Why doesn't the Woodward Dream Cruise involve the city of Detroit?

Question

Why doesn't the Woodward Dream Cruise involve the city of Detroit?

Answer 1

Historically, ... going back to the 1960's ... the Cruising scene centered on Woodward Ave in Oakland County. Ferndale to Pontiac.

There was cruising on Jefferson and Michigan, Graitiot too, but back in the olden days the Detroit cops were much tougher than suburban cops for one big reason: no pursuit law between cities.

The Detroit cops had these guys called The Big Four. Four big Irish guys crammed into Phymouth Furies and armed with ball bats and shotguns.

Their job was not to arrest people, It was to break heads. Punks in hotrods proved juicy prey for the Big Four.

Of course, the other part of the Big Four was to harass black folk, but since you're asking about the Woodward Cruise I thought I'd give you the straight dope.

EDIT-- Mopar Gurl is correct. There were about 30 teams that went by the name The Big Four their actual name was Mobile Tactical Units. Not all of them were Irish, but all of them were white and they didn't "play". You'd get your noggin dented if you messed with them. Messy could be anything from walking too slow, too fast, not taking your hat off or squealing your tires.  Mopar Gurl, she's the expert because her father was a Copper and served with honor.

Answer 2

bill -

you are partially right

the big four was a team of 4 cops ( there were I believe more than ONE group of 4)

not all cops of the Big Four were Irish

some were Polish ;)

EDIT- Bill, ah shucks .. you're making me blush

The Big 4 guys didnt scare me when I would see them from time to time

In the 60's ALL cops were tall and beefy -I felt that  the STRESS cops team of the 70's were a tougher bunch

as for the Woodward cruise not continuing south of 8 mile-

that was  not  part of the original cruise  route

so that's not a nostalgic area

Answer 3

Because there are certain parts of Woodward in Detroit that no one would want to cruise and/or stand on. Plus, from Detroit to Pontiac? That's way too long, I think its for all the older suburbanites that miss the days of riding their cars down Woodward. It's fine just the way it is.

Answer 4

Was it last year, that the State fair held a car show?Also I believe Highland Park, had some cruising. I'm sure it all pales in comparison to the main cruise.

Answer 5

City of Detroit????? Safety would be my guess!!!!!!!

Answer 6

Because its always been that way.  

With current relations between Oakland county and Detroit it would never happen.  They probably don't want to hear Detroit crying about how something is racist.

Answer 7

I too have wonder that myself. Considering that Woodward Avenue is the major city in Detroit that connects Detroit to the suburbs, I do have my theories on why I do not believe the Woodward Dream Cruise is not in Detroit;

1. A Very Long Route. Ferdale to Detroit would be too long and you would have to travel through two counties to get to the end of the route.

2. The Traffic. During the Woodward Dream Crusie, there is a lot of traffic between classic cars and some everyay cars driving in the parade. It would be too much traffic between Ferndale and Detroit.

3. Do Not want to break a tradition. It has been a tradition to have the Woodward Dream Cruise in Oakland County and not to have the Dream Cruise in Detroit.