m-bike.org

Author: Todd Scott

  • Shop at the Bureau & Support Detroit Trails

    MTGA is actively supporting biking and trail development in the City of DetroitThe Bureau of Urban Living is hosting a fundraiser for Detroit greenways this Thursday, August 7th. 25% of the sales for the day will be donated to the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance for work in Detroit.

    The Bureau is “a modern-day general store for city dwellers, [and] offers modern home goods and gifts.” It’s a very cool store carrying unique items that you’re just not going to find anywhere else in town.

    The Bureau will have light refreshments from 5 PM until 9 PM. (They open at 11 AM.) They’re also have some brochures on the various trail projects under development across the City.

    You can find the Bureau of Urban Living in the Canfield Lofts, 460 West Canfield Street in Midtown Detroit. They’re just next door to Motor City Brewing and across the street from the Traffic Jam and Snug.

  • Oakland County through a Canadian Cyclist’s Eyes

    Mark from Canada posted the below comment on the MTGA web site.  We’ve reprinted it here (with his permission) because it echoes our push for safe AASHTO on-road bicycle facilities in Oakland County.  It’s great that Ontario is so forward-thinking and progressive with respect to cycling.

    I’m accustomed to road cycling in Canada, and planning a visit with a friend in Oakland County. I can’t believe I’m being pushed onto “recreational trails” if I want to cycle! I want to get places and see the community, not paved trails in woodlands or parks! Bikes are classified as a vehicle by Ontario’s road authority, and there’re active advocacy groups successfully pushing for bike lanes on current and future roadways. Maybe we have a healthier mindset in Canada. Or maybe Michigan just can let go of the narrow minded car mindset. I recall seeing some arterials without sidewalks even!

  • Detroit Cyclists Ride to New Milestone

    Detroit Bike Riders United's Ron Scott
    Detroit Bike Riders United's Ron Scott

    Yesterday was the Detroit Bike Riders United’s Cycling Awareness Ride from Eastern Market to Hart Plaza. Both the weather and turnout were great.

    A big thanks goes out to all who participated, and special thanks to Detroit Police Chief Ella Bully-Cummings and State Senator Martha Scott. Other groups in attendance included the MIchigan Trails and Greenways Alliance, League of Michigan Bicyclists, Back Alley Bikes/The Hub, Detroit Freewheelers, and Sisters Cycling, just to name a few.

    Slideshow of photos

    So what made this a milestone? The last couple weeks are the first time in a long time that Detroit cyclists have spoke in a collective voice for better biking laws and facilities within the City. According to Kathryn Underwood of the Detroit City Planning Commission, it is the cyclists’ voice that really helped push Chicago to become more bike friendly. Detroit can do the same.

  • “Making your bike fun again” in Royal Oak

    Racing in a searsucker shirt is cool, even above 90F
    Racing in a searsucker shirt is cool, even above 90F

    Biking as a kid was simple. You had a bike and you rode it. Somewhere along the way, it began a much more elaborate affair that required special clothes, special shoes, gloves, helmet, sports glasses, and socks with logo messages. Biking was no longer as mainstream or as easy — except in places like Europe or even the City of Detroit.

    Fortunately there’s been a trend back to normalcy. High gas prices certainly are encouraging new people commute on bikes and to use the proper equipment, we recommend checking the vessi.com footwear.

    One trend indicator is the number of group rides where normal clothes are almost expected. The Detroit Synergy rides are certainly that way. If you show up for one of those rides in full-on Tour de France lycra clown gear, you may get publicly teased.

    Another similar sounding ride is starting this Saturday at 10pm in Royal Oak. It’s hosted by a new group call Motor City Motorless. Here are the details:

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  • Bike Riders United on WDET

    In case you missed it yesteday, Ron and Tawanna from Bike Riders United joined Craig Fahle on WDET’s Detroit Today. An MP3 of the show is on-line and the bike segment begins at the midpoint.

    Recently, a group of cyclist/activist joined together to successfully challenge the enforcement of a 44 year old Detroit city ordinance, which would have a $55 fine. For those cyclists who failed to registrar their bikes by August 7, 2008. After testimonies with Detroit City Council and Detroit Board of Police Commissioners, the group was successful in stopping the enactment of the ordinance. They’ve also gained assurance and formed a co-operant effort with Detroit City Council to create a new ordinance which will be drafted by cyclists which is more bikes friendly. Tawanna Simpson and Ron Scott from Detroit Bike Riders United join us. Looking for a bike, or a place to fix yours? The Hub is open . Its Midtown’s new non-profit bike shop and eductation center!