Me in Cambodia in 2010

Riding in Cambodia

As an enthusiastic traveler, I love exploring countries through their food, culture, music, and nature. So it’s no surprise that I desire to do the same here in Detroit.  During my fellowship year, I decided to forego a car and get around by public transportation: bike, bus, people mover, ride shares, etc. While this has been a task at times, it has been worth it! From talks about politics and social activism on the busses, to being given directions by caring Detroiters when I’ve gotten lost, this choice has allowed me to organically experience what inspires me most about this city: communities, social movements, and culture.

Bike ride on Belle Isle

My main mode of transportation has been Le Bike. Rain, sleet, or shine, I cycle to get to work, to pick up groceries from Eastern Market, or to get some exercise in with a post dinner night-time stroll. My favorite bike ride has been a route that took me from Midtown, through the Dequindre Cut, all around Belle Isle and back.

Riding in Southwest Detroit

What’s next for me now that it is winter? Still biking! Though to be honest, I will support DDOT and gratefully take the bus 🙂 I would like to get more involved in bike advocacy and supporting Detroit’s non-motorized planning initiatives. In January, I plan to participate in a few biking events: a 24-hr bike marathon, Tour de Troit’s MLK Memorial Ride and supporting the creation of community and bike culture in Detroit through my next Challenge Detroit project work with Slow Roll.

Through my biking experience, I have had the pleasure of being welcomed into communities, overcoming a fear of street traffic, and interacting with all walks of life.  My first four months have been incredible! I am looking forward to getting to know more of this great city, two wheels at a time.

 

“Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride.” -JFK

 

Post script,

Fingers crossed Santa leaves one of these under my tree  🙂