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The Minneapolis Cargo Bike Library has become a powerful showcase for what it takes to get more people — not just the fit and fearless — using bikes to move themselves, their families, and their stuff.
But the real secret? Electric assist.
The Minneapolis Cargo Bike Library, launched by Laura Mitchell with support from the Lyndale Neighborhood Association and the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota, offers free e-cargo bike loans, plus training and support. And the best part? The bikes are stored safely in a Cargo Bikehangar, right outside the neighborhood office.
While the library hopes to expand with purpose-built Cargo Bikehangars in future, its current secure storage setup uses a modified V4 Bikehangar — the same kind used for standard bikes, just without the internal racks. It’s a smart, adaptable workaround for a small initiative, and highlights how creative solutions can keep the momentum going while longer-term infrastructure is still in development.
Right now, the library includes one non-electric model — and it’s rarely used. While traditional cargo bikes are still part of the mix, it’s the e-cargo bikes that are truly driving behaviour change. As the team behind the library puts it: “They are game changers and incredible car replacers,” Laura Mitchell said. “There’s so much bike infrastructure here, ready for people to start replacing car trips with bike trips.”
It’s a grassroots idea with scalable potential: break down the barriers to cargo bike access, demystify the tech, and make cycle parking secure and simple. For families who can’t afford to spend $3,000–$5,000 on a bike they’ve never ridden, this is a game changer.
“They are out of the budget for a lot of families, but being able to test out some of the lower-budget bikes—there’s not a way you can do that in person right now.”
A practical climate solution
This is exactly the kind of initiative we need more of. Cargo bikes are a viable car replacement, especially for families, errands, and school drop-offs. In a low-carbon future, they beat electric SUVs every time.
At Cyclehoop, we’re proud to support projects that make cycling more accessible for everyone. Our US operation, based in Minneapolis, is working with public agencies and community partners to expand secure parking options that support everyday riders.
We recognise the growing role of cargo bikes in urban mobility—and we fully support their rise. Whether it’s families cycling with young children, pet carriers, or people hauling their weekly shop, we believe cycling should be an option for all kinds of journeys and all kinds of riders.
But building new habits isn’t without its setbacks. Just this week, the library’s overflow storage — a volunteer’s home garage — was broken into, and four bikes were stolen.
That loss is more than equipment. It’s a blow to a grassroots system that’s working — and a sharp reminder that without secure infrastructure, the people leading change are often the most vulnerable.
Here’s what this pilot continues to show us:
- Electric cargo bikes are the real game-changers. They empower more people to ditch the car — families, older adults, those hauling heavy loads — not just the strong and confident.
- Security isn’t optional. If we want people to ride, we have to protect their ability to do so.
- Small pilots = big lessons. These community-led projects are already shaping better policy and infrastructure at the city level.
Thanks to this incredible community, we reached our initial $3,000 goal within just a few hours! Your support has been nothing short of inspiring. Because of this amazing momentum, we’ve set a stretch goal of $5,000 to help cover additional operational costs and keep our work moving forward.
If you believe in building better city-level policy and infrastructure — and want to help replace the stolen bikes that keep our community rolling — please consider donating. Every contribution keeps the future of cycling in motion.
👉 Donate here – Minneapolis Cargo Bike Library – Donate
Whether it’s Bikehangars outside residential buildings, repair stands at transit hubs, or cargo-specific storage like the one at Lyndale, we believe cycling only grows when storage keeps up.
Because the best transportation sometimes starts with a good idea, a few bikes, and the right place to park them.
Credit: courtesy of the Cargo Bike Library
What’s next?
If you’re looking to pilot a cargo bike library, offer secure cycle parking in your community, or create safer, more inclusive streets—we’d love to talk.
Want to learn more about our products and partnerships? Contact us to get started.