A pedal pub is a rolling bar on a bicycle frame: the group sits around a table, pedals together and a driver steers and keeps everyone on course. This tour, run by HandleBar Detroit, is a private version through the downtown streets, lasting about 1 hour 45 minutes, and it is aimed at groups of friends, birthdays, bachelorette parties and teams who want something more active than a bar crawl. The operator says its drivers give you an open-air tour of Detroit, so expect commentary on the sights as well as help with navigation and the pedaling is as easy or as lazy as the group chooses. The tour is priced per group rather than per person, which makes it economical for a full party and rather steep for a couple. Because it is an open-air experience, weather matters, and it is wise to confirm that the tour is running for your dates in late autumn or winter.
What to know before you go
The tour is open to adult groups who want to drink, so bring identification and plan your transport home in advance. Group size and meeting point are not stated in advance, so confirm both when you book, along with the rules on bringing drinks. Dress for the weather, because the bike is open to the air, and wear shoes you can pedal in. The pedaling is shared and the pace is gentle, so fitness is not an issue for most people.
Why choose it
It is a different way to see downtown, because you roll past Campus Martius, the stadiums and the bars and restaurants of the central streets at a human pace, with a driver who knows where to stop for photographs. It is noisy, social and good-humored, and it works best with a group that already knows one another. If you prefer a quieter or more educational outing, the architecture walking tour or the food tour is a better fit.
Pairing it
Schedule it for the afternoon or early evening and follow it with dinner in Greektown, Corktown or Midtown. Groups visiting for a Lions, Tigers, Red Wings or Pistons game can use it as a pre-game warm-up, though it is wise to allow a buffer before kickoff. Book early for weekends, since private slots are limited, and check cancellation terms at the time of booking.
What to expect
The experience
A private open-air pedal pub ride through downtown Detroit, with a driver who steers and gives commentary.
Best time
Afternoon or early evening in fair weather; confirm the tour is running in late autumn and winter.
How long
About 1 hour 45 minutes.
Tips
Bring identification, dress for the weather, confirm the meeting point and drink rules when you book and plan your ride home.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Groups of friends, birthdays and celebrations.
- Families
- Not for children; this is an adult drinking outing.
- Couples
- Fun with a group; pricey and loud for just two people.
- Pair with
- Dinner in Greektown or Corktown afterward.
- Time needed
- About two hours including meeting up.
Good questions
How long is the tour?+
About 1 hour 45 minutes.
Is it private?+
Yes, this booking is a private pedal pub for your group, priced per group rather than per person.
Do I have to pedal hard?+
No. The pedaling is shared by the group at an easy pace, and a driver steers.
Can I go in winter?+
It is an open-air experience, so check with the operator that tours are running for your dates and dress for the weather.
Who is it for?+
Adult groups looking for a social, active way to see downtown. It is not suited to children.
