Karen Heining (Detroit Derby Girls) with Mayor Cockrel

Early Friday morning, Council President Ken Cockrel Jr. became Detroit’s new mayor.

As many have said, this opens a new and exciting chapter in this city’s history.  And while this is certainly true in many ways, it’s especially true for biking in Detroit.

Mayor Cockrel and his staff were instrumental in getting  Detroit’s Non-Motorized Transportation Master Plan moving through city council and approved just last Tuesday.  And with walking and biking being the greenest transportation, it certainly fits with the Mayor’s green agenda, which he mentioned in his inauguration speech.

But also, Mayor Cockrel is a Detroit cyclist.  He rides a few times a week, often before the start of his work day.  Even during these transitional times, he’s still finding some time to ride.

However, he said he was planning to put the bike away soon due to the lack of morning daylight.  We promised to get him information on bike lighting options so he can continue riding.

Just a little over a month ago we lamented Al Fields leaving Mayor Kilpatrick’s office.  He was cyclists’ main if not only advocate in the mayor’s office.  Al had gotten a lot done for Detroit biking, so his leaving left behind a huge vacancy.

We can safely say that that vacancy has been filled.

Last Tuesday, the full Detroit City Council approved two resolutions relating to the Non-Motorized Transportation Master Plan.

Why a Master Plan?

Municipalities develop non-motorized master plans to look at their entire area and creates a vision for improved biking and walking facilities based on public input and various data sources.  Typically the plan calls for modifying existing road right-of-ways to better and more safely accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians.  It would also consider non-motorized trails needs as well as related amenities, such as bike racks.

And of course, a good plan would make recommendations on how to change city policies in order to make the planning vision a reality.

Having a good non-motorized plan helps municipalities implement them as road construction projects are planned.  Similarly, it obligates other road agencies (e.g. MDOT) to implement the plan on roads they own within the municipality.

And finally, having system-wide plans such as these improves the chances for grant funding to help implement the plan.

Detroit’s Plan

MDOT funded a non-motorized plan for Detroit.  Giffels-Webster along with other firms and the City of Detroit developed the plan.   The plan calls for various improvements for walking and biking in Detroit, including nearly 400 miles of bike lanes.

Link to Detroit Non-motorized Transportation Master Plan

City Council Resolutions

The plan was first presented to Council President Ken Cockrel Jr.’s Green Task Force.  We received a very favorable response and Mr. Cockrel got this on a council committee agenda.  With a solid showing of public support, the committee created resolutions to approve it.

Both resolutions are shown below: (more…)

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.

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.