Michigan Bicyclist Magazine - Fall 2014

Bicyclist
MICHIGAN

November 2014

PROMOTING BICYCLING AND THE SAFETY OF
BICYCLISTS ON MICHIGAN ROADWAYS

Also in this issue:

•• Zagster Brings Bike Share to Detroit
•• Metro 313 Cyclones — LMB’s Newest Club
•• Economic Impact of Bicycling in Michigan
•• Highwheeling Ross Hill - Member Profile
•• LMB Tours Round Up
•• And More

LMB ED Rich Moeller
Announces Retirement
Page 2

Driver’s Ed to Include Bicycle
Awareness — Nathan Bower
Act Signed into Law
Page 7

Bicycle Tours are NOT
Parades — Cyclists Rally
Against Road Commission
Page 10

The League of Michigan Bicyclists (LMB)
is a 501(c)(3) non -prof it organiz ation
devoted exclusively to the advancement
of bicycling. Our mission is to promote
b i c yc lin g an d in cr e as e th e s af e t y o f
bicyclists on the roadways in Michigan.
Michigan Bicyclist Magazine is a
benefit of membership in LMB, and is
published three times a year as part of
the League’s ongoing efforts to inform
Michigan cyclists, law enforcement, policy
makers, the engineering and planning
community, and others on issues affecting
bicycling in Michigan.

Michigan Bicyclist

Copyright © 2014
On the Cover: On Sunday, September 21st, the
Michigan Department of Transportation opened
up a stretch of I-96 and invited people to “walk,
bike, run a 4-lane section of westbound I-96”
before the highway reopened after months of
reconstruction. See page 9.
Photo courtesy MDOT Photo Unit.
Editor, Art & Design: JOHN LINDENMAYER
Letters/Comments/Advertisements may be
directed to: [email protected]

LMB Directors

“Small Revolutions” Create Change —

We Need Your Help to Keep the Revolutions Going.

What a magnificent fall! The weather has been perfect, and many organized
rides benefited. My hometown favorite, the Tour de Troit, set a new attendance record of over 7,000, and next year we will have even more, particularly
since Rich Moeller, his children and grandchildren will be my guest.
Once again, I am thinking about my trainer in the basement, and am already making plans for
next year. Which of the LMB tours should I ride: Shoreline West, MUP, Pedal & Paddle, or Sunrise?
My day dreams already have me on every one.
The work of the LMB, however, is not a dream, and has produced noticeable, viable results for
you and other cyclists in Michigan. In 2014, LMB was instrumental in the right turn hand signal
revision legislation and we led the charge for the adoption of the Nathan Bower Act (see page 7)
to ensure driver’s education will now emphasize bicycle awareness within the curriculum. We are
also working hard to pass vulnerable roadway user protections and to define safe passing standards. The LMB has hosted law enforcement trainings, and has now distributed over a 360,000
copies of our What Every Young Michigan Bicyclist Must Know and What Every Michigan Bicyclist
Must Know booklets. The LMB also assisted with addressing whether a road commissions can
demand a bike tour to pull a permit and to buy special insurance (see page 10).
The LMB needs your help to build on these successes and I am asking you to please help LMB
financially so we can continue to be the voice of bicycling in Michigan. Our year-end appeal starts
this month. Several generous donors have established a Challenge Fund to match your gift this
year (see back cover). This is a great way to increase the bang for your buck. Please make a donation this year. The LMB is a non-profit, tax-exempt statewide membership organization, and your
donation qualifies as a charitable deduction. I thank you in advance for your support!

MEREDITH BEGIN
DAVE BOURGEAULT
ERICA BRIGGS
JIM CARPENTER
LINDSEY DESARMO
AMY DUGGAN
DAVID JONES
VIC LUKASAVITZ, Treasurer
ANNE READETT, Secretary
STEVEN ROACH, Chair
SARAH COLEGROVE
MICHAEL SHEEAN

Changes at the LMB
STEVEN ROACH — LMB Board Chair

Staff
RICH MOELLER
Executive Director
[email protected]

STEVEN ROACH — LMB Board Chair

Printed with
recycled content

JOHN LINDENMAYER
Advocacy & Policy Director, Webmaster
[email protected]
Kyle Kirkby
Administrative Assistant
[email protected]

League of Michigan Bicyclists
416 S. Cedar St. Suite A, Lansing, MI 48912
(888) 642-4537 | (517) 334-9100
www.LMB.org
Socialize with LMB - Find us at www.LMB.org

As noted in Rich’s open letter on the next page and LMB’s recent press release, Rich Moeller is
retiring. John Lindenmayer will succeed him as the LMB’s third executive director. This has been
the single most important event while I have been on the LMB board; one that both saddened
me and filled me with joy.
I have enjoyed working with Rich, and admire him. I first met Rich nine years ago, shortly after
he became the LMB’s second Executive Director. As part of an outreach program, Rich attended
a DetroitBikes! ride in the spring of 2006 followed by a board meeting at Nikki’s in Greektown.
The prior year, my younger son, Mike, then nine years old, and I rode the Peddle and Paddle on a
borrowed tandem. We so enjoyed both the tour and riding, that I joined the LMB and bought my
own tandem. When I heard that the LMB Executive Director would visit our city, I told Mike that
we were going, and he was excited to participate.
After meeting Rich in early Spring, 2006, Mike and I again rode the Peddle and Paddle, which is
when we first met John Lindenmayer. With his long red mane at the time, John was unmistakable
on a bike, and earned our fond nickname “The Lion King.”
Rich later asked me to run for an open position on the LMB board. I was honored to throw my hat
in the ring, and joined the board in 2007. Since that time, I have watched John grow as a person,
See Retiring on page 14

1 MICHIGAN BICYCLIST | November 2014

LMB Executive Director, Rich Moeller Says Farewell
Yes it is true, I am retiring completely. Nine years ago I took early retirement from the YMCA after 36 years working for various YMCAs around
the country to take what I considered a dream job - Executive Director
of the League of Michigan Bicyclists. And it has not disappointed me.
What an opportunity to live and breathe bicycling every day on the job.
I have been fortunate the last nine years to be part of the growth of
LMB. I am thankful to our members, volunteers, Board and staff for
helping to grow LMB into the organization it is today.
I am especially proud of
being part of the growth
and development of John
Lindenmayer. The League
will be in excellent hands
with John as your next
Executive Director. Nine
years ago John and I set
down and agreed that it
would not be beneficial
for each of us to simply
work together on everything. So we parceled
out the duties. John was
extremely interested in
developing his skills in
the advocacy and policy
arenas. Letting John run
with advocacy and policy issues for LMB probably was the best
single decision I ever made as Executive Director.
My entire professional career I have been very driven to provide opportunities for youth to experience sports in a positive
and learning environment. In my early years in the YMCA a
major part of my job was youth sports and fitness. As I rose
through the ranks in the YMCA to become a CEO I continued
to make sure that my staff shared my passion for youth. The
following paraphrased quote sums up what has been the guiding factor for me over the years: “In the year 2035 it will matter not what my
bank account balance was today or what type of car I drove, but it will
matter if I was a positive influence in the life of a young person.”
This is true in my work with LMB. What we are doing today to educate and
advocate for safe bicycling will pay dividends for our children and grandchildren in 2035. Please don’t underestimate that or take it for granted.
My passion for youth was what drove me to assemble of group of bicyclists from around Michigan to rewrite our What Every Michigan Bicyclist Must Know booklet into a format that youth could understand.
The completion of that project and the sheer number of booklets that
literally flew out the door was extremely gratifying for me. The fact that
it also was recognized with an award from the Governor’s Traffic Safety
Advisory Commission was just icing on the cake.

When I took this job I fully expected that I would be here until 2020.
What better way to enjoy life than to talk bicycling and get paid for it.
But in 2011 two events happened that changed my life forever. These
were the birth of my two grandsons, Alex and Phin. This past spring
we welcomed our first granddaughter, Silje and in mid October we will
welcome another grandson, Andrew.
I was not prepared for the impact that grandchildren have on your life.
Those of you that are grandparents, know what I mean. Those that are
not, it is hard to describe the feeling. These little guys
and gal convinced me that I needed to retire at 65 and
devote the rest of my life to “spoiling them.”
Fortunately I was able to enjoy the company of my
grandsons and sons on two of LMB’s tours this past season. In the spring my son Chris and grandson Alex rode
the Pedal and Paddle with me. Alex’s only disappointment is that he didn’t get to talk in the microphone.
Then in July my
son Steve and
grandson Phin
rode MUP with
me. Phin is still
searching for the
cheese crackers
that SAGs hand
out at each SAG
stop. Words can’t
explain how special this was to
me.
As I fade to a distant memory for
all of you, I feel
good that I have
left you in good
hands with John and thank all of you for your support over the last
nine years.
To paraphrase one of my favorite sayings (The reason I paraphrase so
much is that I can never remember how they really go.) “May all your
hills be down hills and all your winds be tail winds.”
Thank you and God bless.

One Blessed Bicyclist

2

28 Years of Hosting Cyclists From Across Michigan & Beyond

2014
LMB Tours
Round Up
This past summer marked LMB's 28th year of organizing multi-day bicycle tours. Over the years we have hosted thousands of bicyclists – both
native and out-of-staters. LMB tours give riders the opportunity to take
in Michigan's magnificent scenery and people as they pedal past charming towns, picturesque countryside, historic Great Lakes lighthouses,
and our abundant freshwater lakes, rivers and streams.
Participating in LMB tours has become a tradition for many families and
friends, who reunite each year to make new memories and reminisce on
old ones. LMB hosts bicycle tours for three main reasons: 1) To promote
bicycle tourism and show off the beauty of Michigan; 2) To demonstrate
that bicyclists can ride responsibly; and 3) To financial support LMB advocacy and education efforts.

Pedal & Paddle Tour

We started our season off with Pedal and Paddle in May. Not surprisingly
the weather was a little cool with lows at night in the 30's and highs only
in the upper 40° to 55° range. But our riders were hardy and had a wonderful time despite the cooler temperatures. Tour highlights included
two days of paddling – one day on the Portage River and the second
day on the Rocky River. The three days of bicycling led riders past a farmers market in Vicksburg, through the historic Langley Covered Bridge,
through Amish country and past many beautiful inland lakes.

Sunrise Tour

Our Sunrise Tour in June enjoyed slightly warmer temperatures, although they were still below normal. After a wonderful wine and
cheese party to kick off the tour, riders enjoyed the Hubbard Lake area
(including Mt. Mariah) and Maplewood Bar tended by 93 year old barkeeper Clarise Kramer Cadarette Grzenkowicz who holds the Guinness
Book of World Records for the longest career as a bartender. Riders then
pedaled to the Presque Isle Harbor Wooden Boat Show and past scenic
Thunder Bay River.
3 MICHIGAN BICYCLIST | November 2014

MUP Tour

The Michigan Upper Peninsula (MUP) Tour was blessed with more reasonable temperatures, which really helped showcase the beauty of
the eastern UP. Notably, 70% of our MUP riders were from out-of-state.
The weather was great throughout the tour with the exception of the
stretch between Newberry and Paradise where it rained all morning
and temperatures were in the lower 50s. Disappointingly, we had no
moose sightings this year as in years past, but we did have a few bear
sightings. The main highlights were Mackinac Island, Tahquamenon
Falls, Whitefish Point, the Soo Locks, Sugar Island, Drummond Island
and the beautiful views along Lake Superior, St. Mary's River and Lake
Huron. Registration filled up in March, so if you are interested in joining
us in 2015, please register early.

Shoreline West Tour

Shoreline West riders experienced the best weather of all our tours. It
lightly rained only one night out of the weeklong ride. Riders experienced the many sights along the Lake Michigan shoreline from Montague to Mackinac City. These included the Cherry Market and dune
rides in Silver Lake, the SS Badger in Ludington, the "3 sisters" between
Manistee and Frankfort, the dune climb at Sleeping Bear Dunes, Glen
Arbor, Old Mission Peninsula (including a Quilt Barn Tour), the sunflower
fields between Traverse City and Elk Rapids, the mushroom houses in
Charlevoix, the Tunnel of Trees, and a magnificent view of the "Might
Mac" as we concluded in Mackinaw City.
2014 was another great year of hosting bicycle tourist in Michigan. If you
joined us this year, thank you! Please know that by riding in our tours, you
are supporting LMB's efforts to make Michigan a more bicycle-friendly
state. If you weren't able to ride with us, we hope you can join us in 2015.
Registration opens January 1st at www.LMB.org/tours. ••

Metro 313 Cyclones — Meet LMB’s Newest Member Club
David S. Bonner, President — Metro 313 Cyclones
ME L MB
U B MB
PR ER
OF
IL E

cyclists are now affiliated members of the Major
Taylor Association under the name Metro 313
Cyclones.

CL

We love the name Metro 313 Cyclones for a
variety of reasons, namely; because we ride in
the Metro Parks, and we hope to include cyclists
from Southeast Michigan’s original 313 area
code, not to mention Detroit’s 313th anniversary, and last but not least; “Cyclone”, was one of
Major Taylor’s monikers.
Metro 313 Cyclone’s mission statement is to Promote Cycling Safety. Our hope is to fulfill the
club’s mission statement by observing and implementing best riding practices as prescribed by
the League of American Bicyclists, and most of
all emulating Major Taylor’s integrity and philosophy of peace and fair play. Pursuant to honoring
Marshall Major Taylor’s legacy, it is our hope that
we can serve as ambassadors and model healthy
living. We recognize the many health benefits of
cycling, and how cycling can help lower cholesterol levels, and help reduce diabetes, in addition
to stabilizing hypertension.

The world of cycling made its way across the
Atlantic Ocean to the shores of the United
States around the late 18th century. Even
though baseball was considered the Nation’s
favorite pastime sport, cycling soon made its
mark. And during this same period, crowds
would fill New York’s Madison Square Garden
with eager fans to watch, “the Worchester
Whirlwind”.
Marshall Major Taylor, AKA “The Worchester Whirlwind” held several world records in
1898, including the one mile paced standing
start (1: 41: 4), followed by his 1899 one mile
world championship race in Montreal Canada.
Half a century before Jackie Robinson integrated Major League Baseball’s Brooklyn
Dodgers; Marshall Major Taylor had garnered
international fame, and was the second African American to herald world champion
status in any sport. In spite of the hostility
that often confronted Marshall Major Taylor
throughout his racing career, he was often
quoted for espousing the importance of

clean living and fair play. He believed that to
be successful in any sport one needed to be
physically fit, observe the rules of the game,
as well as practice good sportsmanship and
fair play, and most importantly; be able to
handle an unfavorable decision with the
same grace that one would accept victory.
Unfortunately, due to a string of unsuccessful
business ventures and bad health, Marshall
Major Taylor later died in 1932 at the age of 53
in the charity ward of Chicago’s Cook County
Hospital, and was buried in an unmarked
grave.
Today, in honor of the many accomplishments and achievements by Marshall Major
Taylor, a statue of his likeness has been erected in Worchester, Mass. The Major Taylor Association, a nonprofit organization supports
and maintains the monument. There are
over 50 Major Taylor association cycling clubs
throughout the United States.
In recognition and honor of the Marshall Major Taylor Association, a team of avid Detroit

We are excited and glad to represent Major
Taylor in the Detroit Michigan region, and we
look forward to seeing many of our cycling
compatriots in 2015. Learn more by searching
“Metro 313 Cyclones” on Facebook. ••

2015 LMB Bicycle
Tour Schedule:
• Pedal & Paddle
September 18-20

• Sunrise Bicycle Tour
June 19-21

• MUP (Michigan
Upper Peninsula)
July 12-18

• Shoreline West
Bicycle Tour

August 2-8
Registration opens January 1st
at www.LMB.org/tours
4

Detroit: The Next Generation of Bike Sharing
Sarah Kiner
More than half of the world’s population of seven billion is now living
in cities, with hundreds of millions more on the way in the coming decades. This influx of people has created a remarkable transportation
challenge and a unique opportunity for the expansion of bicycle use
within urban areas. Detroit is no exception.

funding the projects. London’s Barclays Cycle Hire system launched in
2010 and has pushed London to become rider friendly with new bike
lanes and designated cycle tracks. Still, with these bicycle advancements, the program is in a multi-million pound deficit causing Barclays
to end the relationship when the contract expires in 2015.

Currently, there are more
than 570,000 bicycles, 600
cities and 52 countries that
make up the international
bike sharing community.

The industry is already exploring new approaches,
and Detroit has turned into
a proving ground for bike
share innovation.

Detroit joined this global
movement in the summer
of 2013. With the help of
Zagster, the company that
brought the Motor City its
first bike sharing program,
the city has joined 36 others
in the US offering bike share
programs. By the end of 2014
it is forecasted that 37,000
shared bikes will be publically available in the US.

Zagster, a Boston-based
startup, has taken a different
approach to bike sharing —
setting up boutique systems
for universities, multifamily residences and corporate
campuses. Yet unlike other
industry programs, Zagster
does not rely on public funding to provide bike sharing
to its customers and their
communities.

Bike sharing provides a number of benefits to the public
and has increased urban
communities’ ability to provide affordable transportation, reduce air pollution, increase mobility and provide exercise to
growing populations.
In the space that it takes to park a single car, more than ten bicycles
fit. Bike share programs typically cost riders less than $100 annually —
much cheaper than owning a car which costs an average of $7,800 to
drive 10,000 miles a year, according to estimates from AAA.
Bike shares, bike lanes and other bicycle-friendly infrastructure are a
benefit to local economies. Yet, when it comes to finding a sustainable
business model, this new industry has struggled. The challenge is how
to incorporate a bike sharing system that brings not only a convenient,
healthy and a fun way to get around town, but proves to be a profitable
and self-sustaining model.
Many current city-wide systems rely on public funding from taxpayers or corporate advertising/sponsorship. Portland–based Alta Bicycle
Share uses a “triad model” which leverages partnerships between cities, operators and sponsors and has created nine bike sharing systems
around the U.S.
Despite the success of many programs, many still face financial challenges. As the long term financial sustainability of some bike share programs are questioned, some sponsoring brands are backing away from
5 MICHIGAN BICYCLIST | November 2014

Quicken Loans Family of
Companies, DTE Energy and
Greektown Casino & Hotel
have collaborated with Zagster to bring bike sharing to
Detroit and offer bike sharing to their employees and members of the
public. There are now 11 Zagster docking stations dispersed throughout Detroit where employees can reserve and ride more than 70 comfortable, city-friendly cruiser bikes to run errands, grab lunch, get to
meetings or just exercise.
So far more than 2,400 members (not including hotel guests), have made
a total of more than 8,000 bike trips to get around Detroit, including
hundreds of trips during the city’s brutal winter months. Similar to the
customers of many of the most popular publicly-supported programs,
the employees of all three collaborating companies have reported high
levels of satisfaction with the Zagster bike share service.
There are now plans to expand these existing programs and partner
with new organizations to further develop bike sharing in Detroit.
“The launch of Zagster in Detroit is another way we are activating our
streets and helping our team members explore Detroit — on two
wheels versus four,” said Jay Farner, Quicken Loans’ President and Chief
Marketing Officer, whose company offers Zagster memberships as an
employee benefit. “Bike sharing fits in with our placemaking initiatives;
we hope other downtown companies will follow our lead and consider
bringing this perk to their team members.”

There may be quite a bit of room for
growth. In Detroit, Zagster riders continued to bike even during the winter
months. In a survey taken by Zagster
members, winter riders reported getting
some funny looks but neither those, nor
the freezing temperatures was a deterrent
for Detroit’s hearty bike share users.
What’s remarkable about this story is
that there is no public tax dollars at play
here; private employers see the value
in providing alternative transportation;
employees embrace the convenience
and health benefits of biking; and
Detroit – yes Detroit – is outperforming
other progressive cities in the utilization,
profitability and overall sustainability of a
bike sharing program.
Detroit’s success has spawned expansion
in other locations as well. In July, NuPath
Credit Union sponsored a total of six
Zagster bikes for the public in Wyandotte.
Zagster has become a pioneer within the
bike share industry, creating a system that
is proving to be a promising new model
for smaller cities and communities that
want the next generation of bike sharing
included within their cohesive transportation strategy. Zagster will begin to incorporate a crowdsourcing option to fund
bikes called CrowdCycle. CrowdCycle enables businesses and organizations of all
sizes to come together and build a local
bike sharing program for their community
to enjoy. Many sponsors each make a small
contribution to the program, enabling
Zagster to collectively fund bike sharing
for everyone in places where it would
otherwise seem impossible. More information about CrowdCycle is available at:
http://crowdcycle.zagster.com.
Through strong private sector support
and the evolving model for bike sharing,
Detroit and other communities in
Michigan can continue to participate in
the next generation of biking. Pedal on! ••

Update on ArborBike
ArborBike, Ann Arbor’s bike share program, is
now live! The program has five active stations on
the University of Michigan’s campus and one at
the public library. For a complete station list visit
ArborBike.org. ArborBike is designed to help visitors, residents, students, and commuters get around
the area using a non-motorized form of transit.
ArborBike membership options include a daily pass,
monthly access, and an annual membership. Once
registered, members can checkout a bike, ride, and
return the bike to any of the stations. All memberships can be purchased online at ArborBike.org or
at any of the kiosk locations. The current stations will be open through the fall and into
early winter, weather permitting. To find out more information about ArborBike, connect on
Facebook, follow on Twitter @arborbike, sign up for our email list, or email info@arborbike.
org. You may also call program supervisor, Heather Seyfarth at 734-585-5720 ext. 21.

2015 Michigan Ride Calendar
2015 marks the 31st year that LMB will coordinate
and distributed a comprehensive calendar of
Michigan bicycling events. Since 1984 the Ride
Calendar has been an essential resource bicycle
event organizers use to promote their rides and
charity events. Likewise, starting in January of each
year, the Ride Calendar creates great anticipation
among the cycling community. It truly is the “goto” resource cyclists use to plan their riding seasons
and to schedule bicycle-related vacations with
friends and family.
The publication lists approximately 300 Michigan bicycling events including road and trail
tours, charity rides, mountain biking and cyclocross events, as well as competitive events such
as races, time trials, and triathlons. From single-day to week-long rides, the Ride Calendar
highlights events from all across Michigan — both large and small. The Ride Calendar spans
all seasons from winter snow bike races; to spring family fun rides; to summer recreational
tours; to beautiful fall color rides. The Ride Calendar is distributed extensively across Michigan
at over 225 bicycle shops and clubs, at Welcome Centers and Convention & Visitors Bureaus,
and at numerous bicycle-related events throughout the year. The Ride Calendar is mailed to
all LMB members and individuals requesting bicycle tourism information for Michigan.
Please note, we are making some significant changes to how non $1 Per Rider events will
be listed in the 2015 publication. Event organizers are encouraged to review these changes
prior to submitting events on our website at www.LMB.org/ridecal.

IMPORTANT DATES:
Event Submission Deadline: 10/20/14 (email [email protected] to request extension)
Advertising Reservation: 11/17/14
Print Version Available: 2/1/15 (or sooner!0)
6

League of Michigan Bicyclists Celebrates
Adoption of Nathan Bower Act — PA 317 of 2014

Driver’s education will now include lessons on bicycle and motorcycle awareness
On October 14th, 2014 Governor Snyder signed Public Act 317, the
Nathan Bower Act, into law. The new law adds information about
bicycle and motorcycle awareness to Michigan driver’s education
curriculum, and emphasizes the importance of motorists being aware
of their surroundings while driving.

in 2009. The legislation was signed into law by Governor Snyder on
October 14th to honor Nathan Bower’s birthday. The Bower Family,
along with LMB, ABATE, PEAC and others, played an instrumental roll in
advancing the legislation swiftly through the House and Senate.

The bill (HB 5438) saw broad bipartisan support in the Legislature,
collecting 89 out of 110 Representatives as co-sponsors before passing
unanimously in both the House and Senate. LMB played a leading roll in
ushering the bills through both chambers by organizing supportive testimony before the House and Senate Committees on Transportation and
urging LMB members to contact their legislators.

“This is a great day for Michigan bicyclists and motorcyclists. Nathan’s
Law is a significant first step in making Michigan roads safer for all users and will help reduce bicycle injuries and fatalities in our state,” said
John Lindenmayer, League of Michigan Bicyclists Advocacy and Policy Director. “LMB is grateful the Michigan Legislature recognizes our
state needs to do a better job educating motorists on how to safely
share the road with cyclists.”

The Nathan Bower Act is named after 19-year-old motorcyclist Nathan
Bower who was tragically killed in a motor vehicle-motorcycle crash

Education is a key component to making roads safer for cyclists and
motorcyclists, but currently most driver’s education instructors gloss

7 MICHIGAN BICYCLIST | November 2014

over the topic due to time constraints in the curriculum. In 2013, 27
bicyclists were killed in Michigan, a 35% increase from 2012 according
to the Office of Highway Safety Planning. Additionally, 1,479 bicyclists
were injured during that time frame. Furthermore, Michigan bicyclists
often report being physically and verbally harassed by drivers.
“We hope this support will carry over to another package of legislation we’ve been working on for vulnerable roadway users,” Lindenmayer went on to say. “In concert with Nathan’s Law, these common
sense bills (HB 4792 and HB 5080) would create enhanced awareness
of cyclists, pedestrians and wheelchair users. Yet, despite the bills
passing unanimously out of committee, and hearing from over 1,100
bicyclists this summer, Speaker Bolger has refused to schedule the
bills for a floor vote.”

NATHAN BOWER ACT

“Nathan’s law is one important step to protecting those who share
the road with automobiles,” said State Representative Terry Brown (DPigeon) who sponsored the legislation. “All of us who are behind the
wheel are responsible for being aware that we hold the lives of others
in our hands as we drive. I appreciate the hard work of so many individuals and organizations and the bipartisan manner that has led to
the governor’s signing of this law on Nathan’s birthday.”

to include bicycle and motorcycle
awareness in Michigan’s drivers education!

LMB hopes that the passage of the Nathan Bower Act signals an
important change, where Michigan lawmakers and citizens realize
and embrace the fact that motorists, motorcyclists, and bicyclists all
have the right to use Michigan roads, and that everyone deserves to
be protected.
Governor Snyder released the following written statement after
signing the Nathan Bower Act, along with two other bills that focused
on keeping drivers safe that dealt with impaired driving.
“Keeping Michigan motorists and travelers safe is always a priority.
This legislation will help law enforcement crack down on all kinds of
impaired driving. I’m proud that we’re also making sure new drivers
receive the necessary training to understand how to safely share our
roads with motorcycles and bicycles. These common-sense bills will
help save lives and raise awareness of the need to be alert and responsible when behind the wheel.”
LMB encourages all bicyclists and drivers to review basic tips on how
to share the road by taking the Share Michigan Roads safety pledge at
www.shareMIroads.org.
Photo Courtesy Michigan Senate Democrats. L to R: State Representative Paul
Muxlow, State Representative Terry Brown (bill sponsor), Governor Rick Snyder,
Clint Bower - father of Nathan Bower, Tammy Bower - mother of Nathan Bower,
John Lindenmayer - League of Michigan Bicyclists Advocacy & Policy Director
and State Senator Morris Hood III at the October 14th bill signing of the Nathan
Bower Act, which adds information about bicycle and motorcycle awareness to
Michigan driver’s education curriculum.

Signed into law on 10/14/14
Please THANK your Representative &
Senator for voting YES on HB 5438

2014 was bookended with two major LMB policy victories. In January, Governor Snyder signed Public Act 1,
updating the Michigan Vehicle Code to allow bicyclists
to signal right turns using their right arms. LMB then
helped to lead the charge to improve driver’s education in Michigan. After successfully ushering HB 5438
(Nathan’s Law) unanimously through the House. LMB
rallied similar bipartisan support in the Senate. The bill
was signed into law on October 14th as Public Act 317.
LMB extends our sincere appreciation to all of our members who contacted their legislators on this important
legislation. We couldn’t have done it without you!
The LMB board and staff would also like to thank the
Bower Family, Lisa Cook-Gordon, and all of our coalition partners who worked together to advance Nathan’s
Law. We also would like to extend a special thank you to
State Representative Terry Brown for sponsoring HB 5438
and we extend our deepest appreciation to the entire
Michigan Legislature for supporting the legislation.
We encourage LMB members to take a moment to write
their Representative and Senator to thank them for
voting in favor of HB 5438.

LET’S KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING

Please help us build on the success of Nathan’s Law by supporting ongoing efforts to enact a 5-Foot Passing law and
Vulnerable Roadway User Legislation to further safeguard
bicyclists using Michigan roads. Learn more/engage at:
www.LMB.org/takeaction
8

Joy Amid Chaos: My Experience at I-96’s Cyclovia/Family Fun Day
Meredith Begin — LMB Board Member

On Sunday, September 21st, the Michigan Department of Transportation opened up a stretch of I-96 and invited people to “walk, bike, run
a 4-lane section of westbound I-96” before the highway reopened after
months of reconstruction. When I heard this was happening, I was anxious to check it out. A brand-new, long stretch of fresh concrete unimpeded by traffic and lights? I’d be crazy not to attend and invite all my
cyclist friends to join me! It wasn’t what I expected.
When I learned of the event and read the description on 96fix.com, it
reminded me of a Cyclovia, a Spanish term used internationally to signify the closing of certain streets to automobiles for cyclists and pedestrians. Officials in cities from Los Angeles to Louisville and from Bogota to
Belgium have opened streets to create a safe, public space that encourages healthy, active lifestyles and an opportunity to try out active transportation. The website encouraged activity of all types saying people
can “crawl, jump, cartwheel, break dance...” on the highway. It seemed
to me like a great way to encourage active lifestyles and multimodal
transportation.
“Michigan Department of Transportation wanted to create a multimodal event that allowed the community to enjoy the newly re-constructed I-96 freeway prior to its opening,” stated Kimberly Avery, PE.,
MDOT - Metro Region Deputy Region Engineer. “The celebration was
a thank you to the community and commuters where bikers, walkers, and families could see all the new freeway improvements prior to
opening to traffic. The project began with outreach to the community
and we wanted to end the project with outreach to the community.“
Despite the periodic rain and strong winds, turnout was exceptional.
With estimates between 10 and 15 thousand people in just under a
two-mile stretch, people were everywhere — some darting here, others
9 MICHIGAN BICYCLIST | November 2014

darting there, and plenty just standing
around. I saw joggers and bladers, tricycles and unicycles, and people of all
ages on all different styles of bicycles.
I saw a kid on a skateboard jumping
over someone lying on the ground.
Did I mention the two marching bands
that filled the air with an upbeat ambiance? There were ambulances on
hand but Diane Cross of MDOT reports
that as far as they are aware, there was
only one “incident” involving a broken
wrist. Considering the sheer number
of people and the appearance that
most people weren’t paying attention
to their actions, that statistic is surprisingly low.
“We have done this type of event when
opening other freeways, including
M-10, M-39, & I-696. But we have never
had this kind of turn out!” Cross said
speaking on behalf of MDOT’s Metro Region. “The Director of MDOT,
Kirk Steudle, spoke for a few minutes and Governor Rick Snyder also
talked to the crowd. Both officials thanked the crowd for their patience
through the closure, the construction, the delays and detours. The
crowd enthusiastically applauded the remarks. And when the ribbons
were cut, along with other local leaders, like Redford Township Supervisor, the crowd raced past to begin their trek within our parameters of 1.7
miles between Newburgh and Stark Roads.”
I didn’t get to let loose in that 1.7-mile stretch as I had hoped. I could
barely go a pace I enjoy simply because I was afraid a kid was going to
dart in front of me (they did) or a person taking a selfie was going to turn
into my path (they did). It was evident that most people were just there
to relax and spend the day on a highway. And when I looked around, cut
through the chaos, I could see smiles of joy on everyone’s faces.
On our way back to the car, we discovered that the police weren’t really keeping everyone in the 1.7-mile stretch. Further east, with miles of
fresh concrete was the open road I’d dreamed of and far fewer people.
The new rolling pavement and strong winds made for a fast ride going
east. With the wind in our helmets, rain in our eyes, we rode with content, satisfied that we achieved what we sought: cyclovia.
Resources to organize this event weren’t excessive. In fact, much of the
organization was done by volunteers. It would be neat to see MDOT
work with local officials to encourage active lifestyles, multi-modal
transportation and vibrant communities by organizing more “open
street” events. ••

Bike Tours are NOT Parades
DOUG KIRK — LMB Member, Vice President Kalamazoo Bicycle Club
A few Michigan county road commissions have contacted sponsors of
bike tours and demanded that the sponsor (including LMB) obtain a permit from the county in order to utilize roads within the county during
the tour. As a condition to the permit, at least one road commission
demanded that the sponsor obtain $2 million of liability coverage for
the road commission, using specific language that not all insurance carriers will provide.
Specifically, the Van Buren County Road Commission notified the
Kalamazoo Bicycle Club that: “Until this office receives the required
information [insurance coverage], your planned activity is NOT
approved to take place on roadways in Van Buren County.” KBC’s insurer
offered $2 million in coverage for the road commission but refused to
use the exact language the commission required. The road commission
denied the permit, and threatened to report participants to the sheriff.
KBC rerouted their tour at the last minute to avoid Van Buren County.
The same road commission contacted the Tour de Taylor just days before its annual charity ride to benefit the Make a Wish Foundation with
an identical demand. Tour de Taylor paid their insurer $500 (which
would have gone directly to the charity) to satisfy the road commission.
On behalf of the Kalamazoo Bicycle Club, I contacted Larry Hummell,
the manager of the road commission. I told him that our club’s tours
have ventured into Van Buren County for decades without any previous
problems. Mr. Hummell stated the legal basis for the permit is a state
law, specifically, MCL 247.323, which says:
A permit to temporarily close a highway, or a portion of the highway, for a parade, celebration, festival, or similar activity, and a
permit for banners, decorations, or similar objects to overhang the
traveled way of a highway, may be issued by the highway authority
only if requested by an authorized official designated by resolution
of the governing body of a city, incorporated village, or township.

This law applies solely if there is a request to close a road. It simply does
not apply to a bike tour unless the sponsor requests a road closure. KBC
did not make that request, and neither did the Tour de Taylor. Both tours
require participants to follow all rules of the road, including riding no
more than two a breast. State law, MCL 257.660b, expressly permits cyclists to ride two abreast. Moreover, cyclists who lawfully use the road
are not impeding traffic – that is they are not closing any road merely by
using the road as legally permitted.
Mr. Hummell stated that he interpreted the term “parade” as including
a bike tour because a fee was charged. This makes no sense at all. The
impact is the same whether a fee is charged or not. There are many parades, with bands, floats and even politicians, where no fee is charged.
But, these parades do require street closures, which is the key issue.
There is nothing in common between a bike tour and a parade. A bike
tour does not close a road, but rather uses the roads in a lawful manner.
A bike tour is not a parade. The Van Buren County Road Commission
had no legal basis for its permitting and insurance demands. It appears
Mr. Hummel and the road commission have overstepped their legal authority.

UPDATE:
On Saturday, September 6th, the Kalamazoo Bicycle Club sponsored a
hastily organized 50 mile loop tour between Kalamazoo and the home
of the Van Buren County Road Commission in Lawrence, Michigan. Our
primary purpose was to let the Van Buren County Road Commission
know we do not accept their interpretation of the law.
In addition to notifying the Van Buren County Road Commission in advance about the tour, we also spoke with the County sheriff in advance
who expressed his agreement with our interpretation of the law.
See “Parades” on page 11

Approximately 100 riders turned out on relatively short notice on September 6th for a “Civil Disobedience” tour through Van Buren County hosted by the Kalamazoo Bicycle Club (KBC) to protest
the Van Buren County Road Commissions demands that organized bicycle tours obtain costly permits and exorbitant liability coverage in order to utilize the public roads. LMB maintains the
position that this gross overstep of authority has no basis in Michigan law (see page 11 for LMB’s statement). KBC sent the proceeds to the Tour de Taylor to reimburse them for the $500 they
were forced to pay their insurer (directly out of funds that otherwise would have gone to the Make a Wish Foundation) to satisfy the road commission’s unwarranted insurance requirement.

10

The Economics of Michigan Bicycling
Study finds cycling provides $668 million per
year in economic benefit to Michigan’s economy

“Parade” Continued from page 10
As it turned out, the Van Buren County Road Commission was
conspicuous only by its absence, though it did send us another
letter claiming our club “is required to obtain a permit and provide proof of insurance” which we ignored.
About 100 riders showed up and paid $5 for the event. KBC is
sending the proceeds to the Tour de Taylor to reimburse them
for the $500 they were forced to pay their insurer (directly out
of funds that otherwise would have gone to the Make a Wish
Foundation) to satisfy the road commission’s unwarranted
insurance requirement. All concerned declared the ride an
unqualified success. ••

Hundreds of cyclists patronize the Dancing Crane Coffee Shop in Bay Mills each year during LMB’s Michigan
Upper Peninsula Tour, just one example of the economic impact organized bicycling events have on
communities throughout Michigan.

On August 14th, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) released
a new report, “Community and Economic Benefits of Bicycling in Michigan.”
This report is Phase I of a two-phase project that explains the economic benefit
bicycling has on Michigan’s local and statewide economies.
The new report finds that bicycling provides an estimated $668 million per
year in economic benefit to Michigan’s economy, including employment, retail
revenue, tourism expenditure, and increased health and productivity.
Using both quantitative and qualitative data, the report takes a unique
approach to illustrate both the economic benefits of bicycling on a statewide
basis, as well as broader benefits bicycling can have on communities.
As part of Phase I of the study, five case study communities were identified
across the state in an effort to measure the annual impact bicycling can have
on a local economy. All of the case studies were within the limits of these cities
and did not include the broader metro areas:
• Traverse City: $5.5 million
• Holland: $6.4 million
• Detroit (SW Detroit and Conner Creek Greenway area): $20.7 million
• Ann Arbor: $25.4 million
• Grand Rapids: $39.1 million
Phase II of this project is under way and will include more specific data on
the economic impact of bicycling “events,” bicycle touring, and Michigan as a
bicycle destination. That phase is scheduled to be complete in 2015.
Fast Facts:
• Bicycling provides an estimated $668 million per year in economic
benefit to Michigan’s economy.
• Statewide, 39 percent of households reported using a bicycle for
transportation last year.
• Nearly 800 people are employed by bicycle-related industry in Michigan.
The report and user friendly infographics can be found online by searching
“economic impact of bicycling” at www.michigan.gov. ••
11 MICHIGAN BICYCLIST | November 2014

LMB Position on
Bike Tour Permitting
It is the LMB’s position that MCL 247.323 does not
require a bicycle tour to obtain a permit unless the
sponsor plans to close a road. Any attempt by a road
authority to require a tour sponsor to obtain a parade
permit or to obtain insurance coverage has no basis under Michigan law. Rather, all cyclists, including
those who are participating in bike tours, have the
absolute right to bicycle on all public roads (with the
exception of limited access highways). Tour sponsors
with legal questions are strongly encouraged to consult with legal council.
A recent study by the Michigan Department of Transportation shows that bicycling provides approximately $668 million per year in economic benefit to
Michigan’s economy. LMB finds it perplexing as to why
any road commission would restrict this activity and
subsequently obstruct local communities ability to
financially benefit from bicycle tourism.
A recent Michigan Department of Transportation press
release titled “MDOT reminds motorists and bicyclists
to share the road” supports this position:
Motorists are reminded that bicyclists are legal
users of the roadway and groups of bicyclists
are legally allowed to ride on the roadway
without special event permits or accommodations while following all applicable laws.
If a road commission or other road agency has contacted you, your club, or other organization to demand
permits or insurance for a bike tour, please contact
John Lindenmayer at [email protected].

LMB Member Profile — Highwheeling, Boneshaken Ross Hill
The history of the bicycle goes back to 1817 in Germany when a “walking machine” was invented by Baron von Drais to survey the forests that
surrounded the town in which he lived. The design issue that made this
machine a success over all predecessors was the inclusion of steering
for the front wheel. Without steering
balance could not easily be maintained.
Significant product experimentation
continued for a considerable period of time but there was no commercialization until the mid-1860’s
when the “boneshaker” was sold
by the Michaux family in Paris. This
machine continued to have wooden
wagon wheels with iron tires but
included the use of cranks with pedals attached to the front wheel. The
“boneshaker” was also produced in
the U.S. by companies like Pickering
in New York City and Shire out of
Detroit.

statement. Within a few months I purchased my first highwheel from
Doug Vandecar at what is now Riverfront Cycle on Shiawassee Street in
Lansing. That highwheel was a 52” 1886 Gormully & Jeffery American
Challenge.
I attended the “The Wheelmen” national meet that year in Auburn Indiana. I will never forget the feeling the
first time I mounted and rode my bike
with over 50 other highwheels, it was so
exhilarating. Over the next few years I
rode this bike on five century’s, over
2000 miles, and suffered a broken forearm from doing a “header”. But that did
not slow me down.

At the time I was having problems
keeping the front wheel from breaking.
There was no hill I could not climb, and
that meant there was no spoke in the
radial spoked wheel I could not break.
It was clear that I needed a stronger
bike. The search went on for five years
as I searched for a 53” Columbia Light
The “boneshaker” craze did not last
Roadster. After searching all over the
long in the U.S., however. DevelU.S. I finally found what I was lookopment continued in Europe and
ing for. It was virtually right next door
the “boneshaker” evolved into the
in Haslett, MI. The bicycle was almost
“highwheel” or “ordinary”. The “orcomplete and very sound. With a minidinary” front wheel continued to inmum of work, new leather on theseat,
crease in size over time and the rear
Photo by Khalid Ibrahim (Eat Pomegranate Photography)
new tires, and a few nuts, I had it on the
got smaller. The increased diameter
road. I rode the bike over 22,000 miles
of the front wheel allowed riders to
cover greater distances with each revolution of the pedals, allowing the in this original condition until August of 2006 when I was a victim of a
bicycle to go faster. Wheel size of highwheels is limited, however, since hit and run. An 85 yearold driver claimed he never knew he hit me, dethe rider straddles the wheel but taller cyclists can ride larger wheels. For spite dragging my bike over 100 yards. You would think that would be
example a 6’ cyclist can ride a larger wheel then a 5’ cyclist. By the late enough to put back on two wheels of equal size. Looking back there is
1870’s the basic design of the large wheel in front and the small wheel in no doubt that the highwheel helped protect my body from more serithe rear had been standardized.
ous injury from the car. If I had been riding a modern bike when I was
hit by the car, he would have driven right through my hip. So I guess
I first got the “highwheel” bug while working as a product engineer at I can consider myself lucky on that one. Through the years I have had
Schwinn in the mid 70’s, that 1970’s. Prior to Schwinn setting up their ten broken bones in three separate highwheel accidents, however none
Museum they stored their collection of old bikes in the same warehouse of them have had serious effects. And the important part, the bike has
that we also used for testing. The iconic Keith Kingby was in charge of been restored. I now have over 43,000 miles atop a large wheel.
the collection at the time and was very protective of the bikes. I never
Enough of the bad stuff! It’s the good times that keep you wanting
learned to ride at that time, but I vowed that I would someday own a
more. My first highwheel century in 1988 on the Old Car Run from the
highwheel.
R.E. Olds Transportation Museum in Lansing to the Old Car Festival at
Fast forward 10 years and I am now living in Lansing and working for Green Field Village in Dearborn. I have done that run ten times through
Motor Wheel. In 1987 The R. E. Olds Transportation Museum had two the years. There is nothing like riding along with one and two cylinder
members of the antique bicycle club, “The Wheelmen”, who gave a pre- autos. The sound of a one cylinder engine “achooing” along like somesentation on the history of the bicycle. These two members became one sneezing as it approaches from the rear, or the tea kettle whistle of
great friends over the years since. To say I was hooked is an under- a Stanley Steamer blowing by at 70 mph is an experience like no other.
See Highwheel on page 14
12

Recent Legal Decisions Affecting Bicyclists
Sarah W. Colegrove and Todd E. Briggs
In the past year, some important legal decisions have been rendered by
Michigan courts. These decisions are instructive of how the Michigan
courts interpret that law and are examples of how the Michigan motor
vehicle laws can impact bicyclists.
BICYCLIST INJURED DUE TO SIDEWALK REPAIRS: NO RECOVERY
Facts: A city hired a contractor for sewer improvement. As part of
the work, a sidewalk was excavated by the contractor. The contractor
placed construction barrels with amber, blinking lights at both ends of
the excavated sidewalk, as well as around the construction area adjacent
to a roadway. The bicyclist sustained injuries when he came upon the
construction site in the dark. The contractor alleged that the bicyclist
ignored the lighted barrel, rode around it and fell into the excavated
area. Video from a police cruiser showed that the barrel was lit at the
time. The bicyclist alleged that the contractor failed to adequately safeguard and/or warn of the danger, and that he never saw the barrel.
Outcome: MCL 691.1402a says that municipalities have a duty to maintain sidewalks in reasonable repair. A jury found that the contractor was
not negligent and that it had met its reasonable duty to warn of the hazard by placing lighted construction barrels at each end of the excavation
and near the roadway. Price v Pamar Enterprises
INJURY DUE TO POTHOLE:
RECOVERY ALLOWED SINCE ADEQUATE NOTICE WITHIN 120 DAYS.
Facts: A 25 year old motorcyclist was riding in a municipal roadway.
The weather was sunny and dry. As motorcyclist approached a stop
sign and slowed, he struck a pothole causing him to lose control of the
motorcycle. As a result, he hit a guardrail and was thrown several feet
into the embankment resulting in serious injuries. The motorcyclist provided the municipality notice of the incident within the 120 day requirement, including photographs showing the exact location of the alleged
defect, before filing suit pursuant to MCL 691.1404. The municipality
admitted that the area where the motorcyclist had been injured constituted a defect, but claimed that the notice was defective, because the
notice indicated that the motorcyclist was traveling eastbound when in
fact he was traveling westbound.
Outcome: The trial court agreed with the municipality and granted
its motion for summary disposition. The Michigan Court of Appeals
reversed holding that if the motorcyclist’s notice had consisted only
of a written portion, the notice would be insufficient. However, since
the notice included photographs depicting various landmarks and the
exact location and nature of the alleged defect, the requirements of
MCL 691.1404 were “adequately communicated.”
COUNTY IMMUNE FROM NEGLIGENCE CLAIM INVOLVING FALLEN
TREE ON ROAD.
Facts: A Labor Day storm knocked down a tree alongside a road. Two
of the tree’s branches protruded into the roadway. One branch lay on
the road, extending approximately one foot past the fog line (the area
demarcating the area of the road intended for travel). The other branch
13 MICHIGAN BICYCLIST | November 2014

was elevated over the roadway. A neighbor reported the fallen tree to
the County Road Commission two days later, but the tree was not removed. One week after the neighbor told the County Road Commission
about the road hazard, a motorcyclist traveling on that road was unable
to avoid the branches that encroached into the road and was thrown
from his motorcycle, suffering severe injuries that ultimately caused
his death. The Estate of the motorcyclist alleged that the County Road
Commission was liable because it had not maintain the road in a reasonable manner and the lack of maintenance caused the death. The County
Road Commission claimed governmental immunity.
Outcome: The Court of Appeals held that in order to trigger the Highway Exception to governmental immunity found at MCL 691.1402, the
“hazard” must be part of the physical structure of the roadbed itself. The
motorcyclist is not entitled to recover for his injuries because a tree laying across a portion of the road is not a defect in the physical structure
of the roadbed. Estate of Truett v Wayne County Dep’t of Public Services.
A similar ruling was made by the Michigan Supreme Court in Hagerty v
Board of Manistee Co Comm’rs. A motorist was killed while driving on
an unpaved highway when she became disoriented by a cloud of dust
caused by an oncoming motorist. The Michigan Supreme Court held
that the County Commission was not responsible for the death of the
motorist and was entitled to governmental immunity, because “a cloud
of dust rising from an unpaved road is not a defect in the physical structure of the roadbed, as required for liability to arise under the highway
exception, MCL 691.1402(1).”
DEFECTIVE NOTICE PURSUANT TO MCL 691.1404(1) DOOMS HIGHWAY-DEFECT CLAIM.
Facts: Plaintiffs, two motorcycle riders, were riding as part of a group.
While rounding a curve, one of the plaintiffs lost control of his motorcycle that caused both riders to sustain injuries. The police arrived at the
scene and completed a report. The report listed the names of the plaintiffs, the driver of a car that was struck by one of the motorcycles, two
other motorcyclists directly involved with the accident and two more
motorcyclists that witnessed the crash but were not directly involved.
The police report was submitted along with the motorcyclists’ notice to
defendant Michigan Department of Transportation. The notice did not
list the four other motorcyclists who were riding with plaintiffs.
Outcome: When suing under the Highway Exception to governmental immunity, “a precursor to recovery … is that the injured person
must provide notice to the governmental agency pursuant to MCL
691.1404(1).” The statute provides that the notice “shall specify the
exact location and nature of the defect, the injury sustained and the
names of the witnesses known at the time by the claimant.” The Court
found that the plaintiffs did not comply with all of the requirements.
“Plaintiffs failed to identify four witnesses known to them at the time
in their initial notice and failed to correct this error within the statutory
period.” These unnamed witnesses (riding ahead of the two plaintiffs)
had knowledge of the condition of the road as plaintiffs passed over it,
See Legal Decisions, next page

Membership/Donations
Retiring continued from page 1
an advocate, and as a leader. I also watched Rich initiate important structural changes
at the LMB, developed new programs, authored the What Every Young Michigan Bicyclist
Must Know booklet for children, and most importantly helped to groom John for the day
when he would retire as the Executive Director.
That day is fast approaching. Rich’s last official day as Executive Director will be December
31, 2014. John becomes our third ED effective January 1, 2015. Rich will continue to work
with the LMB until March, 2015, and has promised always to be no more than a phone
call away.
My sadness is obvious. I will miss working with Rich. But, I am joyful that he will now have
more time to spend with his lovely wife, children and grandchildren. I also am filled with
joy that John will be our next ED, and will continue his excellent work for all cyclists.
Rich shared with you his guiding philosophy on being a positive influence on a young
person. This philosophy guided Rich as the LMB ED, and also guided him on the timing
of his retirement. It is similar to an Iroquois philosophy, summed up as “In every deliberation, we must consider the impact on the seventh generation…” Rich is leaving the LMB
a stronger, better and more vibrant organization. John and the LMB will continue to be a
positive influence on youth cycling and will continue to advocate for positive change for
generations to come. ••
Highwheel continued from page 12

Annual Memberships

q  New

q Renewal

q Individual/Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $30
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q Life-Individual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $450
(3-Pay Plan - $170/yr)

q Life-Organization/
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(3-Pay Plan - $350/yr)

Donations (tax deductible)
q . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $500
q . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $250
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q Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $_______
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City

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Zip

Phone

The adrenaline rush of completing 52 miles in 2 hour 50 minutes, a 6 hour 29 minute century, winning the International Veteran Cycle Association World Championship road race
in 1991, or just besting my time for the local 20 mile ride keeps me wanting more. This
past April I participated on a 30 mile ride around the boroughs of New York City. What a
fantastic time meandering around the city, through Central Park, and over the bridges. It
reminded me how great every ride is. Most of my riding however is done locally on the
west side of Lansing and I still look forward to each and every opportunity to mount the
highwheel. I’m still infected from the bug that bit me 27 years ago. I collect, research, and
ride every chance I get. And the best ride I will ever have is the one I’ll take tomorrow. ••
Legal Decisions continued from previous page
namely, whether there had been debris or some other dangerous condition on it. Also,
one of the unnamed witnesses took photographs of the accident. Since these four fellow motorcyclists, known to the plaintiffs and potential witnesses were not listed on the
Notice, plaintiffs are prohibited from pursuing any liability for their injuries. Karwacki v
Dep’t of Transportation.
Bottom Line: When injured while riding a bicycle, it is critical to seek immediate and
experienced legal help. There are often hidden or complex legal issues and timelines
that need to be addressed, when seeking redress for injuries or property damage. If you
ever have any questions about any of our articles or a legal issue you are facing, do not
hesitate to email or call us. As always, be safe and enjoy the ride! ••
© 2014. Todd E. Briggs and Sarah W. Colegrove. Todd and Sarah are lawyers in
private practice. In addition to helping athletes injured in bicycle and sportsrelated accidents, they concentrate in the areas of civil litigation, including
personal injury, commercial litigation, probate and estate planning law. Todd
and Sarah are competitive cyclists, triathletes and adventure racers. Each has
competed in many national and state running, biking and triathlon competitions, including the Hawaii Ironman. Sarah also serves on the LMB board.
Briggs Colegrove, P.C. 660 Woodward Ave., Suite 1523 Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 964-2077 | [email protected]

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Dated Material: November, 2014

2014 Michigan Bicycling Photo Contest
PRIZES:

League of Michigan Bicyclists
(LMB) is pleased to announce our
3 rd Annual Michigan Bicycling Photo Contest sponsored by American Cycle and
Fitness.

1st Place — A $250 American Cy-

cle and Fitness gift certificate (good
at any store or online), $250 LMB
gift certificate good for LMB bicycle
tours and merchandise, one-year
LMB membership and other LMB
swag.

We are looking for striking images
that highlight the beauty, adventure, diversity, and inspirational nature of bicycle travel in Michigan.

2nd Place — A $100 American Cy-

cle and Fitness gift certificate (good
at any store or online), $100 LMB
gift certificate good for LMB bicycle
tours and merchandise, one-year
LMB membership and other LMB
swag.

Images may be taken anywhere
in the state of Michigan and
must have a bicycle-related
Father-Son Bonding by Kirsten Dykstra,
theme (Photos that focus on the 2013 Michigan Bicycling Photo Contest 1st Place winner.
3rd Place — A $50 American Cycle
scenery of an area must include
some connection to or indication of bike travel). We are especially in- and Fitness gift certificate (good at any store or online), $50 LMB gift
terested in images that showcase the wide range of bicycle-related certificate good for LMB bicycle tours and merchandise, one-year LMB
experiences: touring, road, dirt and trail riding, rural and urban set- membership and other LMB swag.
tings, scenery and weather, people, and the emotions of bicycling
in Michigan.

D
to the ona
e
do n te
ub d o be
le f t fo
yo he re
ur ye
im ar
pa
ct
!

Deadline for entries is December 8, 2014.
LEARN MORE/SUBMIT at:
www.LMB.org/photocontest

Honorable Mention — A $25 American Cycle and Fitness gift
certificate (good at any store or online), LMB T-shirt, a one-year LMB
membership and other swag.

All winning images will be printed in the Michigan Ride Calendar and/
or other LMB publications.

ONE GIFT, TWICE THE IMPACT

Give today and your gift will be doubled!
Our annual campaign is the perfect opportunity for both new and existing supporters to help
further advance LMB’s mission of promoting bicycling and the safety of bicyclists in Michigan. As an
added incentive, a small group of generous LMB supporters have already donated $12,000 towards
a Challenge Fund to encourage year-end giving. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to extend
your gift by investing today towards a more bicycle-friendly tomorrow. Our sincere gratitude goes out
to all of our supporters, but we would especially like to acknowledge the generosity of our Challenge
Fund donors, which are listed at www.LMB.org/challenge. Donate online at www.LMB.org/donate.
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LMB, your voice for a more bicycle-friendly Michigan since 1981.