Biking to and along the riverfront may soon get a little easier. The Detroit RiverFront Conservancy has plans to spruce up the area around the Detroit River in three ways.
That means new public parks, including a beach area.
Two new bike and pedestrian pathways that will connect east side residents to the river
Jefferson Ave. will become more bike and pedestrian friendly.
"We are really fixing the water edge," said Mark Wallace, the President & CEO of the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy. "We are fixing the Jefferson crossing and then we are making additional connection points to go north and south, so that access will be improved."
Changes coming to an area once slated for apartments and condos will now be park space and pedestrian pathways.
In an blighted, former industrial area will now contribute to a vibrant waterfront scene.
The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy debuted plans to add nearly eight acres of additional public park space to the East Riverfront.
For cyclists and pedestrians, they will soon be able to travel along the river from Joe Louis Arena to the Belle Isle bridge.
Right now, the Dequindre Cut offers folks a safe pathway from the Eastern Market area to the river.
Two new greenways running parallel to the Dequindre Cut will help attract more visitors to and from the riverfront.
And with the announcement of a bike and pedestrian pathway on the future Gordie Howe International Bridge, you can expect lots of folks wanting to visit this area.
"The riverfront belongs to everyone and the riverfront should be that accessible place where everyone feels welcome all the time."
Most of the plans will begin sometime this year, with the greenway plans expected to start late this year or early next year.
