Spring has officially sprung. Warmer weather, longer days, and blooming flowers will entice even the most reclusive homebodies out to experience Mother Nature. And there really is no better way to take it all in than by bike. So as we celebrate spring, it makes sense to celebrate biking. For example, did you know that May is National Bike Month?
How do we celebrate Bike Month? By biking of course!
While you can simply ride around the block, there are other possibilities you may not have considered. You can rent a bike at one of several bike share locations throughout the region for a bike ride across town. A couple options to consider are MoGo in Detroit or Zagster in Port Huron.
Detroit’s MoGo now features an adaptive cycling program, which offers options for riders of all abilities.
Kids can ride their bikes to school (perhaps they even participated in Bike to School Day.)
You can get competitive with SEMCOG’s Commuter Challenge if that’s your thing. And if you aren’t up for riding alone, you may be interested in one of the ever-growing number of group rides and events happening across our region.
One such group ride event is the annual Roll Along the River, which takes place on Jefferson Avenue in the Downriver communities. This year’s ride, sponsored by Henry Ford Health Systems, took place in the cities of Ecorse, Riverview, Trenton, and Wyandotte, connecting together three of our region’s beautiful waterfront parks – John Dingell Pak, Bishop Park, and Elizabeth Park. Over 150 people of all ages took to the streets in comfort bikes, mountain bikes, and street cruisers. SEMCOG staff was there to capture the experience by land and air.
This week (May 14-18) is National Bike to Work Week, with Bike to Work Day happening on Friday, May 18. People across the nation are encouraged to ditch the stressful drive, grab a friend, and get a great start to your day by biking. If you can’t ride very far, consider bringing your bike to a bus stop and riding the last couple miles or even taking a longer lunch break to enjoy a midday roll.
If you happen to work in Downtown Detroit, consider participating in a 2018 Detroit Bike to Work Day group convoy, sponsored by the Detroit Greenways Coalition. There will be pit stops at New Center, Wayne State University, and Downtown Detroit with refreshments and giveaways. Look for SEMCOG staff at the Spirit of Detroit Plaza, where we will be signing people up for the Commuter Challenge and encouraging folks to Walk, Bike, and Drive Safe.
Whether or not you make it out to one of these events, SEMCOG encourages you to continue biking all season long. To assist you in your travels, we have created a new web mapping tool to help you find a route. The Southeast Michigan Bicycle Network map is an example of how SEMCOG is implementing our regional bicycle and pedestrian travel plan and highlights all the efforts taking place in our local communities.
So in celebration of bike month, get out there and ride!
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