Woodward Pedal Cruise (Dream Cruise Weekend), Saturday August 15th!

In the Inaugural Woodward Pedal Cruise on August 15th, we will show our support of our city and the nation’s first mile of concrete road by cycling near the annual North Woodward Avenue Automobile Dream Cruise event! . Afterall, without automobiles and the spirit of innovation within the city limits of Detroit, there would be no Dream Cruise. Because, the automobile industry had its roots in the City of Detroit, we will celebrate the forerunner of automobiles – the bicycle!! This early morning (an earlier start than the usual Detroit Bikes! event) ride will conclude in plenty of time for participants to visit the North Woodward Dream Cruise. Dress for the occasion. Yes! we will ride on portions of Woodward Avenue in the Detroit City Limits.

Tour Times and Location
Tour will start @ 9am PROMPTLY at Rivard Plaza on the East Riverfront Promenade (near the intersections of Rivard and Atwater). Look for the large tent-like structure that is 1 block east of the Ren Cen. Bikes will be near the riverfront. Our tours are beginners level cycling speeds and we obey all traffic laws.

Tour Description
Feel free to take in the sites as we ride through neighborhoods, parks, greenways, and business districts that make up the Woodward Corridor. Take in fabulous views of the Detroit Skyline, Palmer Park, and several beautiful neighborhoods that shape this area. The end of our tour will lead us back to Rivard Plaza. Hope to see you there. Show your Motor City Pride!

preview of our Proposed route map: NA
approximate milage: 20 miles
start point: Rivard Plaza on the East Riverfront Promenade (near the intersections of Rivard and Atwater)
rest and food stops: Goldengate Cafe, 18700 Woodward Ave., and Z’s Villa, intersection of Piquette and John R.
end point: Rivard Plaza with plenty of time for participants to visit the North Woodward Dream Cruise.
RAIN DATE: Next year’s Dream Cruise weekend

*Bike, bike helmet and signed liability waiver (at event location) are required! Personal money for event activities (i.e. bakery stop or lunch afterward) and bike lock suggested, but not mandatory.

*Parking fees and sites vary due to events, however free parking is available in select areas around Rivard Plaza, including the parking lot and several side streets. Parking is at owner’s expense. Ride a bike!

Tour Guidelines
Bike, bike helmet and signed liability waiver (at event location) are required!
For complete list of our tour and event requirements and rules of the road please visit our homepage: http://www.detroitsynergy.org/projects/detroitbikes/
beginners’ level cycling speeds, we obey all traffic laws
personal money optional for stops (i.e. sanders ice cream, bakery stop or carnival food afterward)
Parking fees and availability vary. However free street parking is available in the area and there are several parking lots nearby. Parking is at owner’s expense. Ride a bike!
one bathroom break scheduled
bike light and bike lock suggested, but not mandatory
sunscreen and water bottles suggested
eat a modest snack or breakfast before participating suggested
children under age 16 not suggested to ride alone, parental guidance required.
we want to keep everyone safe, and healthy. Please feel free to email, with any questions or concerns detroitbikes@detroitsynergy.org

Dear Chief Cadwell,

I am writing to express concern that some of the Highland Park police officers may not be familiar with state law and bicycling.

Last night I was riding home from the Detroit Fireworks along Woodward Avenue through Highland Park.

At 11:11pm, I passed a Highland Park squad car at a traffic stop on northbound Woodward near Church. The police officer yelled “Sidewalk” to me. Apparently he expected me to ride on the sidewalk rather than the road. However, under state law, I have the same access to the road as any motorist (though I must stay to the right.)

According to MCL 257.657:

Each person riding a bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, or moped or operating a low-speed vehicle upon a roadway has all of the rights and is subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this chapter, except as to special regulations in this article and except as to the provisions of this chapter which by their nature do not have application.

I would also note that bicycling on a sidewalk is far more dangerous than bicycling on a road. There have been numerous studies which have come to that conclusion.

Also, last month the Secretary of Transportation posted the article, Bicycling is only healthy when you ride safely. In the article he said, “Motorists should recognize that bicyclists have a right to ride on the roadway” and “bicyclists should ride on the roadway, rather than on sidewalks.”

I will drop off some booklets called “What Every Bicyclists Must Know” at the police station. They were printed in partnership with MDOT and help explain bicycle laws in the state of Michigan.

Todd Scott Is The Detroit Greenways Coordinator