Here’s an unusual way to see Detroit Zoo animals: by bicycle.
The zoo, which is calling the 6 p.m.-9 p.m. experience an “exclusive opportunity,” is offering two after-hours rolls this summer, one Friday, and also on Aug. 11. The events at the zoo in Royal Oak require tickets, which are $30 for adults, $25 for kids and qualifying older adults. There’s a $5 discount for zoo members.
The events — the zoo calls them Bike Safaris — allow cyclists to roll over a variety of surfaces and elevations, with uphill and downhill areas, and some tight turns and flat stretches. Child carriers, tricycles, bicycle trailers and, for the little tykes, training wheels are allowed.
A bike helmet, and bike, is required.
But motorized bikes, e-bikes and walkers are prohibited.
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The zoo has held the event other years, too. Among the photos it shared on social media in 2022 was a group of cyclists — including one in a 313 T-shirt and another snapping off a photo — rolling up to the Wolverine exhibit. In another image, visitors pedaled past the Horace H. Rackham Memorial Fountain with the bronze bears.
In the comments, Tammi Brandon posted to the zoo’s Facebook page that she and her husband tried it and “had a blast!” She said, “it wasn’t too crowded, and people were paying attention to other cyclists.” The volunteers and zoo staff, she added “were all friendly and well-prepared.” It was, she wrote, a “a great way to see the zoo!”
Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@freepress.com