KALAMAZOO (WKZO AM/FM) — Amtrak is now bike-friendly.
Starting Thursday, cyclists with their bikes can now jump on the Amtrak Wolverine Service and take a train from Kalamazoo, Pontiac, Chicago, Detroit, Dearborn, Ann Arbor, Jackson and other stops.
There are three round-trips daily.
Michigan Department of Transportation’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Specialist Josh DeBruyn says the service began due to an increase in bikers and a partnership between MDOT and Amtrak.
He said they will trade some of the Amtrak seats with bike racks and areas for cyclists to easily bring their bikes on and off of the train.
Kalyn Campbell with Pedal bike shop was one of the first to take the train from Battle Creek to Kalamazoo and said the ride was easy and convenient.
MDOT says the move gives bikers an easy way to connect trails “…such as the Rouge Gateway Trail in Dearborn, bicycle friendly streets in Ann Arbor and Royal Oak, the Falling Waters Trail in Jackson, the Battle Creek Linear Pathway in Battle Creek, and the Kalamazoo River Trailway in Kalamazoo.”
President of the Kalamazoo Bicycle Club Renee Mitchell says the easiness of not having to drive a car is what will change the biking community.
There is only a $10 charge in addition to a train ticket to bring a bike on board.
Bike rules and more information can be found on Amtrak’s website.
Train tickets can be bought at Amtrak.com.
