News/Blog

Open Streets Dearborn 2019

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The first Open Streets Dearborn event is this Sunday Oct 6, 11 am – 3 pm

Open Streets Dearborn is a unique event that invites the entire community to gather and engage in physical activity in a safe environment. The event, a partnership with the City of Dearborn with additional support from the Dearborn Community Fund, is designed to bring together people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds and encourage them to be physically active in a fun way.

Located in the South End area of Dearborn, a 3.5 mile stretch along Vernor Highway from Woodmere to Dix, then on to Holly to Lapeer Park will be closed to motorized traffic and people will have the opportunity to participate in fun, safe physical activity. It is a family-friendly event that encourages everyone, no matter size, shape, ability, age or income to enjoy the fresh air and a good time.  By participating in the Open Streets program, participants can experience their city in a new way and collectively build a culture of health.

In addition to biking, walking and skating, other activities will be staged at three hubs that could include activities such as fitness class lessons, bike rentals or walking tours. For more detail on these activity hubs, see the list below.

Who Was Edward N. Hines?

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Edward N. Hines

With the recent construction on Hines Drive it brought to mind a question…

You most certainly have heard of Hines Drive. You’ve likely driven on Hines Drive (when it’s not flooded from rainfall). You might have spent an afternoon in one of the many playground and picnic areas along the drive in Hines Park. You possibly have even ridden your bike along the 17.5-mile Hines Park Trail. But who was Edward N. Hines? Why does he have a county park and road named after him?

Edward N. Hines (January 13, 1870 – June 4, 1938) was a member of the Wayne County Road Commission from 1906 to 1938. As a cyclist in 1890, Hines formed a Good Roads organization in Michigan which advocated for the development of county roads. This led to the passage of the County Road Law in 1893, and a change to Michigan’s Constitution in 1894.  When the Wayne County Board of Roads was created in 1906, Hines was appointed to the board along with Henry Ford and Cassius R. Benton. In 1909, Hines was responsible for the construction of the first full mile of concrete road pavement in the world, the stretch of Woodward Avenue between Six Mile Road and Seven Mile Road in Detroit.

In 1911 Hines came up with possibly one of the greatest innovations in road development with the idea of a line down the middle of the road to separate two-way traffic. It is said he got this idea while watching a horse-drawn milk wagon leaking a line of milk down the street. Painted center lines were first used in 1911 on River Road in Trenton, in Wayne County. One of Hines’ other innovations was snow removal from public roads.

Hines was a national leader in the concept of landscaping highway rights-of-way. He was instrumental in movements to beautify highways by eliminating power lines and billboards. In the 1920s, Hines was a leader in the movement to acquire land along the Huron River and the Rouge River for the purpose of converting them into parks. In 1937, the Middle Rouge Parkway was renamed the Edward N. Hines Parkway, in his honor.

The next time you’re out riding and notice that painted line on the street, think of Edward N. Hines and how the simplest of ideas can make all the difference.

 

Hines Drive to be closed from Ford Road to Outer Drive for months beginning Sept. 3

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Hines Drive from Ford Road to Outer Drive Closed.

County project will affect regional drivers

Wayne County will be resurfacing Hines Drive between Ford Road and Outer Drive beginning Tuesday, September 3. 

This is a federally-funded Wayne County project and the City of Dearborn has no involvement in the construction. However, the City recognizes that Dearborn drivers and Ford Road traffic will be impacted.

The following information has been provided by Wayne County:

WHAT’S BEING DONE?
Construction will include resurfacing of existing pavement and related improvements of roadway from Outer Drive to M-153 (Ford) ramps in the cities of Dearborn and Dearborn Heights.

WHEN WILL WORK TAKE PLACE?
Construction work will begin Tuesday, September 3 and is expected to conclude by mid-October.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
Two-way traffic access will be available to picnic area parking near the middle of the construction area at all times. Hines Drive will be closed to traffic while portions of construction commence with proper signage and notification.

At all other times, two-way traffic will be open. The Hines Park Bike Path Crossing at the ramp to East-Bound Ford/M-153 will be closed to traffic during construction of the ramp. The closure of the bike path crossing is expected for two weeks. At all other times, two-way accesses on the bike path will be open. Please use caution when driving through work zones.


FOR MORE INFORMATION

Residents can sign up for Hines Drive alerts here: HINES DRIVE ALERTS.
Contact the 24 hour customer service center at 888 ROAD CREW (762-3273)
Visit – waynecounty.com

**Info from the City of Dearborn and Wayne County press releases

4th Annual Dearborn Homecoming Ride

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The 4th annual Dearborn Homecoming Ride took place on Saturday August 3rd at 9:00 am.
Starting from the Ford Field tennis courts at Homecoming, more than 50 participants of all ages with escort from the Dearborn Police wended their way through the Ford Homes Historic District, Southwestern Outer Drive Neighborhood (SODA), and Snow Woods Neighborhood (SWNA) on an 8.5 mile route. At the half way point there was a rest stop at Black Box Gallery for water, snacks, and specialty coffee.
Thank you to our orange shirt support crew for helping organize and supporting the ride.
Also special thank you to Velofix mobile bike shop for doing pre-ride bike checks and running SAG support during the ride.

Happy Homecoming Dearborn!

Bike Parking Returns To Homecoming

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For the second year cyclists will have a safe and secure place to park their bikes at 38532468_2074272046224351_7538949574908444672_nthe 2019 Dearborn Homecoming festival. Last year 200 bikes were parked and secured by Bike Dearborn volunteers during the 3 day event. Bike Dearborn has partnered with the City of Dearborn once again to offer the Free Bike Parking service located at the tennis courts on Monroe St. next to the carnival area of the festival. Volunteers from Bike Dearborn will issue claim tickets for parked bikes which will be stored and supervised within the tennis courts fence. The service is free, but donations will be accepted which will go towards Bike Dearborn’s bike advocacy efforts. Additionally, all patrons of the Bike Parking will be able to enter a raffle for free giveaway items.

The 4th Annual Homecoming Family Bike Ride is on Aug. 3 rolling 9 a.m.  The 36840333_2044194125898810_934586090495410176_napproximately eight-mile bike ride will wend its way through Dearborn and includes mid-point rest stop. This is a family-friendly, police-supported ride for cyclists of all ages. Helmets are required, and kids need to be with an adult. Registration begins at 8 a.m. for this free event. The ride departs and end at the tennis courts; riders are encouraged to take advantage of the free Bike Parking after the ride so they can enjoy the festival.

The City of Dearborn and Bike Dearborn are also working with Zagster, Dearborn’s bike share provider, to host a virtual bike share station near the Bike Parking location as well.  During the dates of the Homecoming festival a virtual station still be shown within the Zagster phone app which will allow for users of the bike share program start and/or end their rides at the festival grounds.  Those interested in the bike share program can have their questions answered by Bike Dearborn volunteers at the Bike Parking location.

Bike Parking hours of operation are: Friday Aug 2nd 2:00 pm – 10:30 pm, Saturday Aug 38501209_2075515056100050_1370103299092512768_n3rd 12:00 pm – 11:30 pm, and Sunday 12:00 pm – 11:30 pm. All bikes must be reclaimed by the end of the night each day. No overnight bike parking will be allowed.

Bike Dearborn is a grassroots organization that is dominating the bike advocacy efforts in Dearborn by focusing on creating a safe bicycling community and culture. Bike Dearborn not only promotes the recreational use of biking but the sustainable and equitable sides of bicycling as a form of transportation as well. The healthy benefits of biking for Dearborn residents and environmental sustainability are integral elements of the organization. Find out more about Bike Dearborn at www.bikedearborn.com

A Special Soul

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I was greeted with excitement as I pulled up to Haley’s house, as she ran up to me waving with a retro faded red wonder woman t-shirt on and R2-D2 socks, asking me to come play with her. Haley is one of our youngest Bike Dearborn participants; 4 years old. This one warms my heart every time I hear her sweet “thank you” shout-outs, as she pedals by me with her mom, Jessica, and her grandpa, Fred.  Her first ride with Bike Dearborn was last season at our Beaumont ride, where we first meet.  Jessica asked me to take a picture of the two of them and that’s when our friendship began.

Haley sports her Raphael Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle helmet, knee, and elbow pads when she joins us almost every week!  Raphael wears a red scarf around his eyes, which happens to be Haley’s favorite color. Raphael happens to be know as “The Dynamo”.  I would say that Haley fits most of his characteristics (I had to do some research): bold, original, sociable, and naturally are just a few to name!  I asked Haley why she likes Raphael the best, and she said, “he saves people and fights the bad guys”.

I spent at least an hour and a half with Haley.  We rescued her Pet Shop figures from being immersed in pink and green slim, played outside, and I got the opportunity to meet “Bosley”, the family’s German Shepard.  Haley was full of energy, as she gave me the grand tour of her house!  She was a gracious hostess offering me a tangerine and a bottle of water, as I sat on her couch to start the interview.  Haley shared with me that her favorite part of our rides is all the playgrounds we roll by.

Not only does Haley love to ride her bike, but she loves to dance!  I ended our visit with Haley and her mom sitting on her front porch, as she flipped through her favorite new book laughing and bringing life to, The Little Fur Family!  Haley will be on her way to Sacred Heart come fall; wish her luck!  I had many laughs with Haley and her mom!  This one has a special soul:)

Jen (#corkergirl)