We should qualify the title. Some cyclists might like asphalt shoving, especially for getting air.

What is asphalt shoving? It’s the result of high horizontal stresses that cause ripples or washboards to form in asphalt.

In the city of Detroit, you’ll often see this phenomenon at well-used bus stops. The force from the bus stopping causes slight shifts in the asphalt each time.

This uneven pavement can cause problems for unsuspecting cyclists. It can also cause drainage problems.

One solution is to use concrete pads at bus stops, but this is more expensive at the front-end. Still, it’s a good idea on roads with higher levels of bicycle traffic, e.g. Woodward Avenue.

In the meantime, be careful riding those bus routes.

State Representative Pam Byrnes said it best, “This bill is not what everybody wants, but it’s a good step forward.”

The original Complete Streets bill would have required MDOT and all cities and counties to adopt Complete Streets policies. The new bill requires only MDOT but encourages others to do the same.

The new bill was unanimously voted out of the House Transportation Committee today and will hopefully get a vote on the House floor before heading to the Senate.

For additional details, the Michigan Complete Streets Coalition has an excellent write up on their website.

These bills still need our help! Please contact your state representative now to tell them to support House Bills 6151 and 6152.

The Michigan Complete Streets also has a list of other actions you can take to help the roads in this state a better place to ride a bicycle.

As mentioned before, the Adventure Cycling Association with help from MTGA and others are developing an Underground Railroad Bicycle Route. This route would be a 400-mile spur from the existing 2,100-mile route running from Alabama, through Buffalo, NY to Ontario.

Bicycle Retailer magazine is reporting that Adventure Cycling just received a $20K grant from REI to continue this routing effort.

The 400-mile alternate will run between Oberlin, Ohio, and Owen Sound, Ontario, according to a press release. Highlights on the new route include the historically rich communities of Sandusky, Ohio and Detroit, Michigan.

Running through northwestern Ohio, southern Michigan, and southern Ontario, the new cycling route will create a cultural heritage corridor centered on the storied Underground Railroad, offering education and recreational opportunities for people of all ages.

The article also recognizes the recent bike efforts in the city of Detroit.

An important highlight on the new route, Detroit has increasingly invested in bike lanes, greenways, urban agriculture, and natural parks. This cycling route will capitalize on these local efforts through tourism and outreach projects such as club rides, youth involvement, and health and history events at libraries, museums, and other sites after the route is completed.

Adventure Cycling has pulled together a very knowledgeable and passionate group of Underground Railroad stakeholders. Combined with the organization’s vast experience, this new route promises to be an exciting addition for cyclists wanting to combine history and bike touring.

Yesterday, The Hub of Detroit led a group ride around the city of Detroit as part of the U.S. Social Forums. Starting at bike tent city on Woodward and Temple, the ride went past the Joe Louis fist, the RiverWalk, Dequindre Cut, Eastern Market, and more.

About 50 people participated. Many of them had ridden to Detroit. Everyone was super friendly, including the many motorists who yielded to the parade of pedalers.

Allison Mannos, an Urban Programs Coordinator at Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition was in the group. Allison gave an excellent presentation on diversity at the National Bike Summit earlier this year. She gave us big kudos for the Dequindre Cut.

MTGA at Detroit RiverDays

The Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance had a booth at the Detroit RiverDays event this past weekend. ?It was a great opportunity to discuss greenways, bike lanes, and Complete Streets ?in Detroit. The most popular question? “How do I get to the Dequindre Cut.” The MTGA booth was staffed with help from the Detroit Department of Health and Wellness Promotion, the Detroit Eastside Community Collaborative, Villages CDC, and Southwest Detroit Business Association.

Conner Creek Greenways Update

Model D has an article about the recently complete bike lanes added to St. Jean, which add another mile to the Conner Creek Greenway. This Greenway is on Detroit’s east side and will be 9 miles when completed. It will run from the Detroit River to Eight Mile near Van Dyke.

Going Green in Warren

The city of Warren is also looking at how to continue the Conner Creek Greenway north of Eight Mile. Different on-road routes are being evaluated.

In addition, Todd Scott and Nancy Krupiarz of MTGA are featured this month on the city’s Going Green program on Warren cable television. The half-hour segment discusses biking, Complete Streets, and much more.

Serious Summer Leisure Rides

Last week the Metro Times continued their love affair with cycling by creating a fine list of places to ride throughout Metro Detroit. It does include Hines Drive and their summertime closures to motor vehicles. This is a great time for cyclists to take over the street. Happening since the Eighties, this type of car free event (called a Ciclovia) is now gaining in popularity across the U.S..