Hundreds of riders move out at the start of the 2007 Ride for a Reason. The annual event benefits the Penrickton Center for Blind Children. (Kurt M. Sebaly)
This week, I am sharing a variety of transportation news with you. I hope you are ready for a motorcycle fundraiser, lifesaving tips and a possible SMART fare increase.
On Sunday, if you love children and motorcycles, head to Dundee for the ninth annual Ride for a Reason to benefit the Penrickton Center for Blind Children.
The center in Taylor is a private, nonprofit agency that provides care, consultation and evaluation services to blind, multi-disabled children ages 1-12.
Over the past eight years, more than 15,000 motorcycle riders have participated in Ride For a Reason, raising more than $300,000, which has been used for around-the-clock nursing and occupational therapy for the children.
Registration is at 10 a.m. in the staging area in the parking lot of Cabela's, with a fee of $25 per person.
The police-escorted ride begins at noon and (after a leisurely cruise) arrives at Biker Bob's Motown Harley-Davison, also in Taylor, for an afternoon of music, food and fun.
The ride is open to all motorcycles, so hop on your Harley, saddle your Suzuki or motor over on your Moto Guzzi and help the kids.
The two towers
Several readers have asked me about the two very large towers that are being put up on the northwest corner of the Interstate 75/696 interchange. The structures -- with about the same look and size of electrical towers -- will be used as communication relay stations, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation. The towers send traffic information to the Michigan Intelligent Transportation Center, which is above the Greyhound Station in downtown Detroit.
Tips can save your life
The Office of the Michigan Secretary of State is looking out for you!
The SOS has kicked off its second annual "Lifesaving Tips" series, which offers advice for Michigan drivers and boaters. The column offers weekly safety advice for drivers, pedestrians, hikers, bikers, boaters and motorists towing trailers and RVs.
You can find it at the SOS Web site at http://www.michigan.gov/sos">www.michigan.gov/sos.
Say 'yeah' or 'nay' to increase
Is it fair to raise the fare?
SMART (the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation) has slated a series of public meetings to consider a proposed fare increase. The meetings will held as follows: 5-7 p.m. Monday at the Eastpointe City Hall council chambers, 23200 Gratiot, and 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at the SEMCOG Board Room, third floor of the Buhl Building, 535 Griswold, Detroit.
Commuting tgreenwood@detnews.com">tgreenwood@detnews.com (313) 222-2023
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