Originally Posted by
robert schlatte
Thanks for all the input and assurances that the ride through Detroit generally following the river is doable and safe. My plan is to get started early in the am and get through the more questionable areas quickly. I must say that I am curious to see the older abandoned areas and Detroit's industrial past. Thanks also for the suggestions of places to see. The reason I am heading for Marine City and the ferry is because I have read bicyclists are prohibited from crossing the bridge at Port Huron. Are there other crossing alternatives?
good question.
As far as I know, both bridges (Detroit and port Huron) ban bicycles. (If you have infinite patience, Detroit's second bridge will allow bikes - whenever that is).
People do take bikes on the bus that goes through the tunnel to Canada at Detroit. Officially the answer is no, but they do have bike racks on the bus last I checked.
The only other option is just south of Marine city, there is a small ferry at Algonac. That doesn't do much to improve your route (unless you have a hankering for Harsen's Island).
Also - if you want to get off of Jefferson on quieter streets & see the neighborhoods, there are plenty of good parallel streets just inland from Jefferson - on the north side of Detroit. Don't miss Indian village (which is on the route I sent).
There is an amazingly stark contrast of the Detroit city housing vs Grosse Point (ultra lux) heading north from Detroit. You'll know when you cross the line (whether you are on Jefferson or inland).