Detroit Bikes! 2009 Schedule of Events - As of 04/30/09

* Note: The Tour de Troit is a community event in which Detroit Synergy and Detroit Bikes! support the event, including volunteering, and encourage participation.  It is not exclusively a Detroit Synergy or Detroit Bikes! event.

**Note: Dates may change due to conflicts, weather, or other conditions.  Please be sure to review the Detroit Synergy Calendar located in the upper right hand corner of this page to confirm that dates, times, rain dates, updated event information and descriptions are as scheduled.

What is Detroit Bikes?

Our goal is to become a volunteer group that:

-Identifies opportunities, existing groups/businesses and special events that promote city cycling.

- Educates both young and old of the benefits of cycling as a means of transit, along with understanding proper bike safety and maintenance.

- Promotes the potential of a dynamic city of cyclists with activities to create an awareness of biking.  Our groups' actions create the push for cycling infrastructure, and our events benefit those who share the goal of a diverse, and healthy city of transit, recreation and positive energy.

What can one expect from a Detroit Bikes! tour?

Our guests can expect to gain a unique appreciation of Detroit, whether they live in the city, were one time residents, or just lived through stories of the old neighborhood from parents or grandparents.  Best of all, Detroit Bikes! and Detroit Synergy gives back positive energy for the city and our group makes all attempts to bring together all interested individuals who want to be involved in the future of Detroit's city cycling scene, the opportunity to participate and lead by example.

A Detroit Bikes! tour is excellent for those interested in cycling through Detroit's great historic neighborhoods, or for cyclists whom enjoy seeing Detroit's destinations at a more personal scale.  Our group tour provides an avenue to make the urban lifestyle accessible in one of the most important cities that changed the 20th century.  Simply put, a bike tour with Detroit Bikes! can become a history lesson about the "Modernization" of the American Metropolis, while leaving urban explorers with the mode of transit necessary to truly experience a city full of transformation.

For those whom have deemed themselves not interested in cycling, consider Detroit Synergy's multitude of events and projects including: Discussing Differences, Project Clean, Pub Crawls, Third Thursday and much more.  Visit our hosts website www.detroitsynergy.org

Detroit Bikes! Tour and Event Requirements

• Bike

• Bike Helmet

• Water Bottle with hydrating liquid (non-alcholic) in container

• Any money you plan to use during a bakery stop

• An attitude to have fun, because it's the weekend

• Complete understanding of the Detroit Bikes! Road Rules (see 16 rules below)

• Punctuality - Detroit Bikes! tours will leave within 5-10 minutes after start time.  Please be at the start point on time and ready to sign a liability waiver.

• Patience

• Appropriate and respectful social manners, especially towards others and the group.

• An appreciation that this is a non-profit group and event.

• Donations are appreciated, with funds going towards safety and repair items, bottled water for reserve situations, and other group related interests like first aid, or bike to work day, etc.

Winter Cycling Tips

Rules of the Road

We do have a few rules that we want you to follow while participating as well.  Please understand that by signing the liability waiver at the event site, you will be accepting to abide to these rules.

Something to consider: Our History

Believe it or not, you can make all the difference.  When Detroit Bikes! started back in March 2005, the group was barely more than a informed idea.  Around that same time, Detroit was labeled the "fattest city in America" by a national magazine, providing roots to create a coffee talk by about 25 individuals who wanted change Detroit, and put cycling at the forefront to that change.  After a winter's deliberation, it became clear people create change, and that is why our group has to thank all the Detroit Synergy member's support over the past few years.

After a successful inaugerual tour of the Detroit Riverfront in April 2005, it was clear that Detroit needed a cycling group that welcomed both the cyclist who needed to dust off their bike, and for the lycra-wearing challenger that just wanted to enjoy a Saturday afternoon in the city with like-minded folks.

Since that first tour, Detroit Bikes! has aimed to improve Detroit's image by sharing the things real Detroiter's all can be proud of, and change the perception to include Detroit as "the Motor City on Two Wheels".  Entering our 5th season, we have organized or partnered with over 40 bike tours and events.  Detroit Bikes! has become a respected bike club in the area with more than hundreds (an estimated 500 or more) of cyclists participating in our events throughout the years.

On May 19th, 2006, Detroit Bikes! organized the city's first ever "Bike-to-Work Day."  Traveling along America's first concrete mile, and the region's most important road, Woodward Avenue paved the way for cyclists to share the road and avoid high fuel costs at the price of $2.36/gallon.  In 2007, Bike-to-Work Days connected Michigan Avenue and Woodward Avenue cyclists to get downtown while saving $2.86/gallon of fuel.  In 2008, Bike-to-Work Day gas prices soared above $3.80/gallon and continued to rise well above $4.00/gallon in June.  This year, Detroiters face more economic challenges, but as gas prices steadily rise in anticipation of Memorial Day to $2.35/gallon, metro Detroit cyclists saved.  Its our goal to get all participants to their jobs punctually, efficient, healthy, and safe while helping the environment and decreasing oil demand in the process.

In short, Detroit Bikes! wants to thank you for putting our city on the cycling map, and encourages all Detroiter's to get out their bike and cycle the city in 2009.

Detroit Bikes! 2009 - Project Team

(Clockwise from Upper Left to Right)