Beyond the Bus

Rose Cooper took her act on the road in a new way this holiday season.

Cooper, who’s best known around greater Lansing as the singing motorcyclist, stores her beloved Harley-Davidson when winter arrives. But she didn’t let that stop her from singing her heart out on the city’s streets recently.

She hopped on a CATA bus to do some caroling.

It started out, as many things do, with a Facebook post: “At some point Friday afternoon, Kevin and I will be taking the #1 CATA bus from downtown to Meridian Mall and back; with the bus driver's permission, singing Christmas/holiday songs along the entire route. Wish us luck!”

When CATA got wind of Cooper’s plan, they looped in the driver and sent cameras to capture the trip.

“When we got on the bus, before I could even ask the driver if it was OK if we sang, he said ‘I’ve already heard about you.’ I was amazed,” Cooper said.

Cooper and her grandson Kevin, a first grader at Lansing’s Cumberland Elementary School, took the ride to bring cheer to Black Friday shoppers and give Kevin a bit of practice for his school’s upcoming choir concert.

“He’s a shy, sensitive kid, so he didn’t want to sing too much at first,” Cooper said. “But once I started, I could hear him going along.”

They boarded bus No. 1 at the CATA Transportation Center downtown and rode it all the way to the Meridian Mall, singing everything from “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” to “Jingle Bells” to “The Dreidel Song.”

“We decided we’d start a new song every time somebody got on,” she said. “It was like we were singing just for them.”

A few people sang along. One man even pulled a red nose out of his coat pocket and put it on as they sang “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”

Cooper said singing for the CATA passengers and staff was important to her.

“When I ride my bike, the CATA people are the coolest people to ride with,” she said. “There’s no competition. They’re not trying to beat me to the light like some cars do. They’re not coming over into my lane. I love riding next to CATA buses, so this was my way of giving back to CATA.”

Despite Kevin’s shy nature, he was excited to climb into the driver’s seat once the bus reached the mall. Cooper said he secretly loves the buses.

“When I’m driving him in my car, he’ll see a CATA bus and ask me to stop so he can get on it,” she said.

May is here, which means it’s time to dust off your bike! What better time to introduce biking into your routine than during Bike Month? Biking relieves stress, provides  great exercise and is a perfect way to enjoy some fresh air.

Don’t live near a bike trail? Take a quick ride on CATA and utilize the beautiful bike paths we have in our own backyard. CATA buses are equipped with bike racks that are available to riders at no extra charge and bike lockers at the CATA Transportation Center that are available for rental. Click here to get more information about CATA’s bike racks and lockers.

Check out these scenic bike-friendly trails:

1. Lansing: The Lansing River Trail has over 20 miles of paved trails that are perfect for biking. You can hop on the river trail at several locations and enjoy both wooded areas and picturesque views of downtown Lansing and the Capitol Building. Take Route 14 to get on at Adado Riverfront Park, or Route 2 and start at Moores Park.
2. East Lansing: East Lansing is home to the Northern Tier Trail, which boasts 4.8 miles of paved pathway. Take Route 26 to the Family Aquatic Center where you can easily enter the trail.
3. Delhi: Route 7 will give you access to the charming Sycamore Trail. Beginning at the end of the Lansing River Trail, at the corner of Jolly and Aurelius, the Sycamore Trail is a great paved pathway for bike riding.

If you’re looking for more personalized routes or a bike buddy for your commute, check our CATA’s Clean Commute Options at cleancommute.org. Happy biking!