Biking was once described as "the speed God intended for man to view the world." A leisurely ride is a great way to see this city and enjoy its natural treasures. Portage has an extensive bikeway system to enjoy nature, to connect citizens to the city's retail and cultural resources, and to connect neighbors to each other and their neighborhoods. The Portage Bikeway System was implemented in 1989 and has grown to exceed 50 miles of bikeways throughout the city and its parks.
A
Bikeway is defined as any paved surface specifically designated for bicycle travel. Portage bikeways are of two varieties: a separate off-road trail or pathway for joint bicycle/pedestrian use as found in Portage Creek Bicentennial Park; or a designated bicycle lane/paved shoulder adjacent to a city street striped and signed for use by bicyclists.
A downloadable pdf file of the
Map or the
Portage Bikeway brochure is a great way to plan your weekend. Choose one of the two highlighted bike "routes" or simply make your own trip. Have fun and happy biking!
Bicentennial Park Trail Closing for I-94 Construction
Alternate Route Available
Beginning July 6, a portion of the Bicentennial Park Trail north of Milham Avenue will be closed during the I-94 widening project. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has notified the city that it may be three years before the closed trail section will be available for public use.
However, due to recent improvement to Lovers Lane with sidewalks and bike lanes, an alternate route between Milham Avenue and the Bicentennial Park activity area and parking lot will provide continued recreational and commuter options during the trail closing. Please print our alternate route map available here or pick up a copy at the Parks office in City Hall.
From the Kilgore activity area, trail users can still enjoy a .5 mile trek to the bridge at Portage Creek. For those wishing to continue to Milham, patrons must use the sidewalk and bike lanes along Lovers Lane until the alternate route joins with the trail south of I-94. From the Milham activity area, the trail is re-routed approximately .6 miles north of the overpass or patrons can continue .8 mile to a turn-around.
