Miles Patak Accident, Death – Minneapolis lost a beloved member of its cycling community when 38-year-old Miles Jacob Patak was struck and killed by a northbound Blue Line light rail train while biking at the intersection of East 42nd Street and Hiawatha Avenue. For the Patak family, and especially for his father Curtis, the tragedy marks more than a personal loss—it is a poignant reminder of the risks cyclists face every day on urban roads.
Miles was more than a cyclist; he was a father, a son, and a passionate advocate for the joy of riding. Introduced to the sport at an early age by his father, Curtis Patak—an accomplished cyclist and mentor known affectionately as “Coach”—Miles developed a deep bond with biking that defined much of his life. “From the time he was a child, he was happiest when he was pedaling,” Curtis said. Their shared love for cycling took them on tours from Minneapolis to Michigan and into the world of BMX and mountain biking competitions.
That passion carried into adulthood, where Miles became known not only for his energetic presence and quick wit, but also for the devotion he showed to his own son. “He really wanted to be a good dad. That meant everything to him,” Curtis recalled. Now, with the heart-wrenching task of preserving his son’s memory, Curtis plans to pass on the same lessons of resilience, responsibility, and joy to his grandson.
The fatal accident that claimed Miles’ life was the 19th death involving the Blue Line light rail since it began operating in 2004, and the fifth involving a bicyclist. Metro Transit is continuing to investigate the circumstances of the incident. In the meantime, Curtis is using his grief to advocate for better safety awareness among cyclists and transit authorities alike. “You’ve got to ride like you’re invisible,” he urged. “It’s not about blame. It’s about survival.”
In memory of his son, Curtis is organizing a memorial bike tour—a tribute that will follow a route they often rode together, filled with the echoes of shared moments and the spirit of a life lived fully on two wheels. The event aims to not only celebrate Miles’ life, but also to raise awareness about bicycle safety and the need for stronger protections for cyclists in Minneapolis and beyond.
“Miles wasn’t just a statistic,” Curtis said. “He had dreams, he had a family, and he had a spirit that touched so many people.” As the community prepares to honor his legacy, riders across the city are reminded of both the fragility of life and the strength of connection that cycling can bring.
Though his life was tragically cut short, Miles Patak’s memory lives on—in every spinning wheel, every quiet ride, and in every rider who chooses safety, awareness, and passion on the road.