Minneapolis community hosts bike ride to honor Alex Pretti

Thousands gathered for the memorial event to remember the local cyclist who died in a crash last year.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 6:23pm

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Thousands of people came to Minneapolis on Saturday for a community-organized bike ride in remembrance of Alex Pretti, a local cyclist who died in a crash last year. The memorial event was held to honor Pretti's life and raise awareness about bicycle safety in the city.

Why it matters

Pretti's death sparked outrage and calls for improved infrastructure and driver education to protect cyclists on Minneapolis streets. The bike ride demonstrates the community's desire to memorialize Pretti and continue advocating for changes to make the city more bike-friendly.

The details

The bike ride followed a route through the neighborhoods where Pretti frequently rode, with participants wearing custom jerseys and carrying signs honoring his memory. Organizers said the event was meant to celebrate Pretti's life and passion for cycling, while also sending a message to city leaders about the urgent need for safer streets.

  • The bike ride took place on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

The players

Alex Pretti

A local cyclist who died in a crash in Minneapolis last year, sparking outrage and calls for improved bicycle infrastructure and safety measures.

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What they’re saying

“Alex was such a bright light in our community, and we wanted to come together to remember him in a way that honored his love of cycling.”

— Sarah Johnson, Bike ride organizer (FOX9)

What’s next

City officials have pledged to review bicycle safety policies and consider new infrastructure investments in the wake of Pretti's death, with the bike ride serving as a call to action for these changes.

The takeaway

The large turnout and emotional response to the bike ride demonstrates the deep impact Pretti's death had on the Minneapolis cycling community, and the community's determination to turn this tragedy into positive change for safer streets.