[$tinkle]

rather impressive: Minnesota Courts Cyclists With A New Mobile Platform

Cyclists in New York (and pretty much every other state) are used to struggling for the attention of lawmakers. Not so in Minnesota, a state that’s actively courting cyclists--most recently, through Pedal Minnesota, a new campaign aimed at making it easier for locals and tourists to get around by bike.


Minnesota has a reputation for being a particularly easy place to ride a bike, full of famously hardy winter commuters. The state generates over $1 billion in bike-related revenue, more than hunting and snowmobiling combined, says Eric Husband, creative director at Colle+McVoy, the Minneapolis ad agency behind Pedal Minnesota.

A coalition of eight public partners (including the Minnesota DOT, DOH, and several tourism boards) approached the agency about designing an identity and web platform for the alliance last year. Husband describes the design process as miraculously smooth. “You’d think with so many partners, it would be hard to reach consensus,” he says over email. “But a shared passion for biking led the way.” Aww. The logo reflects the good vibes--a heart-shaped frame, sandwiched between two wheels. A warm color palette, and a slogan that gives a nod to Minnesota’s famed hospitality (“The Bike Friendly State”), rounds out the design. “Black might work in New York, but it’s not the first thing you think of in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.”

Colle+McVoy took pains to design a mobile-friendly website, which includes smartphone accessible maps of the state’s routes. “By using responsive design, the site can be completely utilized by bikers on the go,” explains Husband. A website of neatly organized resources, like advice on commuting with kids and a searchable calendar of events and group rides, completes the web presence.

just in time for leaf hunting season

 

[4xBoy]

Cuyuna area trail system has been given the green light to build as much trails as they want.

It is a impressive considering how screwed up this state is with the people we elect.

 

[X3pilot]

Pretty cool. And that state makes some awesome cheese, too!