Michigan has ample opportunities for back-roads biking with its many beaches and deeply forested areas. A cyclist can expect to burn between 400 and 700 calories per hour and increase lung capacity. Exercising in the vast natural areas of Michigan will also exhilarate and energize the cyclist's mind and prepare him for a restful night's sleep.
Mackinac Island
Mackinac island is located between Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas. It is accessible only by ferry or airplane. No automobiles are permitted on this island, so bicycles are welcome here. There is a flat 8-mile loop around the island as well as nearly 70 miles of more rugged bike trails throughout.
Upper Peninsula
There are more bike trails in the Upper Peninsula than in the Lower Peninsula. Some of these trails are found in state parks and national forests. Others are logging trails, and others are ski trails or snowmobile trails, which are accessible to bike riders during the summer and fall when there is no snow on the ground.
Lower Peninsula
Harbert Road Nature Preserve in Harbert has 90 acres of preserved woodland. It is open to hikers and bicyclers. Leelanau Trail near Traverse City has four separate trails that together encompass a total of 15 miles. This trail has views of heavy forests, lakes, streams and covers a few rolling hills.
Lake Michigan
Biking is permitted in many areas of the 350-mile-long coastline of Lake Michigan. There are a number of beach towns along this coastline. Many towns have scenic wooded trails with views of Lake Michigan that connect them to the next town. These trails are usually paved with wide shoulders for cyclists to stop and take a break on.
State Parks
Many Michigan state parks are open year-round despite the frigid winters of this state. Most of the state parks have trails that are open to bicyclists. Charles Mears State Park, Grand Haven State Park and Van Buren State Park are located in the western Lower Peninsula. Petoskey State Park and Traverse City State Park are in the northern Lower Peninsula.
Responsibilities
Michigan bicyclists must adhere to traffic laws just as any other motorist in the state. This means cyclists should stop at all stop signs and red traffic lights. They should also have a light on their bicycle when riding at night. Cyclists must ride with the flow of traffic and yield to cars when necessary.
Safety
Bicyclers in Michigan should wear light or reflective clothing. They should also have a taillight, headlight and reflectors on their bicycle. A helmet approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission should be worn on all trails, even if they are short. Loose clothing that could get caught in the spokes of a bicycle should not be worn.
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