Wellness
Detroit Parks opened 4.2-mile protected bike paths at Belle Isle and Riverfront for families and beginner cyclists. Car-free summer rides with rest areas and fountains.
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Updated 3 min ago
Detroit Parks and Recreation opened three new sections of separated bike path on July 1 at Belle Isle Park, giving families and first-time riders a 4.2-mile car-free loop that avoids the island’s main drive.
City data show a 28 percent rise in park visits since Memorial Day, and local wellness groups have pushed for more beginner routes after winter ice damage closed sections of the RiverWalk last year. The additions connect directly to existing paths that run through the Eastside neighborhood and link to the Dequindre Cut Greenway.
The new Belle Isle loop starts near the Scott Fountain and stays inside the park perimeter, with two family rest areas that include bike racks and drinking fountains. Riders can also enter from the MacArthur Bridge and stay on the dedicated path all the way to the eastern tip without crossing vehicle lanes. On the mainland side, the RiverWalk extension from Jos Campau Street to the Renaissance Center adds 1.8 miles of protected pavement that stays open until 10 p.m. daily and passes the Cullen Family Pavilion, where restrooms and water are available.
MoGo bike-share stations at both locations offer three-speed and electric bikes. A day pass costs $12 for adults and includes a child trailer attachment for an extra $5. The system recorded 47,000 rides in June, up from 36,000 the same month in 2025.
Parents can start at the Belle Isle lot off Jefferson Avenue, where staff from the Detroit Greenways Coalition run free Saturday clinics at 9 a.m. that cover helmet fit and basic signals. The coalition also posts real-time maps on its site showing which segments are currently clear of construction. Riders who prefer shorter outings can use the 1.5-mile segment of the RiverWalk between the Detroit Riverwalk at Chene Park and the GM Wintergarden, which stays flat and shaded by trees planted in 2023.
Before heading out, check the MoGo app for available bikes and trailer units at the nearest dock. Helmets remain required for riders under 18, and the city asks that groups stay single file on the narrowest sections near the river edge. Local shops in Corktown, including Detroit Bike and Bean, rent child seats and tag-along bikes starting at $8 for a half day.
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