Library in celebration of Bike Walk Week. The race — a living breathing commentary on urban congestion — explored the viability of different modes of transportation. Minneapolis Mayor RT Rybak traveled by bike. Ramsey County Commissioner Toni Carter combined foot and transit power. And Strib Roadguy blogger Jim Foti traveled by car. To further complicate matters, each contestant had to complete a number of errands as well: pick up a Wall Street Journal and tickets to Bedlam Theatre’s Romeo and Juliet, and return a book to the Central Library.

Who won the race? See for yourself; the slideshow says it all.

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