Two-Wheeled Transport
Are you ready to indulge your passion for recreational biking? Then, hop on your two-wheeler and take a spin along Michigan's scenic coastline, wooded trails and byways—and along Michigan’s urban communities. Whether it's leisurely bicycling along a quiet neighborhood street, across city or county park trails, or tackling rugged terrain, Michigan has unique opportunities for bicyclists of all ages, types and skill levels.
Mark your calendar--Slow roll Mondays
Two-wheeled transport grabs the spotlight in the Motor City. Despite its deep history in car manufacturing, vehicles of a different sort now roam the Motor City in increasing numbers: bicycles. On Monday nights, roads in Detroit fill with pedal power during Slow Roll, Michigan’s largest weekly bike ride. What started as a small group ride in 2010 has flourished into a full-on movement, drawing up to 3,000 participants of all ages and skill levels. Thirty weeks a year, the group—along with a police escort—meets at a bar or restaurant and embarks on a leisurely ride, exploring the art, architecture and history of different neighborhoods. The easy pace allows participants to talk while taking in the sights on two wheels.
Nearly a dozen other cities around the world have joined in the Two-wheeled transport grabs the spotlight in the Motor City., encouraging eco-awareness, exercise and community building, all while fostering a roving party on wheels. Some smaller cities also participate. Cyclists in Ludington meet on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month to explore downtown and beyond on their own Slow Roll.
Time to visit … Three Oaks Bicycle Museum, Three Oaks Tucked in the back of a small gift shop, the Three Oaks Bicycle Museum highlights the cycles of yesteryear. Models include an 1860 Boneshaker, and 1870 Highwheeler and an 1890 Tally-Ho Tandem. Operated by the Three Oaks Spokes Bicycle Club, the museum also rents bicycles and serves as an easy access point to the Backroads Bikeways trail system, with routes alongside Lake Michigan, orchards and vineyards.
Throughout the state, bike manufacturers make it easy to buy local in preparation for the ride. Find the perfect Michigan bike manufacturer among these businesses:
Shinola, Detroit
Best known for its watches, Shinola also creates stylish, classic urban bicycles in eye-catching colors (blue, light orange and red, in addition to black), and techs assemble them by hand in Detroit. For the full experience, book a test ride led by a bicycle specialist, and cap it off with a Shinola Cola after the trek.
Detroit Bikes, Detroit
Bike options include the A-Type in black, and the B-Type in white, mint or five Faygo drink colors. Built and hand-welded at its factory, the sturdy models come with racks (with Detroit Bikes logo), vintage seats and pedal and hand brakes.
Detroit Bicycle Company, Detroit
Named for different streets around town (Cass Ave, Jefferson Avenue, Trumbull Street) these handcrafted custom bikes boast vintage parts such as headlights, wooden rims and copper-plated frames. The fixed-gear style means one gear and no freewheel, so no coasting allowed. That translates to constant pedaling and high hipster street cred.
TerraTrike, Grand Rapids
Three wheels, a reclined seat and pedals in front (rather than below) make for a uniquely low-to-the-ground cycling adventure. TerraTrike sells six types of recumbent bikes, including tandem and collapsible models, aimed at all ages and abilities. Although the retail showroom has closed, riders can find TerraTrikes at bicycle stores throughout the state.
Ready to hit the road; but you don’t have a bike? Then, you’ll want to check out our short round-up of bike shops around the state:
American Cycle & Fitness
Okemos, Royal Oak, Walled Lake, Gross Pointe, Macomb Twp., Pontiac
Stoney Creek Bike Shop
Macomb
Wheels in Motion
Ann Arbor
Cycle and Fitness
St. Joseph
Bicycle Headquarters, Inc.
Midland
Trailhead Bike Shop
Ludington
Freewheeler Bike Shop
Grand Rapids
Pedal Bicycles
Kalamazoo
Down Wind Sports
Marquette
Einstein Cycles
Traverse City