A Detroit native, Mark "Marco" Speeks, is on a mission to prove that there's no bad weather, only bad clothing. He bikes year-round, including frigid Michigan winters, and advocates for bicycles as transformative tools for individual health and economic advancement in lower-income households.
Speeks promotes cycling as a practical and potentially life-changing option, citing its ability to manage health, weight, and chronic absenteeism from school. In Detroit, where a third of low-income residents don't own a car, Speeks believes that cycling can be a game-changer for many people. By providing access to bicycles, he hopes to break the cycle of poverty and improve overall well-being.
Speeks' organization, Major Taylor Michigan Cycling Club (MTMCA), offers programs such as "Stride and Glide," which teaches cycling basics to elementary school students. The program aims to instill a greater appreciation for bike-riding and its importance among young minds. MTMCA also partners with local businesses and organizations to provide bicycles and accessories to professionals, particularly in the downtown area.
Speeks envisions a future where Detroiters can normalize cycling as a means of transportation in everyday life. He believes that people need advocates like himself to communicate with the city and provide support for bike lanes and infrastructure. By normalizing cycling, Speeks hopes to create a community where everyone is accountable to each other, individually and collectively.
Speeks' vision for Detroit's future is one where cars are not synonymous with Motown, but bicycles are. He encourages people to contact him at the mtmca.org website for help cycling and emphasizes the importance of supporting local initiatives that promote bike-friendly infrastructure and community engagement.
Speeks promotes cycling as a practical and potentially life-changing option, citing its ability to manage health, weight, and chronic absenteeism from school. In Detroit, where a third of low-income residents don't own a car, Speeks believes that cycling can be a game-changer for many people. By providing access to bicycles, he hopes to break the cycle of poverty and improve overall well-being.
Speeks' organization, Major Taylor Michigan Cycling Club (MTMCA), offers programs such as "Stride and Glide," which teaches cycling basics to elementary school students. The program aims to instill a greater appreciation for bike-riding and its importance among young minds. MTMCA also partners with local businesses and organizations to provide bicycles and accessories to professionals, particularly in the downtown area.
Speeks envisions a future where Detroiters can normalize cycling as a means of transportation in everyday life. He believes that people need advocates like himself to communicate with the city and provide support for bike lanes and infrastructure. By normalizing cycling, Speeks hopes to create a community where everyone is accountable to each other, individually and collectively.
Speeks' vision for Detroit's future is one where cars are not synonymous with Motown, but bicycles are. He encourages people to contact him at the mtmca.org website for help cycling and emphasizes the importance of supporting local initiatives that promote bike-friendly infrastructure and community engagement.
I'm low-key impressed by Marco's initiative, he's trying to tackle poverty through cycling which is a pretty cool idea 
. As someone who's seen the benefits of biking firsthand, I can attest that it's not just about getting from point A to point B, but also about personal growth and community vibes 
. He's onto something with his MTMCA programs, especially "Stride and Glide" which seems like a win-win for kids and parents alike 
. The fact that he's working with local businesses to provide access to bikes is a solid move too 
. I just wish more people would take notice and support him in making Detroit a bike-friendly city 
, Mark "Marco" Speeks is literally changing lives in Detroit! I'm totally stoked about his Major Taylor Michigan Cycling Club initiative 
, they're doing such amazing work with the "Stride and Glide" program for kids, teaching them how to ride bikes and promoting a love for cycling. And can we talk about how awesome it is that he's partnering with local businesses to provide bikes and accessories for professionals? 
It's all about creating a community where people are accountable to each other and making cycling a norm in everyday life, which I am 100% down for 
. Let's get behind this guy and support his mission! 
. It's awesome that Speeks is working with local businesses to provide support and resources for people who want to cycle more. I think his vision for a bike-friendly Detroit is totally doable, and it would be amazing to see the city become more normalized as a way of life.
! the idea of "Stride and Glide" teaching kids about cycling basics is genius 
I'm loving this dude Marco Speeks' vibe! It's so true, bad weather is just a excuse, our clothes can't keep us warm or protected enough. Biking is not only good for your health but also a great way to explore the city without breaking the bank. I think it's awesome that he's working with schools and local businesses to make cycling more accessible and fun. 
I've been trying to get more active lately and this is exactly what I need - someone like Marco showing me that it's possible to make cycling a part of my life. And his programs for kids are so cool! "Stride and Glide" sounds amazing, I want my little ones to learn how to ride too 
. Plus, bike lanes and infrastructure would be such a game-changer for Detroit - can't imagine the difference it'd make in people's lives. Let's support Marco and his efforts, everyone should have access to cycling! 
seriously though, cycling is such a game-changer for low-income households in Detroit it's amazing that MTMCA has programs like Stride and Glide to teach kids how to ride, and now they're even partnering with local businesses to help people in the downtown area get cycling too! 
and i am HOOKED on biking!!! mark "marco" speeks is literally a total inspiration to me lol he's been biking thru the snow for like years and is all about promoting cycling as a way out of poverty 
i'm all for it, who needs cars when u got two wheels and a helmet? 
It's all about creating a culture where everyone is accountable to each other, and I'm here for that 
. Now, let's make Detroit bike-friendly city, where cars are just a distant memory 
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I mean, have you seen this guy's setup? All these programs and partnerships with businesses... it sounds like they're trying to control our minds on how we get around Detroit 
I'm not saying it's bad or anything, but have you noticed how many bike lanes they've been popping up all over the city lately? It's like they're trying to distract us from something... 
But, on the other hand, I'm not sure if cycling is really the answer to breaking the cycle of poverty 
. I've seen people bike around Detroit and they're still struggling to make ends meet, you know? And what about the infrastructure? 
The city needs to invest in more bike lanes and stuff before we can even think about making biking a viable option for everyone.
, especially for kids who don't have access to cars. Speeks' program sounds like it could really make a difference 
But, I do think Mark "Marco" Speeks is onto something. We just need to figure out how to make it work for everyone 
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