National Transportation Week centers on the Motor City

This week is National Transportation Week, an annual event since President Kennedy created it in 1962. This year the national event puts its focus on Detroit. Already known around the world as the Motor City, this week offers us a unique opportunity to let the nation know Detroit isn't just about cars anymore. Thus, a plethora of events centered around alternative fuels, cycling and transit.

Let metromode be your guide as we offer up a sampling of the festivities. And check back for more extensive coverage throughout the week.

Tuesday, May 15

In the morning, the Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau and WWJ will host “Moving Michigan:  Advancing Transportation Through Technology” business breakfast at NextEnergy in Detroit, featuring a panel discussion on the technological advancements changing all sectors of transportation—air, water, roads and rail.

For more information or to register, head to http://www.WWJ.com.

At 10:00, NextEnergy will host a groundbreaking ceremony for a new 10 million-gallon-per-year biodiesel production facility. The operator, Biodiesel Industries, utilizes proprietary technology that allows it to produce fuel from multiple sources, ranging from soy beans to French fry grease. Metromode will be in attendance; look for more information about this crucial project later in the week.

All day at Novi's Rock Financial Showplace, DTE Energy and The Engineering Society of Detroit will co-host the 2007 Energy Conference and Exhibition. The focus here is on products and services that will help conserve energy and save money. Speakers will include executives from automotive manufacturers and suppliers, health care, banking, the state department of environmental control, energy distribution and sustainable development.  More here.

Wednesday, May 16

Transportation Riders United sponsored a design competition called "Detroit in Transit: Visions of a Region on the Move," and tonight will host a reception at Centaur honoring the top submissions. Categories include transit vehicles, station architectural design and urban planning of vibrant transit-oriented neighborhoods. 

Thursday, May 17

NextEnergy will host the Michigan Clean Fleet Conference, which works to inform fleet managers of alternative energy vehicles and emission reduction techniques. Look for more information on this event later in the week.

Friday, May 18 – National Bike to Work Day

Detroit Synergy is coordinating local efforts for this national observation. The group ride will focus on the Woodward Corridor, beginning in Royal Oak at 6:20 a.m. and ending in Downtown Detroit at 8:10 a.m.

Saturday, May 19

TRU is hosting a preview of the Ann Arbor-Detroit commuter train. Board the Amtrak in Royal Oak or Detroit, ride the rails to Ann Arbor while learning about future plans for the corridor, disembark in Ann Arbor for a pleasant dinner…then hop the train for a ride home. It's that easy.

For a round-up of even more events, click here.

Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh