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 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.

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:

Read the rest of this entry »

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!

The Detroit Bike Rider United have a great ride planned for this Friday, August 1st at 12:30 PM. We hope to see plenty of cyclists show their support for bicycling in the city. While this ride was originally planned to protest the City’s bicycle license enforcement, it now is more of a celebration since the ordinance is being repealed and not enforced.

This ride is in memory of Yale Njoma Miller.

Here are the details!

Help Make Detroit A Bicycle Friendly Green City!

• Learn what you need to know to ride safely
• How Detroits Bicycle ordinance effects you
• Support Detroit’s non-motorized plan
• Learn about the Greening of Detroit
• Refreshments and giveaways

Organized by Detroit Bike Riders United and supported by The League of Michigan Bicyclists, The Boll Family YMCA, Thedetroiter.com, Zaccaro’s, Starbuck’s, The Wheel House, The Wolverine Sports Club, Back Alley Bikes, Michigan Trails & Greenways, Tour de Troit, Avalon Bakery, Continental Bikes, Jimmies Bikes, Bike Tech, Detroit Summer and many others

The Ride starts across the street from Bert’s Market Place, 2727 Russell St. in Eastern Market and ends at Ford Auditorium directly across the street from the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center. Tour de Troit has mapped out a brief route that will allow exploration of some of Detroit’s interesting downtown areas.

For further information call 313-422-3617 or 313-587-4666