Green Cruise Gets Ready to Roll in Ferndale

The second Saturday of August, the 10th, marks the ninth annual Green Cruise, a celebration of the many forms of human-powered transit that help keep you and the planet healthy. The Green Cruise’s purpose is to draw awareness to eco-friendly alternatives to automobiles and motorized vehicles. This year’s event features 3 bike rides, a parade, walk, children’s area, and vendor booths. All events are completely free to participants, thanks to the generosity of donors and sponsors.

Every year, an award it given to an individual who embodies the Green Cruise spirit by cycling (as opposed to driving) or promoting cycling as an alternative to diving.  This year we are honored to give the “Green Cruiser of the Year” award to Matthew Faraday. As a bike commuter riding to Beaumont Hospital, he became involved with the GreenTeam and began working to promote bike commuting to the hospital. He spearheaded a mapping project that led to a cycling route map of South East Oakland County that the hospital printed and distributed.

“We’ve had a wonderful turnout these past few years and we’re looking forward to another exciting day this year,” says Tom Dusky, Green Cruise chairman. “The Green Cruise is fun for the whole family, and provides a valuable balance to the Dream Cruise’s focus on automobiles.”

Location: 9 Mile Road, east of Woodward, Ferndale Michigan

Events

• 8 a.m. — 42 mile Detroit Ride. There are separate fast and slow groups. Detroit is a great place to ride and this is a beautiful route.
• 9 a.m. — 22 mile Suburban Ride—Fast and slow groups.
• 10 a.m. — 5 kilometer historical walk in Ferndale.
• 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Live Music, Children’s Area, Free Food, Vendor Booths, Free Bike Tune-ups
• 12 Noon – Human–Powered “Green Parade”
• 1pm – 4 mile Family ride. Easy pace.

Ten years ago during the (Woodward) Dream Cruise, Royal Oak resident Shirley Bavonese became frustrated with the noise and pollution. She assembled her children and their friends in the neighborhood to ride their bikes up and down the street—the idea for the Green Cruise began. The next year she went to the local Sierra Club national staff person and put a formal plan into action. For the last five years the Green Cruise has been run completely by volunteers.

Source: Sierra Club Green Cruise