From the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health, and Sports:

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm celebrates volunteers committed to promoting bicycling in the communities of Detroit, Grand Rapids and Lansing

The Hub/Back Alley Bikes in Detroit, The Motion Initiative in Grand Rapids, and MSU Bikes and Share a Bike in Lansing will host a Day of Action event on Saturday, September 27 from noon to 4 PM to encourage the donation of bikes and bike parts. The events, depending on location, will also offer free maintenance checks, bike safety training and other services and activities.

These organizations work tirelessly to collect, repair and distribute bikes in their communities. Participating residents can support their efforts, donate bikes, and learn more about biking and bike maintenance.

Here are some of the details for The Hub’s Saturday event:

• Clean out your garage and donate a bike or bike parts
• Donated bikes will go through safety checks and repairs, then be distributed to Detroit youth
• Bring in your own bike for safety repairs including fixing flat tires, chains or brakes
• Participate in on-bike safety activities to learn proper use of:
  • Hand signals
  • Helmets
  • Lights
  • Locks
• Put your training to the test with a group ride at 3 PM

Contact Jake VanDyke at 313.879.5073 for further details

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.

This Wednesday we will be participating in green brainstorming sessions at the Royal Oak Farmer’s Market.  The details on this session are below in the original press release.

Our plan to briefly discuss where we are with respect to our roads, how we got here, and ideas for bringing better green transportation options to Royal Oak.

Press release:

Royal Oak, MI – The Royal Oak Environmental Advisory Board will host a brainstorming session at the Royal Oak Farmers Market on Wednesday, September 17 from 7 to 8:30pm. In an effort to make Royal Oak a more environmentally responsible city, the Environmental Advisory Board encourages Royal Oak citizens to share their ideas at the brainstorm session. Community members will have the opportunity to share their ideas regarding the following topics: recycling, yard waste/compost, air quality, hazardous waste management, energy, water quality, and transportation.

On September 24, the Environmental Advisory Board will set its goals for 2008-2009 using the ideas from the community. For more information, please contact Melissa Damaschke at 248-990-1688.
WHAT: Green Brainstorming Session

WHO: Royal Oak Environmental Advisory Board

WHEN: Wednesday, September 17 from 7 to 8:30pm

WHERE: Farmers Market (316 East Eleven Mile Road; Royal Oak)

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.