Windsor cyclists in Detroit?

By Dawn Gray

Local cyclists are hoping have more ground to cover as plans are underway to allow bicycles on bike racks to be transported by the Transit Windsor tunnel bus.

According to Patrick Delmore, executive director of Transit Windsor, bike racks are currently on all but two city buses. However, they are not currently allowed to use the racks on the tunnel buses without a permit from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation.

“The implementation for tunnel bus use is based on receiving the permit,” said Delmore. “We will still have to have operating procedures with regards to the clearance of bikes. But at this time, they have raised no concerns.”

To apply for the permit, the plan must first receive final approval by city council. The next step is to create a clearance system with Canada Border Services Agency and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Currently, bikes are only allowed on the tunnel bus if they are collapsible and if the bus driver determines there is sufficient space.

Lori Newton, the executive director of Bike Windsor Essex, said this move by Transit Windsor is long overdue. She said although the plan does have its restrictions, such as a two bike limit, she believes this will be “a bit of a game changer.”

“Cycling is the biggest opportunity that we have in this region to connect with our friends across the river,” said Newton. “They are knocking down our door to come over here.”

She believes that as border protection has tightened people have lost the connection with our American neighbors. She feels Michigan cyclists want to explore our city and this is our opportunity to brand ourselves as the gateway to Canada.

Newton, along with Bike Windsor Essex, are also working to further expand and connect all bike trails in our region and even beyond.

“We have a long way to go, but we are starting to see positive change and Bike Windsor Essex is here to advocate,” said Newton.  “We’re fighting for good and protected East, West, North and South bike lanes to connect all of our city neighborhoods.”

Bike Windsor Essex along with cyclists groups in Detroit are working to advocate for a bike lane on the new bridge crossing. At the same time they are pushing to have a ferryboat that will transport cyclists and pedestrians across the Detroit River. They are working with partners in Detroit and Michigan to encourage people to grab their bikes and explore both sides of the Detroit River.

“We have a ‘vision map’ which covers Ontario, Quebec, Michigan and Ohio. We hope that it will allow people to discover our entire region on a bike,” said Newton. “However, there are pieces missing such as a crossing at the Detroit River. Filling in these pieces will allow us to extend existing regional bike trails. There is a huge demand. We want this to happen.”

Newton said the planned tunnel bus bike racks are an indicator of the interest that exists, and may draw recognition to how important cycling is to the tourism sector.

“It is a good first step towards the great possibilities for cycling in this region. It’s long overdue.”

Transit Windsor will seek final approval for the bike racks in the city council meeting on Monday, October 3.