Arts & Entertainment

Ferndale Councilwoman Starts New Bike Group – But No Spandex Allowed

Just in time for Bike Night on Thursday, Ferndale Mayor Pro Tem Melanie Piana is starting a new cycling group to celebrate "riding in everyday clothing."

If you ask Ferndale Mayor Pro Tem Melanie Piana how often she rides her bike, she might not have an exact answer for you. That's because for Piana, bicycling is just part of everyday life.

She usually bikes to work at the located above the in Ferndale, and you can count on seeing her bike parked outside during council's Monday night meetings.

She isn't keeping track of the miles, she's just getting where she needs to go - and she enjoys every minute of it.

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"I love the feeling of being on my bike- the wind in my hair, the sounds of our community," she says, mentioning the added benefit of not paying for parking. When she rides to work, she said, "I feel good and I'm awake and alert and I'm ready to go."

She also rides for fun, often taking off on miles-long excursions to explore the city or into Detroit, including rides organized by the .

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She does take precautions when riding. "I assume drivers don't see me. You do have to be very aware of what you are doing," she said.

No spandex required at new group

Piana's appreciation of bike-riding as not just a healthy sport but as part of her everyday lifestyle is what led her to start Skirts, Heels and Wheels - a new women's bicycling group that will celebrate "riding in everyday clothing," she said.

The group will have its first official meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday at the , where the women (men who share the interest also invited) will discuss bike accessories and other bicycling topics.

For their first meet-up, local photographers Sherry Kruzman-Martin and Mare Costello will be on hand to photograph the women wearing their "fashionable finest" while on their bikes.

"No padded bike shorts are part of this little event," Piana laughed.

The first meet-up coincides with Bike Night on Thursday, part of the 's that aims to appease Ferndale residents' growing interest in art around their community.

For more information on Skirts, Heels and Wheels, visit the group's Facebook page.


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