Despite the recent batch of cooler weather, the riding season is far from over.

And in Detroit, there are two upcoming bike tours that benefit the development of Detroit trails.

September 20th: Tour de Troit

This is one very unique, not-to-be-missed bike tour. Last year over 600 bicyclists did this ride. The Detroit Police block all the streets and vehicle traffic as the huge group of bicyclists slowly toured the urban environment.  It definitely puts style over speed, fun over fast.

This year’s tour takes place Saturday, September 20th at Roosevelt Park, Corktown, Detroit, Michigan, USA.  We strongly encourage advance registration.

If you register before September 13th, you will be guaranteed a T-Shirt with your registration. New this year will be a pre-ride packet pickup, to be confirmed in future correspondence. Advance Registration is $25, $15 for students. Day-of-ride registration is possible for $35 from 8:30-9:30 a.m..

This is the seventh incarnation of the tour, and our organizers have been hard at work planning yet another new route for 2008 which includes Downtown, Eastern Market, Brush Park, Boston Edison, University District, Palmer Park, Old Redford and Grandmont-Rosedale areas. A short rest stop is planned at the newly-renovated Northwest Activities Center to allow riders to eat, drink and learn about community development and greenways planning in the city. The ride will end at Roosevelt Park where cyclists can remain from 2-6 p.m. to enjoy music, food and drinks.

This year, for those visiting the city who wish to stay the night before, after, or both; Motor City Casino Hotel is offering a special, deeply discounted rate of $139 per night for Tour participants! You can even bring your bicycle (up to two) to your room! More information

This ride helps raise funds for the Corktown-Mexicantown Greenlink project.

October 5th: Conner Creek Greenway

Wheelhouse Detroit, the Detroit Eastside Community Collaborative and Detroit Bikes! have put together a 20 to 25 mile tour of the Conner Creek Greenway and surrounding neighborhoods!

Points of interest include the Better Made factory, Norris Town, the Dorais Velodrome the Milbank Trail, and a lunch stop at the historic (and haunted!) Two Way Inn.

The tour cost $30, which includes a lunch at the Two Way Inn.  Add $10 if you need to rent a bike.  This ride benefits the Conner Creek Greenway.

The ride begins at the Wheelhouse Detroit, which is located at 1340 Atwater St., at Rivard Plaza on the Detroit RiverWalk. There’s free parking at the Plaza.

There’s more tour info on-line.  You can also call the Wheelhouse at 313-656-BIKE (2453) or send them an mail.

HOV lane signage on Michigan Avenue

We recently brought up the issue with the High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes on Michigan Avenue.  These HOV lanes were on the right side of the road where cyclists would normally ride.  Did this mean cyclist had to ride in the center lanes?

Fortunately, HOV lanes and their use were not defined in state law.  MDOT worked quickly to change that.  We spoke with MDOT about including an exception for bicycles when the HOV lane is also the right lane, as it is on Michigan Avenue in Detroit.

That legislation (Senate Bill 1462) was introduced on Tuesday and it does include our requested exception:

The restrictions imposed on HOV lanes do not apply to … Bicycles, if the HOV lane is the right-hand lane of a highway open to bicycles.

We certainly encourage anyone to contact their Senator to express their support for this legislation.

UPDATE 9/19/08: A related House and Senate bill has been modified which limits MDOT to having HOV lanes only on Michigan Avenue and only in Detroit.

UPDATE 12/9/08: The Governor signed this bill into law

SMART bus with a two-bike rack

DDOT has listened to our requests.

DDOT has announced that the Russell bus line will include bus bike racks.  They are doing this on a trial basis.  Eventually we may see all  DDOT buses with bike racks similar to what SMART has done.

DDOT is calling this Bikes On Buses or B.O.B.

There are B.O.B. details on-line along with a B.O.B. user guide.  Or you can call DDOT customer service at 313.933.1300.

Special thanks to DDOT and the Transportation Riders United (TRU) for helping push this project forward.  This is a great complement to the bus network, but also a great benefit for Detroit cyclists wanting to get to cycling destinations across the city (e.g. Belle Isle, Riverwalk.)

The good news is the Detroit Non-Motorized Transportation Plan was resoundingly supported by the City Council’s Public Health and Safety Committee. It’s expected to go before the entire Council for a final vote next Tuesday.

One common comment was that Detroit needs some positive news during the recent challenges and getting this plan approved and implemented is very positive. Chair Alberta Tinsley-Talabi said that this was a wonderful way to come back from council recess.

During the discussion, Detroit’s Traffic Engineering Department assured councilmembers that they support the Corktown-Mexicantown greenlink project.  The City will apply for the MDOT transportation enhancement grant to get the project built, possibly starting as early as next year.  This project includes many miles of bike lanes throughout the Corktown neighborhood.

Thanks to all who came to the meeting in support of the project.  Our continued appearances before city council shows the community support and helps build further momentum for improved biking and walking in Detroit.

Overlooking the Phase II expansion from the large grassy mound at Tri-Centennial State Park

Tri-Centennial State Park on the Detroit River is all set to expand and connect with the Riverwalk’s Rivard Plaza.  This much awaited expansion means the Detroit Riverwalk will be longer and will provide a trail connection to the Dequindre Cut.

The State Park expansion will actually have two parallel paths: one for walking and the other for biking.  This should help reduce trail bottlenecks that are often seen on the Riverwalk between the Rivard Plaza and Joe Louis Arena.

The DNR is striving for a softer trail design.  In other words, there will be more natural features and less man-made.  There will also be more interpretive and educational opportunities along this trail.

And as anyone who’s been on this property knows, it’s popular with fishermen.  The DNR plans to accomodate them as well after construction is completed. Read the rest of this entry »