Author Archives: Sven Gustafson
Bike commuters turn heads, lead the way during Bike to Work Day Detroit event
Today is Bike to Work Day across much of the country, when participants are gleefully posting photos of themselves clad in spandex all over the social universe. I helped to organize the Detroit version, which culminated in a catered breakfast…
What should be done with the Michigan State Fairgrounds in Detroit?
The old Michigan State Fairgrounds property sits at one of Detroit’s busiest crossroads, is adjacent to prominent rail and bus routes and has been mostly abandoned since 2009. But soon, the 157-acre property, beloved to generations of Detroiters and out-state…
Public suggestions sought for proposed bike sharing program in Detroit
A feasibility study on establishing a bike sharing system in Detroit is now under way, and Wayne State University and other backers are asking the public to weigh in on where to locate rental kiosks. Wayne State and a group…
Outrun the winter blahs: 9 fun and crazy winter races in Michigan
Just because the peak of running event season is behind us doesn’t mean there are no winter races to be found in Michigan. Quite the contrary, there are races held throughout our long, grey season, including some eccentric cures for…
These Scandinavian slaw-style side salads are easy, tasty, healthy and fresh
In my family, Christmastime means Swedish food. Our gatherings feature plenty of hearty and heavily spiced fare — like pickled herring, meatballs and plenty of butter — but until recently, not much in the way of vegetables or other healthy…
Imagination Library early childhood literacy program growing across Michigan
Each month, I receive what I consider to be a great example of high-impact philanthropy in my mailbox. Two, actually. There I find two free books — one addressed to each of my sons — meant to encourage early childhood…
‘Detropia’ documentary doesn’t paper over Detroit’s darkest days, but hope manages to survive, too
Recently I had the opportunity to catch a screening of “Detropia,” the heavily buzzed-about independent documentary that examines modern-day Detroit — in all its unvarnished economic ruin and physical decay — as a kind of canary in the coal mine…
Kick off Thanksgiving right with one of these 11 great Turkey Trot races in Michigan
Each Thanksgiving Day, my wife and I join up with friends for one of our favorite rituals of the year. No, I’m not talking about the Thanksgiving feast — that comes several hours later — but rather the ritual of…
How to choose the right gear for running in colder weather
Most runners I know all say the same thing about fall: This is the best time of year to run. The oppressive summer heat and humidity has given way to crisp air, gorgeous fall colors, the smell of rain and…
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