Dearborn Residents Participate in 2013 'Bike to Work Day' Activities

Editor's note: Information for this story was provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

Dozens of cyclists hit the roads in the Dearborn area on Friday for Bike to Work Day, an annual event aimed at encouraging people to commute on two wheels rather than by car, bus or train.

The event was spearheaded by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s month-long “stop the slump” campaign.

"Through our many campus initiatives, from exercise classes to walking the BLUpath, we’ve continually encouraged our employees to bring wellness into their workday,” said Tricia Keith, senior vice president at Blue Cross Blue Shield. “We’re happy to participate in, and support, this collaborative effort to make the downtown Detroit workforce healthier.”

Blue Cross Blue Shield hosted a morning reception on May 17 in recognition of National Bike to Work Day. There were four routes organized for groups to bike to work in downtown Detroit, including from Dearborn, using Michigan Avenue. As part of the event, cyclists were treated to a free breakfast.

Despite being better known as the town that brought the automobile to the world, bicycling culture is on the rise in Detroit; with events such as the Tour de Troit attracting thousands of cyclists to explore the city each fall, and specialty bike manufacturers, such as Shinola and Detroit Bikes, and retailers like the Hub opening businesses in the city.

In recent years, Detroit has installed more than 70 miles of dedicated bike lanes in places like Belle Isle, the Connor Creek Greenway and throughout Southwest Detroit, making it easier for people to bicycle in the city for recreation or as an alternative way to commute to work.

 “We’re seeing a tremendous uptick in people bicycling throughout the city, thanks in part to new greenways and bike lanes,” said Todd Scott, Detroit greenways coordinator with the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance. “Once people try it, they realize Detroit’s flat terrain and relatively calm roads can make bicycling a preferred mode of travel — even when going to work.” 

The 2013 Bike to Work Day activities are being organized by BCBSM’s Active Blue employee resource group, with support from American Cycle & Fitness, Miller Canfield, Mode Shift and Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance. 

Throughout the month of May, Blue Cross have encouraged people to incorporate wellness into their workday by highlighting simple ways to “stop the slump.” 

The “slump” is the period of late afternoon, traditionally between 2 and 4 p.m., when people tend to feel sluggish, tired and less productive at work. Research suggests that sitting at a desk for long periods of time without getting up has negative health consequences, such as increased risk of heart disease and diabetes and higher levels of cholesterol and blood sugar — even for those who regularly exercise.