Your route through is not too bad . I wouldn't bother with riding the Dequindre cut north and the Van Dyyke portion.


Just stay on East Jefferson to Shook road near Mt Clemens,the difference in mileage is not significant. (This change closely follows the river and Lake St Clair shorelines)

Your path through Detroit along West Jefferson after crossing the Rouge river for about 3 miles is a bit desolate with vacant wasteland and businesses (almost zero dwellings) but it shouldn't be a problem in the daylight(you'll be through that piece in less than 20 minutes). After that the rest of Detroit on East Jefferson to Alter road is generally busy with normal traffic. If it isn't necessary for you to stop in the city(especially where uglies are hanging out)don't, just keep mashing. No one will likely bother you. Keep your head up if you see some uglies that don't look right to you, avoid them.Once you're north of Alter road and in Grosse Pointe you'll see a drastic change in scenery and you'll be able to allay any anxiety about traversing amongst the big bad boogiemen of Detroit. Altogether your in city mileage is about 13 or less than one hour.