WOW! Southeast Michigan Goes Big for Bike Month

Throughout May, SEMCOG, communities, and partner organizations across the region participated in National Bike Month with a range of educational efforts focused on the importance of bike safety. We also used this opportunity to celebrate bicycling not just as an alternative to driving, but as a primary travel mode, second to none.

What follows is a snapshot of events, trainings, and public gatherings held in celebration of bicycling. This is certainly not an exhaustive list, but I believe it captures the spirit of the month and displays the creativity and passion the region has to make our roads safer for all users and to provide access to a bicycle, regardless of your age, ability, and need.

Let’s get started!

May 1 – Launch of SEMCOG’s Walk Bike Drive Safe educational campaign.

Materials available include a safety tips brochure, bike lights, safety light wristbands, and safety light armbands. Please let us know if you are interested in any of these for events or for display and distribution at community facilities!

May 6 – Roll Along the River

This 14-mile group bicycle ride though River Rouge, Delray, Southwest Detroit, and Ecorse included stops at Historic Fort Wayne, Woodmere Cemetery, Fort Rouge Gateway Park, and Mexican Town.

May 9-12 – MDOT “Training Wheels” courses x 4!

Four Training Wheels educational courses were held in Howell, Warren/Centerline, Royal Oak, and Wyandotte between May 9 and 12. These courses were led by MDOT to educate communities on planning and designing on-road bicycle facilities. They included a ride through the community, plus analysis of the types of facilities available.

May 10 – Bike to School Day

This national event brings together community leaders, parents, students, and other stakeholders, to promote the importance of physical activity. Just as importantly, it builds community awareness on the importance of becoming more walkable and bikeable. This year, over 200 schools across the state participated, including John K King Academy in Detroit (seen below).

May 18 – Ferndale Bike Rodeo

Communities across the region use bike rodeos to teach children the skills and precautions needed to ride a bicycle safely. While each is unique, these events usually bring together public safety officials (police, fire, and/or EMS), parks and community development departments, and community children (generally 4-13 years of age) to set up a lifelike road course to educate and improve rider knowledge and confidence while on two wheels. Often, safety equipment such as helmets are provided and appropriately fitted for each participant. Ferndale has been hosting bicycle rodeos for a number of years to engage and educate the community while at the same time making city roads safer for riding.

May 19 – Bike to Work Day

Similar to Bike to School Day, this national effort encourages commuters to “trade in their car keys for bike helmets.” Detroit’s version included several group rides along major corridors like Woodward, Gratiot, Jefferson, Grand River, and Michigan Avenue, with riders traveling into Detroit from Plymouth, Birmingham, St. Clair Shores, and beyond!

May 20 – East Side Bike Drive

A total of 670 bikes were handed out to Macomb County residents as part of the county’s first bike drive and giveaway. Over 800 bikes were donated, with 30 volunteers tuning-up and repairing bikes for the giveaway. The event was lead by Advancing Macomb and, in addition to bikes, each participant also received a helmet as well as educational and safety materials.

May 23 – Launch of MoGo Bikeshare and Detroit Rides Campaign

Downtown Detroit’s first public bikeshare system, MoGo, includes 430 bikes at 43 stations spread across 10 neighborhoods. Users can purchase passes for a day, month, or year, and rides are set at 30 minutes. The goal of MoGo is to increase mobility options within the city and provide better and affordable connections for daily trips. SEMCOG assisted in the development of MoGo, through a 2016 TAP grant.

Concurrent with the launch of MoGo, the City of Detroit also launched Detroit Rides – a safety and education campaign to increase bike ridership, update road users of new infrastructure and proper usage, and decrease bike and pedestrian injuries and fatalities in the city.

Bonus!!!

On June 1, the City of Sterling Heights completed the newest connection of the Iron Belle Trail with the opening of the multi-use bridge over the Clinton River in Dodge Park.

Although Bike Month is “officially” over, efforts to promote bicycle safety as well as educate on the benefits of cycling as a mode of transportation do not stop. SEMCOG continues to get the word out and will be posting upcoming events on our webpage.

PLEASE share your events and/or any accomplishments you have had with us!