The 2010 Bike the Bridge registration closes tomorrow, May 31st, at midnight. Riders must register early for this event so that the roster can be sent to Customs ahead of time.

Last year was the inaugural event and this year will be a little different. Riders can chose between a shorter historical tour of Walkerville or a longer 40-mile round trip ride to Fort Malden in Amherstburg.

Here is the press release with additional details, including a Bridge ride option for Canadians.

Ambassador Bridge Allows Cyclists to Cross For JUST One Day

Border Cyclists to Meet for Bike the Bridge & Area Tour

(Windsor, ON) On June 13, 2010 the Ambassador Bridge will allow a rare occurrence: during a brief window of time, a small group of people will be allowed to cross the bridge on their bicycles for Bike the Bridge 2010.

This is the second year for the tour that was started as a way to bring attention to how difficult it is to get across the river between Detroit and Windsor when riding a bicycle. Currently cyclists can only take their bicycles across the border if they are driving it there themselves or taking a taxi (bicycles are not allowed on the Tunnel Bus either).

Few Canadian riders participated in the past due to the logistics of getting their bikes across to participate but this year, riders from Windsor will be allowed to cross the bridge on their bikes to meet up with the Detroit riders before cycling back over the Ambassador Bridge as a group. After the crossing, the group will stop at a Windsor park for a breakfast catered by Tres Be-An Cafe. From there riders get to choose from two adventures: either a long distance ride lead by Todd Scott (director of Detroit Trails), or a tour of Hiram Walker with a presentation by Marty Gervais followed by a sojourn to the riverfront for Carrousel of the Nations.

Sue Moretto, the Michigan-based organizer of the event, is excited to bring everyone together and return to Windsor with her riders, We had so much fun on the ride last year; the breakfast was delicious and it was a great day.

Moretto has spent several months working with representatives of the Windsor Bicycling Committee (WBC) to finalize plans on the Windsor side of the border.

We are delighted that well be part of this effort. Events such as these are commendable as they help promote our important connection of our regions as well as cycling as a healthy transportation alternative, says Alan Halberstadt, the Windsor city council representative on the WBC.

For $35, Canadian riders get their bridge crossing, breakfast, a commemorative t-shirt and their choice of two cycling tours. Riders must be 16 years and older (18 and older for Hiram Walker tour) and must wear a helmet. Riders must pre-register by May 31, 2010 at http://bikethebridge2010.eventbrite.com/

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Bicycle Friendly State

The League of American Bicyclists have released their 2010 rankings of U.S. states based on their bicycle friendliness.

Michigan dropped one slot to 16th. This slip appears due to other states passing legislation which gives them additional points.

Here is Michigan’s rankings within the six categories:

• 37th – Legislation
• 12th – Policies and Programs
• 5th – Infrastructure
• 4th – Education
• 38th – Evaluation
• 27th – Enforcement

America’s Fittest Cities

American College of Sports Medicine has released their 2010 American Fitness Index report.

Washington D.C. is the top Metro area for the third year in a row.

The nation’s capital is also a well-endowed city when it comes to community recreation centers, ball fields and other places to exercise. Washington has the second-highest rate of people walking or biking to work, aided by 60 miles of bike lanes. [Ed. emphasis ours]

On the other hand, just because there are a lot of parks and bike lanes being built doesn’t mean that everyone uses them. And by giving points simply for having infrastructure, the index might favor wealthier cities or those with bigger governments. “It’s a fair point,” says Brenda Chamness, who gathers the data for the index. Chamness points out that research has found that fitness levels rise along with the building of new facilities. “If individuals do not have access to safe, convenient and affordable places to exercise, they would be less likely to exercise.”

Where’s Metro Detroit? We’re near the bottom, 47th out of 50. Metro Detroit was 44th in 2009 and 41st in 2008. The trend is apparent.

Detroit’s three major news networks provided video coverage of last Friday’s bike to work day in Detroit. One highlight is the?helicopter footage where we’re taking a lane on a ten-lane main state trunkline during rush hour and there’s only a sprinkling of traffic — a typical Motor City scenario.

Among them, it seems only Click on Detroit’s video coverage is on-line. Our favorite part is the reporter’s surprise in hearing how bike friendly the city of Detroit is.

And they’re telling me that Detroit, believe it or not, is a very bike friendly city. You would think that a city that produces cars would shy away from that. No, no, no. Detroit has wide streets. There’s not a lot of traffic. They do have to dodge some glass here and there, but for the most part, Detroit is a bike friendly city.

It wasn’t me who told them that, but thanks to whomever did.

And did you notice in the video coverage that the DDOT bus had a bike rack? DDOT’s newest buses came equipped with bike racks.

Their web site also had a poll asking, “Friday is Bike to Work day. Did you participate?” The results as of this writing were:

• 64 (3%) Yes, I rode my bike to work.
• 476 (22%) No, but I wanted to.
• 1585 (75%) No, and I won’t.

It would be interesting to know why 22% wanted to but couldn’t. Is it because there’s no safe and convenient route? Too long?

The Metro Times also reported on the event with reporter Sandra Svoboda participating in the ride.

Altogether the three rides organized by Detroit Synergy drew sixty riders. While the morning temperature was warmer than typical, the forecasted rain showers may have dampened the turnout. The longest commuter meeting the group at Campus Maritus was Mike Darga from Northville (a 29-mile ride). Mike works for Giffels-Webster, one of the Detroit bike to work day sponsors. Giffels-Webster was the led firm that developed the city of Detroit’s non-motorized master pan.

Here’s a bit of humor for bike the work day from Jef Mallett’s Frazz:

…and from Mark Fiore:

(via Streetsblog)

Just a reminder that all posts on this bike advocacy web site belong to those of m-bike.org. ?They do not necessarily represent the views of other bike advocacy groups such as the LMB or MTGA.

Last year we noted that events like the Ride of Silence do not encourage more people to ride bicycles. Rides modeled after funeral processions aren’t going to get more people riding. It reinforces the perception that bicycling is dangerous.

And discouraging cycling makes it less safe for everyone — studies show there’s safety in numbers.

It’s clear to see just how discouraging this event is when you compare it side to side with another event: the Race for the Cure. Their message is absolutely positive, which explains their explosive growth through the years. The first Detroit race was in 1992. In 1998 they had over 21,000 participants. ?Over 30,000 are expected for their race this Saturday at Comerica Park.

The Race for the Cure color? Pink.

The Ride of Silence color? Black.

And this year cyclists can honor those killed by motorists by riding not riding on the road. One can ride on the velodrome in Rochester Hills, but presumably not at the prescribed 12 MPH.

If you truly want to improve local cycling conditions in Michigan, call your state representative and ask them to support House Bills 6152 and 6153. There’s more information on these at www.michigancompletestreets.org.

Don’t be silent.