Ann Arbor’s Bikeapalooza Shows off Biking as Safe, Green Way To Get Around

Cyclists filled downtown streets Saturday at Bikeapalooza, where kids and adults tried out protected lanes and picked up riding tips. The free event brought together city planners, transit officials, and bike experts to show how two wheels can work for everyone.

"In Ann Arbor, we are working to have infrastructure in place that makes biking safe for all people," said Maura Thomson, DDA executive director, according to The Michigan Daily. "We hope to be a community where people are comfortable biking, so that it can be an alternative to other modes of transportation."

At hands-on stations, mechanics fixed bikes while transit staff showed how to load cycles onto buses. Street artist David Zinn added splashes of color with artwork that caught eyes and sparked smiles.

DDA Program Specialist Sandra Andrade spoke about public education goals. "I think the more we develop the bike lanes and make it a part of our city, (bike safety) will naturally get better," Andrade said.

Since the first event in 2019, which marked the opening of William Street's two-way protected bike path, new lanes have spread across Ann Arbor. Short stretches link to longer routes, building a web of safe spaces for riders.

Nate Phipps, who helped launch the Bicycle Alliance of Washtenaw, ran skill-building sessions. "This one is to teach or remind folks of very fundamental riding skills, like how to start and get stable, how to stop quickly if needed and also how to clear (areas) over your shoulders to check for traffic when you're moving around on city streets," Phipps said.

At their booth, student group Wolverines on Wheels shared tips with curious visitors. "It's the best way to get around Ann Arbor," said Bella Mazzarese, the group's outreach chair. "Often faster than the bus, often faster than a car. It's more pleasant."

Those who finished four quick training stops earned a shirt. Each stop focused on key skills - from basic balance to street smarts and lane rules that keep riders safe.