I'm going to spend a little time at my parents' in Sterling Heights, and I honestly cant think of any good routes on bike. The north/south roads (Van Dyke, Schoenherr, Mound, etc) are generally pretty hellish with nasty curbs and 50 mph traffic. The mile roads are a little better, but still I just dont see myself biking around there. Any advice?

rsd - Yeah I grew up on the east side and it's pretty crazy around that side of town for cycling. Will you have a car+rack? Stoney Creek is not too far if you want to do the loop around the park a few times.

Or head out a bit to the west side - here's a link to daily rides that Wolverine does: http://www.lmb.org/wsc/html/rides.html

The Tuesday night ride with Motive Force:
http://www.lmb.org/mfls/

There are other groups/routes down in Dearborn and up in Waterford, but those are probably the closest to where you'll be.

I'm going to spend a little time at my parents' in Sterling Heights, and I honestly cant think of any good routes on bike. The north/south roads (Van Dyke, Schoenherr, Mound, etc) are generally pretty hellish with nasty curbs and 50 mph traffic. The mile roads are a little better, but still I just dont see myself biking around there. Any advice?
Mound isn't really all *that* bad. I've been riding it for a couple of years now while commuting (all seasons) and the people are used to seeing me there. For the first few months it was honks and yelling, that has stopped for the most part - I only get honked or yelled at once or twice a month (if that).
If you're wanting to do some paved path riding you can go to Dodge Park right where Utica and Dodge Park Rd. meet. It's pretty easy to get too. If you can make it to 16 1/2 Mile road and Van Dyke just take 16 1/2 down to Dodge Park Rd. and ride Dodge Park Rd. north for about a mile and you are there.
Or you could go out to Stony Creek. Catch the bus heading north on VanDyke to 23 Mile Rd, it lets you off at a Wal-Mart there, then head North to 25 or 26 Mile Rd and west into Stony Creek.

come to thinbk of it, Mound and VanDyke are pretty nasty during the rush hours with all the people speeding by with the "I hate my life and job" attitude. But during the other hours those roads are quite manageable.

When I travel on business to the Detroit area, if I plan to ride I purposely stay somewhere way out in the boonies...Imlay City has worked pretty well in the past for me. Much closer to the suburbs than that, you're taking some chances you don't want to take. I agree it's not a very cycling-friendly area, based on my limited experience up there. Most of the time I just plan on not riding for the few days I go up there...

one thing i notice about this post is the notion of driving a car to ride your bike. i always believed that any true ride, besides mountain biking, must start from ones front porch. all of my road rides start this way, which exposes me to roads that i must ride no matter what. cycling friendly? no detroit and subs are not. drivers do not expect you to be there or accept you on their road, unless you ride the expected routes metro parks hines drive outer drive, huron river drive, jefferson ave in the pointes, etc.
i agree though ride,ride everywhere, drivers and you can get used to anything. all you can lose is your life.

one thing i notice about this post is the notion of driving a car to ride your bike. i always believed that any true ride, besides mountain biking, must start from ones front porch.

So if I want to ride my road bike on the Pere Marquette trail between Midland and Clare, I have to first ride 120 miles from here to Midland before I can even start? Hardly seems fair and I'd kill a lot of my weekend that way. ;) I wouldn't take my car just to save a few miles, though. There are a lot of great places to road-ride in the area, but it's a big metro area and not practical to bike from one side to the other even if you had a straight traffic-free way to get there.

When I travel on business to the Detroit area, if I plan to ride I purposely stay somewhere way out in the boonies...Imlay City has worked pretty well in the past for me. Much closer to the suburbs than that, you're taking some chances you don't want to take. I agree it's not a very cycling-friendly area, based on my limited experience up there. Most of the time I just plan on not riding for the few days I go up there...
Wow Imlay city thats way out in the boondocks, plus you are getting into the thumb area of the state.

Thats where most of the Michigan militia and other nutjobs reside.

I always have nightmares of the movie "Deliverence" when I go up into that area.

Wow Imlay city thats way out in the boondocks, plus you are getting into the thumb area of the state.

Thats where most of the Michigan militia and other nutjobs reside.

I always have nightmares of the movie "Deliverence" when I go up into that area.

BUT... There are some pretty good cycling roads up in that direction. A higher percentage of paved roads, not much traffic, mostly flat (but can be windy since it's open farmland with not many trees). If you've got a fat-tired bike, I can recommend the Wadhams-to-Avoca trail (http://www.stclaircounty.org/offices/parks/wadhams.aspx). There is an old 1800s railroad trestle on the route that goes across a "canyon" that you would not believe you could find in a place like Michigan.

Yep, let's show 'em that bikes aren't just for kids! And even kids need to get out there. It seems I see less of them than when I was a youth myself. Now they are too busy studying or playing video games or whatever.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained. I'm willing to take the risk every time I go out, and I know that I am. But as I said, being Downriver Detroit, many people see me in shock, like they have never seen a cyclist on the road in their life. Well, now they have. I know I'm making a difference, and I don't have to deal with paperwork and stuff I don't enjoy, all I have to do is get out and ride, yeah it's a little rough, but it sure beats being a couch potato or a screen slave.

You guys have a lot of balls riding down there. I lived in Royal Oak for several years and found ways to ride all over the area by staying on the roads with low speed limits -- Campbell, Lincoln, Pierce, etc.

I moved to Traverse City three years ago and was amazed at how bike friendly the town is. We have a week each year where everyone is encouraged to take an alternate means of transportation to work -- bus, walk, ride, etc. There are always bikes around here so the drivers are always looking for us.

Bring your bike up here for a visit. September and October rule!

My two cents: I live in Inkster and commute to Canton on a singlespeed. For those of you who don't know the area, these are Western Detroit suburbs. Most of my commute goes through post WWII suburbs (Garden City, Westland, Inkster) with ample residential cross streets that I can stay on. Reaching Newburgh Rd, the story changes when you enter the suburban sprawl area. All of the East-West through streets (Cherry Hill, Ford Rd, Warren, etc.) are four or five lane heavily trafficked roads that are distinctly un-bicycle friendly due to many reasons mentioned in other posts like high curbs in narrow outside lanes. The alternatives of going to Hines Drive to the North or Palmer to the South, add considerably to the commute distance. The insistence in suburban planning for cul-de-sacs and subdivisions is my pet peeve.

I live in Troy, Mi and commute to 17 & mound, GDLS. I ride in the morning on 18 and 17 across. Then On the way home it is mostly all the sidewalks along 17 and 18. They are very wide and I maybe pass one walker in 10 miles. My fun rides go north of Troy. Beach Road, Adams and Squirel(sp?).

You guys have a lot of balls riding down there.


Yup, bike seat hasn't hurt my virility a bit! <grin> I think the main theme is, no matter what the place, if drivers are used to seeing bikers there, then they respect them more. So, where did everyone go? Someone has to be the first to step up. I'm more of a solo rider, I like it to be just me and the road, go wherever I please, randomly...otherwise I'd get more involved in organizing groups or whatever. Anyway, if you see me, feel free to tag along, for as long as you can keep up! :) Stay behind, I'll take the hit for ya!

I'm truly sorry some of you are having trouble finding a good route to cycle. I feel lucky living so close to Hines Park. As some of you probably know, every Saturday, they close off a 7 mile or so strip of Hines Drive between Outer Drive and Nankin Mills. It's like another world, with everyone from tiny tikes to old ladies cycling down the middle of the road. I feel like I can really "open her up" on Saturdays, with no traffic to worry about and two car lanes to pass in. Quite a blast!

Anyone gotten out yet this year to dodge the new crop of potholes? *hehe*

From what I see cycling infrastructure is pretty minimal. Out in Washtenaw county , its as good as metro Detroit gets. Go to the western side of the state for some positive cycling experiences.

I keep trying to get out, but whenever I have a free day, the weather is crappy. This weekend should be nice, but we're leaving on vacation (without bikes) on Saturday.

FWIW, there are some decent roads in northern Macomb Co. that I've been on. But the way they keep expanding, those will be turned into highways pretty soon. If I just want to get in a good workout, I always head to Stoney Creek Metropark. The main park road is a 6-mile ring that has little car traffic and lots of bikes -- always some group that you can tag along with or just ride solo. Plus you can scope out some of the joggers-of-the-opposite-sex on the path that runs alongside the road. :)

From what I see cycling infrastructure is pretty minimal. Out in Washtenaw county , its as good as metro Detroit gets. Go to the western side of the state for some positive cycling experiences.


Even in washtenaw cty where I live, infrastructure is minimal outside of Ann Arbor, compared say to Chicago and its suburbs.

But aren't we as roadies supposed to be able to ride on roads? MUPs and bike lanes each add risks to the cycling situation, despite minimizing some risks.

Sorry if this gets too close to the A&S domain.

Road Fan

I am presently back in Michigan after a six month leave. Can't help but notice, a much greater presence of utility cyclists. With the news of cars being repoed; I wonder if the increase in cyclists has something to do with the economy.

Anyone gotten out yet this year to dodge the new crop of potholes? *hehe*

Just did my first 15 mile commute of the year. Feelin' Great! Surprisingly, the potholes weren't as bad as I expected.

I've been riding all winter. Potholes suck. I just did an endo this evening after hitting a chunk of dislodged pavement when I wasn't paying attention. Busted up a brake lever pretty good.

Even in washtenaw cty where I live, infrastructure is minimal outside of Ann Arbor, compared say to Chicago and its suburbs.

But aren't we as roadies supposed to be able to ride on roads? MUPs and bike lanes each add risks to the cycling situation, despite minimizing some risks.

Sorry if this gets too close to the A&S domain.

Road Fan

Yeah, infrastructure is nice, but I don't like anything about MUPs, and bike lanes are a doubled edged sword. I think a lot of highly visible bikes on the road can do a lot more for bicycle safety than any kind of infrastructure improvements could hope to.

I just attended an Escape From Detroit potluck this weekend celebrating someone's 7th anniversary of leaving the Detroit area. All of us but 2 grew up there and we all ride. While we were proud to have survived, we prefer the calmer streets here in Portland.

IMO, Detroit and Miami have the bravest cyclists in North America. :beer:

Yeah, infrastructure is nice, but I don't like anything about MUPs, and bike lanes are a doubled edged sword. I think a lot of highly visible bikes on the road can do a lot more for bicycle safety than any kind of infrastructure improvements could hope to.

So brotherdan, we're on the same page: ride the road, be careful, watch the heck out for yourself, and handle it.

one thing i notice about this post is the notion of driving a car to ride your bike. i always believed that any true ride, besides mountain biking, must start from ones front porch. .
Move to da U.P. eh. We mountain bike from da front porch all the time.

Anyone gotten out yet this year to dodge the new crop of potholes? *hehe*

Connor and Jefferson is pretty bad. Our group almost got taken out at Connor and Kercheval on Saturday morning when someone blew a stop light at about 70mph.

Rode from Grosse Pointe to past Metro Beach yesterday for the first time this year. Roads are worse in macomb county than in Detroit, especially Shook Rd. Oh, and, as usual, we had no problems with anyone in Detroit (driver above excepted), but yesterday (in Macomb county) marked our first ******* of the year - big blue dodge ram buzzed us close, speeding, honking and flipping us off (how do you honk and flip at the same time - drive with knees?). In fact, several bubbas close passed us - what a drag on a beautiful Sunday morning. Otherwise, the ride was great.

double post, sorry.

I just attended an Escape From Detroit potluck this weekend celebrating someone's 7th anniversary of leaving the Detroit area. All of us but 2 grew up there and we all ride. While we were proud to have survived, we prefer the calmer streets here in Portland.

IMO, Detroit and Miami have the bravest cyclists in North America. :beer:

If it were not for January, February, and hot August: I might consider a return to Michigan potluck. I sure do miss the Lake Michigan shore and all of the Upper Peninsula. As long as one can live without an income, Michigan is great. I sort of like winter if it were just two months shorter.

Anyone gotten out yet this year to dodge the new crop of potholes? *hehe*

I've been out about a half a dozen times - this Saturday most recently. Catalpa/Pierce/Cranbrook all seem fine. Pierce from 12 mile to 13 mile and Cranbrook are actually EXCELLENT after the repaving both got last year.

Also got out to Ann Arbor Sunday morning for the Spring Series crit. A very well run event and a great morning to race - it was at least 45 by race time.

I hear rain is on tap for most of this week...hope it goes away by the weekend. Might have to put the trainer tire back on for a few days.

http://www.pollyanntrailway.org/

Go to this page and click on "links". All of these trails are starting to connect. There is even stuff being planned in Downtown Detroit. I would love to do a century on all trail! In Detroit/Metro Detroit!

Giving Metro Detroit one bike-ability label is misleading. The conditions are far from homogeneous. I find Metro Detroit has four zones of bike friendliness.

rural - Very good
sprawlville - Poor
Inner ring suburbs - Good
City of Detroit - Very good


I was just riding in Austin, Texas last weekend on some of their bike routes. Much of it was definitely worse off than riding in the City of Detroit. We can decry the lack of bike facilities in the City, but the need for them is diminished due to the overbuilt road infrastructure and low traffic volumes. Anyone who's ridden on Second and Third Avenues knows what I'm talking about. Who needs bike lanes when you have four car lanes mostly to yourself?!?

Not sure about riding in the City? You can taste it first hand this weekend which has SIX major group rides planned:

Beat the Train ride
Very early Saturday morning
www.beatthetrainindetroit.com

Wolverine Belle Isle Ride
Date: Saturday April 19th 2008
Time: 830am from Beverly school
915am from royal oak library
Distance: 55 miles from Beverly school, around 50 or so from royal oak
Pace: 16-20mph

Annual Hodaddy's Downtown Ho'Down Hump
Saturday morning
http://www.teamtreefarm.com/v-web/bulletin/bb/viewtopic.php?t=3195

Detroit Synergy Rivefront Bike Tour (rescheduled)
When: April 19th, 2008, depart 10:00 am Sharp (sign-in 10 minutes ahead)
Where: East Grand Circus Park at the Millennium Bell (across from Comerica Park). For a map of the location, please see this weblink:
Duration: Approximately 11 leisurely miles, over 3 hours, at beginners level cycle speeds
Helmet Required

Detroit Synergy Sunday Earth Day Bike Ride
When: April 20th, 11:45AM approx. (arrive early, tour will leave by noon).
Rain Date: TBD
Where: St. Suzanne's/Our Lady Gate of Heaven Catholic Church - 9357 Westwood, Detroit, MI 48228.
Duration: Approximately 14 leisurely miles over 2.5 hours.
Parking: Parking lots located behind St. Suzanne's/Our Lady Gate of Heaven Catholic Church.
Helmet Required

Alley Cat
Sunday at 4pm at Hart Plaza
http://www.allyeargear.com/2008/next-detroit-alley-cat-is-april-20th/

I have more Detroit bike trail and on-road information on my blog at www.m-bike.org.

But all people can agree Detroit is unfriendly in just about every way.

Make that all but one, please.

-1

How about start a list and consider deeply which town is most unfriendly towards cyclists. To name a few. Miami, Newark, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Buffalo, St. Louis. Atlanta. All strike me as cycling unfriendly. If Detroit is first, it has a lot of runners up.

You know, West Jefferson isn't really too bad. I know that there is construction by Outer Drive but once you get to Coolidge the traffic is quite light past Zug Island all the way to Clark Street (I've only ridden this area on a Sunday). Very industrial but not bad. Take Clark Street to Fort Street. Fort Street to Rosa Parks which curves back to West Jefferson. Turn Right on Civic Center Drive and take that past J.L.A. and Cobo. It turns into Atwater and you've got a nice ride by the new Detroit River Walk all the way to Chene Park. Get back on Jefferson and take it all the way to Grosse Pointe.

Not a bad Sunday ride. Don't know if I'd do that during rush hour, though.

This seems like a great ride. I've been eying taking Jefferson from Riverview all the way to Detroit. I've ridden Jefferson numerous times to Lake Erie Metro Park (not a great place for cycling, but not a bad ride there), and I've been getting a little more familiar with Detroit, with the 75 construction. Aside from the homeless asking me for money, I feel OK just walking around, even at night, so cycling shouldn't be a problem. I think I'll take it easy at first, but I plan on making a ride at least to Chene Park via that route. First things first though for me in prepping my bike. Hope you and everyone else are enjoying the pleasant weather! Oh, one more thing. Is Jefferson basically two lanes (for each side) for most of the way between Downriver and Detroit?

I must say, even though I don't cycle a lot, the majority of my cycling experiences have been pleasant in Metro Detroit. I don't always ride in the street, and with a little breathing problem, I'm sometimes hesitant of doing so, because although bicycles are vehicles, Metro Detroit has a considerable problem with sprawl, so combine that with it being the motor city, and it can make for an abundance of motorists that are traveling considerable distances and holding them up can be somewhat problematic.

I NEVER have problems with drivers in Detroit. In fact, all my friendly shout outs from pedestrians and drivers occur in Detroit.I couldn't agree with you more! I ride from WSU to Belle Isle a lot and I get a lot of nice-ities thrown in, with an occasional distracted driver bad encounter. I guess having dreadlocks down my back helps a bit with my perception =p

Honestly though, I just came back onto the boards to look how you all feel about the ridiculous amount of broken glass you encounter and maybe tips on how to avoid it, etc. Or maybe it's just me and no one else is running over glass. An older friend of mine who has been riding in the city for many years has noted that the street cleanings seemed to stop after Archer was gone (not meant to start a Kilpatrick sucks thread-jack either).

I was wondering if this is only in the city proper, or if you guys outside the city experience it too?

Sometimes it irks me so much that I would rather opt for my trainer than to keep dodging and hopping over glass shards. It's pathetic I know, but I have sliced way too many tires (Michelin Krylion Carbon). Considering the fireworks were yesterday (which we had a bike gang in front of Cobo for), I think the amount of broken glass might be higher than normal.

I live out in northern Oakland County and have just switched from trails to roads on a new Trek Madone 5.5 and I have to say, it's scary out there. The roads are a mess, especially by the edges... there are few shoulders and lots of drivers on the edge of road rage.
I have had no problems on Adams Road... Stony Creek Road and at the Stony Creek Metro park, where I've done most of my road riding. But in Macomb County the other Saturday, on a two mile stretch of 32 mile Road, it was nothing but insults and rudeness from three different drivers drivers, including a dude in a VW that pulled up behind and laid on the horn for a good 30 secs.
I motioned for him to pull over to the shoulder so we could "discuss" it but he chose to take off.

I couldn't agree with you more! I ride from WSU to Belle Isle a lot and I get a lot of nice-ities thrown in, with an occasional distracted driver bad encounter. I guess having dreadlocks down my back helps a bit with my perception =p

Honestly though, I just came back onto the boards to look how you all feel about the ridiculous amount of broken glass you encounter and maybe tips on how to avoid it, etc. Or maybe it's just me and no one else is running over glass. An older friend of mine who has been riding in the city for many years has noted that the street cleanings seemed to stop after Archer was gone (not meant to start a Kilpatrick sucks thread-jack either).

I was wondering if this is only in the city proper, or if you guys outside the city experience it too?

Sometimes it irks me so much that I would rather opt for my trainer than to keep dodging and hopping over glass shards. It's pathetic I know, but I have sliced way too many tires (Michelin Krylion Carbon). Considering the fireworks were yesterday (which we had a bike gang in front of Cobo for), I think the amount of broken glass might be higher than normal.

Broken glass - I run specialized armadillo's. Before that, I was getting a couple of flats a month.

I'm *****ing, but I don't know that it'll do any good.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w309/eljamoquio/waynecounty.jpg

But in Macomb County the other Saturday, on a two mile stretch of 32 mile Road, it was nothing but insults and rudeness from three different drivers drivers, including a dude in a VW that pulled up behind and laid on the horn for a good 30 secs.

Believe it or not, you've encountered more driver angst in 2 miles than I've had in over 10 years and 10K miles of riding in the City of Detroit. In fact it was this March that I had my first "get on the sidewalk" comment ever in the City. I couldn't help but laugh.

But in Macomb County the other Saturday, on a two mile stretch of 32 mile Road, it was nothing but insults and rudeness from three different drivers drivers, including a dude in a VW that pulled up behind and laid on the horn for a good 30 secs.


There are some roads there that are just plain unrideable by a cyclist. But if you go just a bit farther north (like north of Armada), there are some much emptier roads where there's never an issue if someone wants to pass. Some of the local events use those roads (like the "Peach of a Ride" in early September).

Good luck on Saturday!

There are some roads there that are just plain unrideable by a cyclist. But if you go just a bit farther north (like north of Armada), there are some much emptier roads where there's never an issue if someone wants to pass.
But keep in mind that a generation ago, the roads Mike biked were empty and safer. How much sooner before the roads north of Armada become the same hell as those to the south? That's why it's so important that area cyclists raise bicycling safety and complete streets issues with their local elected officials now.

Cool, I was just making sure I'm not the only one in this pickle.

I use Kyrilion Carbons with some degree of success. They get scratches in them for sure, but nothing huge lately. It's the age old dilemma of getting a performance tire but with good puncture protection at low weight and low rolling resistance.

So, I'm going to use that contact form as well. They'll get a deluge of emails from me and my friends (not that it will do any good). I'm sick of bunny hopping on my road bike, kind of breaks up your cadence!

Another thing, any chance any of you who live in the city want to get together and go to Detroit City Council meetings to voice our concerns?

If the city wants to start being "cooler" and promoting alternate transportation and generally be more bike friendly (which I have heard a few times from a few city council members) then they need to actually do something to help.

Just this morning, I did a ride into Rochester from my home in Oakland Township... to pick up a car that was in for service. I rode Adams Road from my house to the intersection of University...keeping to the two foot shoulder. In that short five mile distance before turning to sidestreets to get me another 6 miles to the dealer, I had two drivers holler "Get on the sidewalk." Both were young late teen or early 20ish women.
It takes all the control I can muster not to react angrily.
As to alpag3's post, I haven't noticed a lot of broken glass out here in the northern burbs... just very broken roadway, deep potholes, huge cracks. Michigan has fallen in such a sorry shape, hasn't it? I'm afraid the roads reflect the general hopelessness of this state... or at least the very depressed Motor City area in southeastern Michigan.
As I drove through subdivisions this morning to get off the main roads, I was stunned at the For Sale signs. Many said "price reduced" or "Motivated buyer." So sad.

Yeah, PCmike, I tend to think the same things when I'm riding and deep in thought. People are getting realllly nasty around here and it can be for a whole host of reasons but who knows.

I think drivers ed should do a bit more in regards to cyclists. I don't remember anything being said about cyclists when I was a teenager taking the classes.

Don't despair. It really isn't like this everywhere. I was visiting my brother who lives in Seattle (and is also an avid cyclist now) and by god it's like night and day.

I also have a pretty short fuse, especially when I'm riding hard (adrenaline and such), and I swear that one of these days I just might lose it on someone.

I think if we did a Critical Mass, a real one without the stupid violent hipsters, somewhere in the suburbs more frequently we might get noticed.

It's too bad really...people just don't realize that they can put the fun between their legs!

The reply I just got from Wayne County Road Commission (which is typical county vs. city go nowhere bureaucracy)...

"sounds like the roads traveled are the city's...sorry for the problems

-Wayne County community relations"


"One of these days Alice, one of these days!!"

malpag3: Could you forward that Wayne County response to me along with your original comment?

I work for the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance. Part of my job as Detroit Greenways Coordinator is to help make Detroit a better place to bike. I am building contacts within the city to accomplish this. It will involve pushing for substantial changes in the Wayne County Road Division's bicycle policy.

The worst for me is the 23 Mile and Van Dyke intersection...
Everytime I have to come to a complete stop in the middle of the road because a driver ignores the crosswalk light. So I am standing there holding my bike up and trying not to get blasted by people driving through my light while giving me dirty looks.

You really have to watch for people making the right turns...
Most just keep their head turned to the left while making the turn... not paying attention to the crosswalk at all.