Eric D. Lawrence (@ericdlawrence.bsky.social)

Eric D. Lawrence

@ericdlawrence.bsky.social

I cover car culture and mobility at the Detroit Free Press. Fan of good eats and reads. I ran my first full marathon last year. Hoping to notch No. 2 at least this year. Happy to be here.

357 followers 44 following176 posts

Eric D. Lawrence

@ericdlawrence.bsky.social

19h

“I thought they were beautiful cars. After seeing the movie, it cemented it as my No. 1 movie vehicle of all times.” Where does the DeLorean rank in your movie car list? www.freep.com/story/money/...

freep.comfreep.com

Eric D. Lawrence

@ericdlawrence.bsky.social

What’s the future for bikeshare in Detroit? MoGo bikeshare hits pause in Detroit; bikes, stations 'unavailable' www.freep.com/story/money/...

freep.comMoGo bikeshare hits pause in Detroit; bikes, stations 'unavailable'Detroit's MoGo bikeshare has announced a seasonal closure. Reporting had pointed to a possible transfer of the system this year and financial losses.

Eric D. Lawrence

@ericdlawrence.bsky.social

"You may not rely on public transit, but many of the people you rely on rely on public transit.” Transit, veterans, zoo millages on tap for voters in this Michigan county www.freep.com/story/news/l...

freep.comTransit, veterans, zoo millages on tap for voters in this Michigan countyMacomb County voters facing essentially millage renewals, but passage is key to continue providing essential services.

Eric D. Lawrence reposted

Detroit Free Press

@freep.com

The Free Press considers bringing stars back to restaurant reviews

bit.lyThe Free Press considers bringing stars back to restaurant reviewsFreep restaurant critic Lyndsay C. Green weighs the pros and cons of bringing rankings back to restaurant reviews and asks readers to join the debate.

Eric D. Lawrence

@ericdlawrence.bsky.social

Police said the vehicle trapped and dragged the child a short distance before stopping. www.freep.com/story/news/l...

freep.comBoy, 12, riding bike struck, dragged by pickup truck in WarrenNo charges have been filed, and the investigation is ongoing after a boy riding a bike was struck by a truck in Warren.

Eric D. Lawrence

@ericdlawrence.bsky.social

Driver's 'inner Larry David' comes out over this www.freep.com/story/money/...

freep.comDriver's 'inner Larry David' comes out over thisReaders describe their own parking lot concerns and driving pet peeves. One man's "inner Larry David" has thoughts about traffic gaps.

Eric D. Lawrence

@ericdlawrence.bsky.social

"It was probably, and is probably, the No. 1 thing we get asked by people: 'When are you opening the theater?' Grosse Pointe Farms landmark to get $6M theater renovation after flood www.freep.com/story/news/l...

freep.comGrosse Pointe Farms landmark to get $6M theater renovation after floodThe War Memorial in Grosse Pointe Farms now can answer its most asked question: When is the theater coming back?

Eric D. Lawrence

@ericdlawrence.bsky.social

Which company has the lead on robotaxis and self-driving car software? www.freep.com/story/money/...

freep.comNVIDIA exec says one company has the edge on self-driving carsNVIDIA supplies self-driving technology to companies ranging from Uber and Lyft to Tesla, Waymo and Stellantis.

Eric D. Lawrence

@ericdlawrence.bsky.social

Ever have to climb through the passenger side because someone parked a bit too close? www.freep.com/story/money/...

freep.comIs it too much to expect a little courtesy when parking? You tell meSome may say a thin line separates society from the jungle, but what if it's the lines in our parking lots that keep the chaos at bay?

Eric D. Lawrence reposted

Angry People in Local Newspapers

@apiln.bsky.social

🎵 Now they know how many holes it takes to fill the Annie Hall... 🎶

Eric D. Lawrence

@ericdlawrence.bsky.social

"I have to scream at the top of my lungs to get his attention. The noise is just too loud." A mother describes what it's like dealing with the noise from a nearby expressway. www.freep.com/story/news/l...

freep.comfreep.com

Eric D. Lawrence

@ericdlawrence.bsky.social

“I just can’t imagine having something this big. You have to have the right spot for it, that’s for sure.” Some of these campers are more like second or even first homes. www.freep.com/story/money/...

freep.comCampers galore at fall MARVAC RV show in NoviHundreds of campers and RVs from those you pull to those you drive are at the Vibe Credit Union Showplace in Novi.

Eric D. Lawrence

@ericdlawrence.bsky.social

AAA says it costs more than $12.8K to own, operate a new car each year www.freep.com/story/money/...

freep.comAAA says it costs more than $12.8K to own, operate a new car each yearThe cost to own and operate a new vehicle is more than $1,000 every month, according to AAA, but one expert says people too often fixate on payments.

Eric D. Lawrence

@ericdlawrence.bsky.social

This is my driving pet peeve ... www.freep.com/story/money/...

freep.comfreep.com

Eric D. Lawrence

@ericdlawrence.bsky.social

The 2023 hazardous materials train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, was one of the disasters referenced by Peters' staff. www.freep.com/story/money/...

freep.comPeters seeks to boost 'outdated pay' for nation's railroad inspectorsFederal railroad safety workers are responsible for monitoring 160,000 miles of track and need a pay bump, according to U.S. Sen. Gary Peters.

Eric D. Lawrence reposted

Detroit Free Press

@freep.com

Lake St. Clair muck removal planned in Michigan, permits in the works

bit.lyLake St. Clair muck removal planned in Michigan, permits in the worksThe muck has been around for years. Now, Macomb County officials are hoping to clear some of it, find ways to stop it from coming back.

Eric D. Lawrence

@ericdlawrence.bsky.social

Not easy to drive distracted without crashing quickly in simulator www.freep.com/story/money/...

freep.comNot easy to drive distracted without crashing quickly in simulatorI tried the distracted driving simulator that University of Michigan-Flint students used and found how dangerous not paying attention can be.

Eric D. Lawrence

@ericdlawrence.bsky.social

22 Sept

"Parents aren’t saying, ‘get rid of e-bikes.’ They’re saying, ‘Help us figure out how to use them safely." www.freep.com/story/money/...

freep.comPoll results show parents want e-bike info, not bansThe Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health results come as more areas are weighing e-bike restrictions.

Eric D. Lawrence

@ericdlawrence.bsky.social

22 Sept

What's your pick for best car ever? Thoughts on these?https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/2026/09/22/best-car-ever-tesla-chrysler-ford-vw-honda-nissan-corvette/91880945007/

freep.comHere's what you said about the 'best car ever'We asked you to tell us your pick for best car ever and you didn't disappoint. Would paying off your car be enough for it to make the list?

Eric D. Lawrence

@ericdlawrence.bsky.social

19 Sept

$3.8M yacht not the only big boat at Lake St. Clair Metropark www.freep.com/story/money/...

freep.com$3.8M yacht not the only big boat at Lake St. Clair MetroparkThe Metro Boat Show at Lake St. Clair Metropark has yachts, performance boats and pontoons.

Eric D. Lawrence

@ericdlawrence.bsky.social

17 Sept

They posted today that the path is temporarily closed so remember to check before you plan to take that bike ride or a walk on the new bridge. www.freep.com/story/money/...

freep.comWhen crossing the Gordie Howe bridge on foot or bike, check forecastSome cyclists have been stranded when the Gordie Howe International Bridge multiuse path closed unexpectedly so check the weather before you go.

Eric D. Lawrence

@ericdlawrence.bsky.social

17 Sept

Here's the bridge posting: www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1...

facebook.comFacebook

Eric D. Lawrence

@ericdlawrence.bsky.social

11 Sept

"... the hair-raising video showed how a split-second decision could be the difference between life and death." www.freep.com/story/news/l...

freep.comNear-miss video highlights Michigan's back-to-school traffic dangersThe hair-raising video from Monroe County authorities showed how split-second decisions can make the difference between life and death.

Eric D. Lawrence

@ericdlawrence.bsky.social

24 Aug

Here's where readers share their distracted-driving horror stories ... www.freep.com/story/money/...

freep.comTikTok addiction behind the wheel sounds like a bad combinationI asked what distracted-driving activities you've seen on the road and you didn't hold back.

Eric D. Lawrence

@ericdlawrence.bsky.social

15 Aug

My day today … Woodward Dream Cruise draws families to bond – and furries www.freep.com/story/money/...

freep.comWoodward Dream Cruise draws families to bond – and furriesCrowds hit Woodward for annual Dream Cruise as weather cooperates -- kind of.

Eric D. Lawrence

@ericdlawrence.bsky.social

15 Aug

We drove 5 generations of Honda Accords during Dream Cruise week www.freep.com/picture-gall...

freep.comSee 5 generations of pristine Honda Accords. We drove them all.The Honda Accord started production five decades ago. See the 5 generations of this classic car we drove on Woodward during Dream Cruise week.

Eric D. Lawrence

@ericdlawrence.bsky.social

14 Aug

Ford adding a convertible to the Mustang Dark Horse SC stable www.freep.com/picture-gall...

freep.comSee Ford's new Mustang Dark Horse SC convertibleFord Racing unveiled the latest high-powered Mustang Dark Horse SC, a convertible coming in 2027.

Eric D. Lawrence

@ericdlawrence.bsky.social

11 Aug

News about the news and more specifically my newsroom and others ... newsguild.org/usa-today-jo...

newsguild.orgnewsguild.org

Eric D. Lawrence

@ericdlawrence.bsky.social

10 Aug

What makes something the best? Model T, Miata, Porsche 911. What's your pick for the best car ever? www.freep.com/story/money/...

freep.comModel T, Miata, Porsche 911. What's your pick for the best car ever?What makes your best-car list might not be on someone else's. Is the best car ever a reliable car, fun to drive or heavy on the eye candy?

Eric D. Lawrence

@ericdlawrence.bsky.social

7 Aug

Have you tried out the Gordie Howe International Bridge multi-use path? www.freep.com/story/money/...

freep.comGordie Howe bridge releases 1st day numbers for walking, biking pathWhen the Gordie Howe International Bridge opened its multiuse path on Wednesday, thousands of people tried it out.

Eric D. Lawrence

@ericdlawrence.bsky.social

6 Aug

Racing is family affair for Detroit-born Nolan Allaer www.freep.com/story/money/...

freep.comRacing is family affair for Detroit-born Nolan AllaerRace car driver Nolan Allaer was born in Detroit and calls Waterford Hills in Oakland County his home track. He's got big dreams for his future.

Eric D. Lawrence

@ericdlawrence.bsky.social

5 Aug

I biked across the new multi-use path today. Really cool. Great views and it’s free. Here's what it's like to bike across the Gordie Howe bridge www.freep.com/story/money/...

freep.comHere's what it's like to bike across the Gordie Howe bridgeThe views of Detroit are impressive from the Gordie Howe bridge. You can even stop and take a photo on the new path that opened today.

Eric D. Lawrence

@ericdlawrence.bsky.social

5 Aug

A big deal in metro Detroit - Wayne County transit millage passes, county says, ending opt outs www.freep.com/story/news/l...

freep.comWayne County transit millage passes, county says, ending opt outsThe millage renews public transit for communities in the SMART system and adds a new tax for those in 17 others that do not have the bus service.

Eric D. Lawrence

@ericdlawrence.bsky.social

31 July

How about pretend the road ahead is an interactive movie and pay attention to that? www.freep.com/story/money/...

freep.comDriving isn't the time to be watching a movieThe director of Michigan's Office of Highway Safety Planning says it's not OK to watch videos while driving even if your phone is mounted in your car.

Eric D. Lawrence

@ericdlawrence.bsky.social

29 July

For many car buyers, 'affordable' price is still out of reach www.freep.com/story/money/...

freep.comFor many car buyers, 'affordable' price is still out of reachThe average transaction price on a new vehicle in 2019 was $37,310. Year-to-date through June that price was $48,852.

Eric D. Lawrence

@ericdlawrence.bsky.social

28 July

I was surprised there weren't more people trying it out on the first day. www.freep.com/story/money/...

freep.comHere's what it was like to drive across the Gordie Howe bridgeThe new Gordie Howe International Bridge was an easy alternative to the Ambassador Bridge on its first day of operation.

Eric D. Lawrence

@ericdlawrence.bsky.social

21 July

A classic Ford Bronco that's been re-engineered ... www.freep.com/picture-gall...

freep.comBronco, International Scout restomods bring V8 power, lots of updatesVelocity Restorations brought a 1971 Ford Bronco and a 1973 International Scout, two restomods with lots of V8 power, to Dearborn, Michigan.

Eric D. Lawrence

@ericdlawrence.bsky.social

17 July

Port Huron to Mackinac Race is still on despite the wildfire smoke. What to know and how to follow this big annual Great Lakes tradition: www.freep.com/story/sports...

freep.comBayview Mackinac Race is this weekend. What to know, how to follow it.The Bayview Mackinac Race, also known as the Port Huron to Mackinac Race, is bringing hundreds of sailboats to Lake Huron.

Eric D. Lawrence

@ericdlawrence.bsky.social

16 July

Port Huron to Mackinac sailing race won't just have sailboats at starting line www.freep.com/story/money/...

freep.comPort Huron to Mackinac sailing race won't just have sailboats at starting lineThe Bayview Mackinac Race is a test of endurance for the hundreds of boaters who make the annual trip from Port Huron to Mackinac Island.

Eric D. Lawrence

@ericdlawrence.bsky.social

13 July

Permanent drag strip coming to M1 Concourse www.freep.com/story/money/...

freep.comPermanent drag strip just part of new amenities coming to M1 ConcourseM1 Concourse is building a one-eighth-mile drag strip as well as an off-road course and electric karting track.

Eric D. Lawrence

@ericdlawrence.bsky.social

10 July

All bike helmets don't offer the same level of protection. www.freep.com/story/money/...

freep.comIf you're wondering what bike helmet to buy, these ratings might helpBike helmets can offer important head protection in a crash. Virginia Tech's Helmet Lab specifically considers concussion risk.

Eric D. Lawrence

@ericdlawrence.bsky.social

8 July

A change of roller coasters at C.J. Barrymore's ... www.freep.com/story/news/l...

freep.comNew coaster brings fun to C.J. Barrymore's in Clinton TownshipThe Coaster is family friendly and replaces The Loop, which had a loop that took riders upside down. The new coaster has no loop.

Eric D. Lawrence

@ericdlawrence.bsky.social

6 July

When you think your teen's ready to start driving ... "What often surprises both teens and parents is the amount of time and commitment required beyond the driver education classroom." www.freep.com/story/money/...

freep.comWhat to know about Michigan's driving ageTeens can start the process of getting their driver's license at 14 years and 8 months, but they won't be able to drive on their own right away.

Eric D. Lawrence

@ericdlawrence.bsky.social

4 July

Lake St. Clair among top 10 best bass lakes in U.S., magazine says www.freep.com/story/news/e...

freep.comLake St. Clair among top 10 best bass lakes in U.S., magazine saysLake St. Clair, six other Michigan locations also made the Top 25 list in Bassmaster magazine's Northeastern Division of the country.

Eric D. Lawrence

@ericdlawrence.bsky.social

30 June

"Josh was a very kind person in spite of his difficult circumstances." www.freep.com/story/news/l...

freep.comFather: Man found dead at ex-Roseville church 'will forever be missed'Joshua Lueloff was found at the former Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Roseville.

Eric D. Lawrence

@ericdlawrence.bsky.social

30 June

If you're wondering about e-bike rules in Michigan ... www.freep.com/story/money/...

freep.comSome things marketed as e-bikes don't fit Michigan's definitionSome Michigan biking advocates worry over a possible 'patchwork' of local e-bike ordinances as safety debate rages.

Eric D. Lawrence

@ericdlawrence.bsky.social

27 June

When boaters need a tow in Detroit ... www.freep.com/story/money/...

freep.comDetroit-area boaters have new towboat captain to callRob Molnar has owned Gibraltar Boat Yard since 2021. Now he's also serving Detroit-area boaters in need through TowBoatUS Detroit.

Eric D. Lawrence reposted

Anna Clark

@annaleighclark.bsky.social

26 June

I’m so proud of ProPublica for seeing long ago the worth of journalists who are rooted outside the usual media hubs, and building a tremendous infrastructure to back that up. I love being part of this team. I do, though, have thoughts on the wages/pay front.

ProPublica Guild@propublicaguild.org

“Those of us in ‘low cost of living’ areas are effectively paying an annual penalty for doing this work in under-chronicled corners of the country,” says Midwest reporter Anna Clark. We deserve a contract with fair pay.

Eric D. Lawrence

@ericdlawrence.bsky.social

17 June

Here's what we saw when we visited a local high school automotive repair class. Lots of mandated requirements for other classes mean a lot of kids never experience these kinds of hands-on classes. www.freep.com/story/money/...

freep.comShop classes disappearing in Michigan despite shortage of auto techsSome Michigan educators say we can meet the need for more automotive technicians by introducing more kids to automotive training in high school.

Eric D. Lawrence

@ericdlawrence.bsky.social

11 June

“… the police vehicle slammed into the passenger's side of the Durango at about 93 mph, a force so violent that Newman said it launched the Durango into the air multiple times before it crashed...” Ex-Warren cop not guilty in deaths of 2 men in violent crash in 2024 www.freep.com/story/news/c...

freep.comEx-Warren cop not guilty in deaths of 2 men in violent crash in 2024James Burke was charged with homicide-manslaughter, other crimes.