This past week had a concentration of biking-related news and events in Detroit.

And if it weren’t for the dire automotive news and the thrilling Red Wings results, we may have had a bit more media coverage.

Monday: Bike Registration

Detroit City Council’s Public Health and Safety committee held a public hearing on a new voluntary bike registration program. MTGA, The Hub, and Detroit Bike Riders United were gave public testimony in support of the new ordinance. The ordinance passed and went before the full council on Tuesday. We did not yet hear the results but expect it was passed.

Thursday: Dequindre Cut

Detroit’s newest greenway, the Dequindre Cut had its official grand opening.

It was a very exciting, event-filled, and sunny day. One could not ask for a better kick off.

Though just on the job for his fourth day, Mayor Bing attended and spoke positively about this trail. That shouldn’t be unexpected as Mayor Bing is a board member for the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy.

As he hustled off to another appointment, I caught up to him and gave him a copy of the new Detroit Greenways Network brochure.

Media coverage: Metro Times and Click on Detroit video

Later that evening, the Green Garage hosted the Model D Speaker Series. Tom Woiwode from the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan spoke about the Dequindre Cut, Bil Lusa highlighted the Detroit biking scene and Tour de Troit, while I covered the status of greenway development in Detroit.

There was a very solid turnout (over 190 had pre-registered).

Friday: Bike to Work Day

We had two groups ride this year, one starting in Royal Oak and the other in Grosse Point. Each had about 25 riders and both ended at Campus Martius.

The weather was perfect.

And we had bike commuters looking “normal” in blue jeans, baggy shorts and cotton T-shirts.

Detroit Synergy, American Cycle & Fitness, and a host of other sponsors made these rides (and the cool T-shirts) possible.

Media coverage: Metro Times

The Free Press has another Dequindre Cut article in today’s paper which includes photos and this video.

Although the video shows motor vehicles on the Dequindre Cut, those are just performing last minute maintenance. The Cut will not be open to the motoring public.

The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy has announced the many activities planned for Thursday’s much anticipated grand opening of the Dequindre Cut.

A community parade. The MLK Band. Guided tours. Cooking demonstations. Free pizza.

Just like the trail itself, the grand opening will be world class.

And in preparation for this event, the unwelcomed grafitti tagging on the call boxes has been removed. The asphalt which was damaged during the Antietam Bridge construction has been replaced. Landscaping is being cleaned up.

Speaking of grafitti, prior to the trail’s construction, we documented the best grafitti art in the Cut. Those photos are now on-line. Unfortunately some of that grafitti was destroyed during the trail’s construction.

The Free Press and Model D have published articles about the opening as well.

Detroit City Council’s Public Health and Safety Committee is holding a public hearing on Monday, May 11th at 10:30 AM on a new bicycle registration ordinance.

This new ordinance is voluntary and replaces the mandatory registration ordinance removed last summer.

PUBLIC HEARING – RE: Proposed ordinance to amend Chapter 55, Article IX, of the 1984 Detroit City Code, Motorcycles, Motor-Driven Cycles and Bicycles, by adding Division 3, Voluntary Bicycle Registration, which shall contain Sections 55-9-41 through 55-9-49 (Law and Police Departments)

Whether or not you have opportunity to register your bike, it really is important that you at least document the serial number. This number is typically stamped into your bike frame often times near the cranks. With the serial number and 99 cents, you can take advantage of the National Bike Registry in the event yours is stolen.

Next Thursday, May 14th at 5 PM I’ll be giving a presentation at the Model D Speaker Series.

The topic is greenways and trails in Detroit and Hamtramck. I’ll bring everyone up to speed on what’s been going on through my work with the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance.

I’ll also be introducing our brand new Detroit Greenways Network brochure, a hint of which is shown at the right.

The location is the Green Garage in Midtown at 4444 Second Avenue, conveniently located just around the corner from Motor City Brewing Works.

Bil Lusa will also speak about this September’s epic Tour-de-Troit bike ride.

This is a free event though you’ll need to sign up.

Link: More Information