Michigan Bicyclist Magazine_Spring2010

Published on May 2016 | Categories: Types, Magazines/Newspapers | Downloads: 50 | Comments: 0 | Views: 989
of 16
Download PDF   Embed   Report

Spring 2010 Michigan Bicyclist Magazine from the League of Michigan Bicyclists.

Comments

Content

MICHIGAN BICYCLIST
In This Issue:
• Bike Summit Round Ups • Michigan Goes Bicycle Friendly • Texting Ban Passes • LMB Annual Report • And More

Bicyclists Unite

May 26, 2010 Lansing, MI

Bicycle Advocates Join Forces for 2010 Lucinda Means Bicycle Advocacy Day - PAGE 8

Spring 2010

uick Release
The League of Michigan Bicyclists (LMB) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit statewide organization devoted exclusively to the advancement of bicycling. Our mission is to promote bicycling and increase the safety of bicyclists on the roadways in Michigan. Michigan Bicyclist is a benefit of membership in the League of Michigan Bicyclists. Michigan Bicyclist is published four times a year as part of the League’s continuing efforts to inform Michigan bicyclists.

By  DANTE LANZETTA, LMB Board Chair I’ve been honored to serve many community organizations, and a number of governing boards, including leadership stints. In many ways, they’re the same; in some, they can be quite different. Because organizations comprise human beings, they display the gamut of human personality types and behaviors. Participate in enough groups and you’ll see (and sometimes be) the good, the bad, and the ugly. As an elected official, I became familiar with the political model, where constituents communicate in many ways. They call people hired to run the city, from the cop on the beat to the highest appointed official. They attend public meetings, whether citizen boards or city councils. They also contact officials outside meetings. Surprisingly, given the heat in public meetings, they do this less often. Of course, they can always express ultimate displeasure on election day. There’s an important distinction in cities, towns and villages, between “Strong Mayor” and “Weak Mayor” systems. A “Strong Mayor” actually runs day-to-day city operations, like any chief operating officer (COO). The “Weak Mayor” system, hires a separate COO (called a City Manager) to keep streets clean and people safe. During one mayoral terms I received a fellowship to the Kennedy School of Government (KSG) at Harvard. (A couple of years later, our City Manager was also chosen.) There I learned a key concept: officials almost invariably fit one of two archetypes, each named for members of Washington’s Cabinet. One is the Hamiltonian, whose mantra is “Get ‘er done,” whether building a bridge or levying taxes for it. She has no patience for debate, and doesn’t mind stepping on toes. The “Jeffersonian” is not interested simply in goals, but in how she meets them. She cares about democratic “process,” through which free people reach consensus on society’s goals. Even majority rule is not democratic enough; she is just as concerned about minority rights. Not surprisingly, most mayors at Harvard were Jeffersonians; most city managers, fire chiefs and public works directors, Hamiltonians. Neither is best or worst. Democracy needs both actively involved. They will always conflict. That’s healthy. It’s unhealthy, dysfunctional, for either to dominate, or to fail to engage in setting goals and managing their implementation. Though different from municipal governments, other organizations share many of their characteristics. It is important for any organization’s members to understand its leaders’ roles and their own relationship to the group’s leaders, employees and fellow members. LMB is very like a “Weak Mayor” government. Except for chairing board meetings (and writing this column), the CEO (Chief Executive Officer) exercises no special powers. He’s a board member with a gavel. The board wields one strong power: hiring and firing Executive Directors. This is not par-

Michigan Bicyclist

Editor, Art & Design: JOHN LINDENMAYER Copy Editor: DANTE LANZETTA Cover Photo: GARY L. HOWE Letters/Comments/Advertisements may be directed to: [email protected] Visit our web site for contact information, advertising rates and much more. www.LMB.org Copyright © 2010

Printed on 100% Post Consumer Waste

LMB Directors
Region 1: Region 2: Region 3: Region 4: Region 5: Region 6: Region 7: Region 8: Region 9: Region 10: Region 11: Region 12: At Large: At Large: At Large:

STEVEN ROACH MICHAEL SPROUL DANTE LANZETTA, Chair JIM CARPENTER, Vice Chair PAUL ALMAN RORY NEUNER MICHAEL BOERSMA, Treasurer BARBARA SCHMID, Secretary DAVE KINDY VACANT MICHAEL SHEEAN CHRISTINA RIDDLE FRED DORE DAVE DUFFIELD PHIL WELLS

LMB Tours

ANNE BELANGER, Tour Director - Sunrise Adventure FRED DORE, Tour Director - MUP JIM DOUGHERTY, Ride Leader - Shoreline West MARY DOUGHERTY, Ride Leader - Shoreline West

Staff

RICH MOELLER Executive Director [email protected] JOHN LINDENMAYER Associate Director, Webmaster [email protected]

On the Cover

See Quick Release, continued on page 10
Zeke Boldy rides his “fire bike” in the 2010 Traverse City Earth Day Parade. The parade is organized each year by the Little Artshram. This year's theme was "pedal power," displayed here in a banner at the front of the parade. Recently, “Complete Streets” advocates have been particularly active in the city working to implement a community-planning initiative called The Grand Vision, as well as holding the city government accountable for policies that call for more complete streets. Photos courtesy of Gary L Howe www.MyWheelsareTurning.com

416 S. Cedar St. Suite A Lansing, MI 48912 (888) 642-4537 | (517) 334-9100 (517) 334-9111 (fax) | www.LMB.org

League of Michigan Bicyclists

1

MICHIGAN BICYCLIST | Spring 2010

From the Big Wheel
By RICH MOELLER, LMB Executive Director By being a member of LMB you have demonstrated that you care about bicycling in Michigan. Whether or not we want to be, each of us is a leader. I would like to share with you my thoughts on how we as leaders need to adapt to ensure that Michigan continues to become bicycle-friendly. We need to be real leaders to advance our bicycle agenda. Unfortunately, there are many more poor leadership role models as than good ones today. Leadership is not being a bully and forcing your ideas down people’s throats. Nor is leadership sitting back and doing nothing and hoping the issue will disappear or, if someone does have an idea, criticizing him or her. Leadership is embracing individuals who come from different disciplines, hold different views and want to work to make bicycling safer. A good leader is not only a good listener, but is able to work with a diverse group and encourage them to work as one to achieve a common goal. Being a leader means not caring who gets the credit as long as the goals are reached. That is real leadership. A leader doesn’t have to be in charge to lead. If you are simply a member of a group, you can still lead. We all have different beliefs. Some of us may feel that, unless you ride a bike with dropped handlebars, you are not a bicyclist. When we are part of a group we must not let individual ideology hinder the group’s ability to complete the task. We must stand up for our views, but we be willing to compromise for the good of the whole. This is real leadership. No longer can we sit back and wait for someone else to do it. Now we need actively to involve all bicyclists and groups that are sympathetic to our issues, not just those that look like us or are our friends. I challenge each of you to think how you can be a leader, a real leader in your community. Thanks to Trek’s leadership, bicycle shops have begun to realize the importance of their involvement in advocacy. It is time that we engage the bike shops and make them part of our advocacy and education efforts at all levels, not just as people we ask for freebies, but as true advocacy partners. The average age of bicyclists in clubs and organizations like LMB is in the mid ’50s. Obviously, we are missing a huge segment of the bicycling population. We need to use the various social networking tools to reach out to bicyclists who may not look or act like the average LMB bicyclist. How many of you are embracing Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, blogs, Google groups, Flickr and Delicious? Five years ago, when I took this job, many of these tools didn’t exist. No longer can we say, “I don’t understand this new age stuff” and ignore it. We need to embrace it. We are discovering a whole new world of bicyclists and supporters through these vehicles. Many of these are younger bicyclists who have a real interest in what their future is going to look like. For years we have thought that bicycle clubs would be an excellent vehicle for advocacy and bicycle education. Some have, but many simply want to ride their bikes and want no part of advocating and educating. Thankfully, in many communities, coalitions such as Walk Bike Lansing!, Greater Grand Rapids Bicycle Coalition, Safe and Active Genesee for Everyone and the Washtenaw Bicycling and Walking Coalition have become leaders in advocating for bicycling. We need to take advantage of the support we can get from these types of coalitions. Bicyclists come in many sizes, shapes and packages. We have different wants and needs and don’t often agree on much except that we all want a safe bicycling environment. I challenge each one of you to make a commitment to be a leader in your community by ensuring all groups and individuals are part of making bicycling safer in Michigan.

Sleep with History!
After a restful overnight and a hearty breakfast, explore southern Ohio’s scenic Hocking Hills / Lake Hope region. Our historic lodgings are all near several bikeways and other interesting places! All have a place to lock up your bicycle.

Historic Host Vacation Rentals
Breakfast included at all our historic lodgings

May 19, 2010
Join cyclists in all seven continents at 7pm in a silent slow-paced (max. 12 mph) ride to honor those who have been injured or killed while cycling on public roadways. • To HONOR those who have been injured or killed • To RAISE AWARENESS that we are here • To ask that we all SHARE THE ROAD Find Michigan Locations at: www.rideofsilence.org

877-364-4786 740-596-2408

www.HistoricHost.com

2

2010 Michigan Bicycle Summit
Keynote Speaker Andy Clarke
Executive Director, League of American Bicyclists

2010 Michigan Bicycle Summit
This year’s Michigan Bicycle Summit, hosted by LMB, brought over 100 cycling enthusiasts from across the state to take part in a day of educational workshops and networking

“Providing tools for a brighter bicycling future in Michigan”

March 27 - Lansing, MI

opportunities. Andy Clarke, Executive Director of the League of American Bicyclists, kicked things off as the 2010 keynote speaker. Fresh from the recent National Bike Summit in Washington D.C., Andy talked about what it will take to make cycling more prevalent in American society. He shared encouraging examples of communities across the country that have made great strides toward being bicycle-friendly. He spoke of the sea change in federal policy on bicycling, citing U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood’s recent statement that, “This is the end of favoring motorized transportation at the expense of non-motorized.” (see page 12) Andy built on the Secretary’s remarks with his own words of encouragement, stating, “There’s no better place than Michigan to show by example that things are changing.”

www.LMB.org

— Andy Clarke, when asked how to respond to critics

who ask why governments should build bicycling facilities where people don’t currently ride bicycles.

Andy Clarke was certainly not the only draw at this year’s Summit. Twelve diverse workshops filled the balance of the day. Ride of Silence founder Chris Phelan and Michigan Ride of Silence organizers Mark Hagar and Tim Potter presented the history and importance of the Ride of Silence, which is held each year across the globe on the third Wednesday of May to honor bicyclists who have been injured or killed. Other highlights included a standing-room-only panel discussion on the Michigan Complete Streets movement, a high-energy presentation of the 11 Commandments of Cycling Advocacy by lobbyist Jean Doss, and A Bike Shop’s Role in Advocacy presented by Michael Reuter of American Cycle & Fitness and Randy Martin of Continental Bike Shop. Our friends at the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance and Michigan Mountain Biking Association also gave organizational update. John Waterman of Programs to Educate All Cyclists along with Josh Britton and Justin Walworth of Peckham Industries presented a
3 MICHIGAN BICYCLIST | Spring 2010

Top to bottom: 1) Ride of Silence founder Chris Phelan recounts organizing the first Ride of Silence in Dallas in 2003 after a passing bus killed endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz on an empty road. 2) Lansing City Council Member Jessica Yorko explains the community organizing efforts that led to Lansing recently passing the first Complete Streets ordinance in Michigan. 3) Keynote speaker Andy Clarke, Executive Director of the League of American Bicyclists, shares inspiring examples of communities across America leading the charge for bicycle friendliness. 4) Jean Doss of J. Doss Consulting, giving a high-energy primer on how to improve your advocacy skills.

Photos by John Lindenmay er & Gary L Howe

“How many cars crossed the river before you built the bridge?”

workshop on How to Make Your Tour Accessible. Additionally, Summit-goers heard about Liability Issues of On-Road Bike Facilities from Josh DeBruyn of the Michigan Department of Transportation and Adventure Cycling Association volunteers Scott Anderson and Paul VandenBosch gave an update on Michigan’s part of the new U.S. Bike Route System. Rounding out our breakout sessions were Andy Kilpatrick, Transportation Engineer for the City of Lansing, who presented A Planners View in Making Bicycle-Friendly Streets and Roadways, and Sarah Colegrove, of Briggs Colegrove, P.C., who discussed Michigan’s No-Fault Law and how it affects bicyclists. The Summit also marked the unveiling of LMB’s new online Education and Advocacy Toolkits. LMB Associate Director John Lindenmayer introduced the toolkits, demonstrating the new section of LMB’s website which helps bicyclists effectively promote and advocate for better bicycling conditions throughout Michigan. LMB Executive Director Rich Moeller detailed the Community Bikeability Assessment, just one of many great new resources in the toolkits. A number of cyclists took part in a 20-mile post-Summit ride through Lansing’s countryside. You will find additional photos and Summit presentations posted on our website at: www.LMB. org/index.php/Events/michigan-bicycle-summit-2010.html. We are extremely grateful to our hosts, Peckham Industries, who went out of their way to make our Summit a resounding success.

2009 LMB Award Recipients
At LMB’s Awards Reception held Friday night before the Summit, League of American Bicyclists Executive Director Andy Clarke, Ride of Silence Founder Chris Phelan, and LMB Executive Director Rich Moeller presented a panel discussion on bicycling. An audience of over 50 asked questions ranging from “How will England fare in the World Cup without David Beckham” to “Which is more effective, a Three-Foot Passing Law or a Vulnerable User Law?” For many, this was the highlight of the weekend as the discussion was frank and the panelists did not always agree with each other, but everyone had a great time.
From top to bottom, left to right: 1) Andy Clarke – League of American Bicyclists Executive Director, Rich Moeller – LMB Executive Director, Chris Phelan – Ride of Silence Founder, and John Lindenmayer – LMB Associate Director. 2) Jessica Yorko – Bicycle Advocate Award 3) Mike Egan – LMB Volunteer Award 4) Nancy Keener & Marylynn Balewski of West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Commission with Claudia & Michael Aughenbaugh – Community Support for Bicycling Award 5) Joyce Halstead – LMB Distinguished Service Award 6) Michael and Claudia Aughenbaugh – Bicycle Educator Award. Visit: http://bit.ly/cW7jMm for more details on award recipients. 4

2009 Annual Report
MEMBERSHIP In 2009, we had a 2% increase in the number of paid members. Our membership renewal rate for the year was 66%. Membership Totals (individual members) Individual Members Lifetime Members Shop Members Organization Members Club Members Total Members: 2009 1095 104 35 41 35 1310 2008 1077 102 31 40 33 1283 Appeal. Our increase in individual donations in 2009 offset a decrease in receipts from the $1 per Rider Program. We want to thank all who supported our efforts through their donations in 2009. TOURS LMB annually conducts bicycle tours. The purpose of these tours to: • • • Showcase bicycle tourism opportunities in Michigan; Demonstrate that bicyclists are responsible road users; Provide funding for the overall operation of LMB. PnP Total Riders - 2009 - 2008 - 2007 Oldest Tours Net $80 $108 $88 $92 Administration & Program Net -$93 -$84 -$83 -$105* Youngest Average Age MI % of Riders 61 103 104 68 3 43.54 97% Sunrise 129 162 167 82 7 54.64 89% MUP 129 126 148 80 18 56.64 33% West 417 445 499 86 5 53.26 38% Totals 736 836 918 79 8 52.02 51%

FINANCIAL 2009 was a challenging year for LMB. The downturn in the economy was a major factor. We decided early in the year not to cut any services or publications and to use our operating reserves to carry us through this difficult time. Financial Trends (in 000’s) Year 2006 2007 2008 2009 End of Year Cash Balance $165 $189 $194 $181

*2009 is unaudited A copy of the 2008 Audit is available online at www.LMB.org. FUNDRAISING To ensure that LMB continues to provide bicycle education and to advocate for bicycling we encourage contributions from our supporters. In 2009 we identified the following projects as needs for contributed dollars: • Reprinting our What Every Michigan Bicyclist Must Know booklets (Because of demand, we actually printed it twice in 2009, for a total of 55,000 copies); Supporting the Lucinda Means Advocacy Day and our advocacy work; Developing a youth version of the “What Every Bicyclist Must Know” booklets.

We want to thank our Tour Volunteer Leaders for their outstanding efforts: Anne Belanger (Rogers City) — Sunrise Adventure, Jim and Mary Dougherty (Lansing) — Shoreline West and Fred Dore (Commerce Township) — Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. They were assisted by 40 other volunteers. A special thank you to all of the wonderful folks who make our tours a wonderful experience for all. RESOURCES We provide many different resources to bicyclists in Michigan and those coming to vacation in Michigan. Through our web site, emails and telephone calls we provide a valuable service to bicyclists seeking information from where to ride to what are the laws in Michigan. We answered more than 6,500 inquiries in 2009. In addition, we work with the Michigan Department of Transportation to distribute the “new” bicycle suitability maps for the 12 regions in Michigan. Last year we distributed 509 maps. We also work with MDOT in distributing Tourism Packets to people who want to learn more about bicycling in Michigan. In 2009 we mailed out 1,100 Tourism Packets. Through our online store, we sold 72 route maps of our various tours. Thanks to Ralph and Janet Emmons, we completed our first “crossstate bicycle route” and published maps for all to enjoy. This route goes through Monroe, Lenawee, Hillsdale, Branch, St. Joseph, Cass

• •

Our two major fund raising efforts are the $1 per Rider Program and our Annual Year-end Appeal. Nineteen rides participated in the Program. These rides had a combined ridership of 6,539, raising $5,539 for the above-mentioned projects. 143 donors contributed a total of $8,008 to our Annual Year-end

5

MICHIGAN BICYCLIST | Spring 2010

and Berrien Counties. The route information includes maps, a list of services along the route and a tourism description of each county. We began work in 2009 on a bicycle route from Detroit to Lansing to Grand Rapids to Muskegon. We expect the route to be ready for field testing this summer and hope to publish it in the fall. ADVOCACY We monitor the state legislature and serve as advocates to our state legislators on behalf of bicyclists statewide. We provide resource information to bicyclists on local issues. We represent bicyclists to MDOT on issues related to bicycling. For example, we serve on MDOT’s Context Sensitive Solution Steering Committee. We also serve on the Governor’s Bike/Pedestrian Safety Task Force. We are member of the Michigan Safe Routes to School Network Committee. We had 67 participants at the Michigan Bicycle Summit held in March, 2009. Topics covered included Complete Streets, Advocacy 101, Bicycling and the Law, and View of Planners. We received a 100% positive feedback concerning the content and what the participants received from the Summit. Our Annual Lucinda Means Advocacy Day was held in May. Seventy bicyclists from around Michigan joined us. We met with legislators to discuss LMB’s legislative priorities: • • • • • Give Michigan Road Cyclists a Brake Driver Training Bicycle Safety Component Cell Phone/Texting While Driving Ban Complete Streets Stop the Raid on Act 51

LMB continued to provide leadership on the issue of Complete Streets, an effort to ensure all future road projects are designed, built and maintained to accommodate all roadway users. The League was actively involved in a successful grassroots Complete Streets Campaign in Lansing, making the state’s Capitol the first city in Michigan to adopt a Complete Streets ordinance. LMB also played a vital role in the introduction of House Concurrent Resolution 0034 by Representative Pam Byrnes (D-Ann Arbor), as well as the successful inclusion of Complete Streets language in the House Transportation budget. 2009 also saw the launch of the Michigan Complete Streets Coalition, which LMB continues to co-chair. We maintain the Coalition’s website. 2009 was a busy year on the advocacy front for LMB. The League was a vocal advocate for making texting while driving a primary offense. LMB submitted testimony to the House Transportation Committee supporting such a ban. We thank the many LMB members who responded to our call for action and contacted their legislators in support of the ban. (See update on next page)

LMB’s vulnerable user legislation was reintroduced in 2009. In May, Representatives Gabe Leland (D-Detroit) and Marty Knollenberg (R-Troy) introduced House Bills 4958 and 4959 respectively, which would enhance penalties for moving violations causing physical injury or death to bicyclists or other vulnerable roadway users. Senator Tom George (R-Kalamazoo) introduced companion Senate Bills (529 and 530) with the same language. Senator George and Representative Leland also introduced bills on LMB’s behalf that would require a bicycle curriculum in the Driver’s Education program (Senate Bill 531 and House Bill 4960 respectively). In June, LMB testified before the House Transportation Committee in support of these bills. LMB was quick to respond in August, when Greater Media’s Detroit radio station WCSX aired deplorable remarks encouraging violence against bicyclists. LMB demanded a retraction and apology from radio hosts Jeff Deminiski and Bill Doyle. When they neither apologized or retracted the remarks, LMB launched a boycott of Greater Media, which soon collected nearly 700 signatures. LMB is pleased to report that Deminiski and Doyle were relieved of their on-air duties in January of this year. LMB also advocated at the federal level in 2009 for the America Bikes agenda, which included support for the Complete Streets Act of 2009 (S. 584, introduced by Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), and H.R. 1443, introduced by Representative Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento, CA)), CLEAN-TEA: The Clean, Low-Emission Affordable, New Transportation Efficiency Act (S. 575, introduced by Senators Tom Carper (D-DE) and Arlen Specter (D-PA), and H.R. 1329, introduced by Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-Portland, OR), Ellen Tauscher (D-Pleasanton, CA) and Steven LaTourette (R-Bainbridge Township, OH)), to develop and implement plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector. EDUCATION LMB printed a new completely revised edition of our “What Every Michigan Bicyclist Must Know” booklet. Because of the increased demand, we had two printings in 2009, totaling 55,000 copies. We distributed 35,000 in 2009 to bike shops, individuals and other groups requesting them. The youth version of the “What Every Bicyclist Must Know” booklet was started in 2009. The content has been completed. We hired an illustrator to begin illustrating the booklet. We anticipate having it completed by the fall of 2010. We began work in the fall of 2009 on two “Toolkits,” one for Bicycle Education and one for Bicycle Advocacy. The toolkits were introduced at the 2010 Michigan Bicycle Summit. See Annual Report, continued on page 14
6

Texting While Driving Ban Passes; LMB Celebrates Victory!
On April 28th, The Michigan House pashed a the package of bills to protect motorists and pedestrians by banning texting while driving on all Michigan roadways. The League of Michigan Bicyclists lobbied for the ban, which could save countless lives, including those of bicyclists and other vulnerable roadway users. The ban will take effect July 1. LMB submitted testimony in favor of banning texting while driving and organized bicyclists from across the state to support the effort during their annual statewide Bicycle Advocacy Day last May. “This is a monumental step toward protecting bicyclists and other roadway users,” said John Lindenmayer, LMB Associate Director, “A 200-pound bicyclist is no match for a 5,000-pound vehicle being driven by a distracted driver. Driving is a privilege, not a right, and there is absolutely no excuse for texting while driving.” Under the new law, drivers will be prohibited from reading, manually typing or sending text messages while driving, except to report accidents, crimes, emergencies or similar situations in which a person feels his or her safety is in danger. The law makes texting while driving a ‘primary’ offense, which allows police to pull over and ticket drivers solely for texting. Drivers will receive $100 fine for a first offense and $200 fine for subsequent violations. However, no points will be added to their driving records. LMB lobbied for making texting while driving a primary offense. The original bill language would have made it a secondary offense, requiring police to pull the driver over for another infraction before ticketing him or her for texting while driving. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, twentythree states and the District of Columbia already have some sort of ban on texting while driving. While LMB is extremely pleased to have played a role in making Michigan the 24th state to ban texting while driving, we remain concerned about the larger issue of distracted driving. The U.S. Department of Transportation says nearly 6,000 people are killed each year because of driving while distracted. “Using cell phones while driving has become an accepted part of our culture, despite the fact that countless lives are put at risk every day by those who are simply too busy to pull over to text,” said State Representative Lee Gonzales (D-Flint Twp.), a sponsor of the texting ban. “Texting while driving is a clear and present danger to others and I’m glad that Michigan has finally decided to put a stop to it. Making an excuse for texting behind the wheel won’t save a life, but making it against the law just might.” Unfortunately, the Legislature has not yet addressed the similarly dangerous practice of using cell phones while driving. Recent studies show that talking on a cell phone while driving, even “hands-free,” still increases the risk of an accident. We believe the ban on texting while driving is a step in the right direction and will continue our efforts to educate the public and the legislature about the dangers of all distracted driving.
7 MICHIGAN BICYCLIST | Spring 2010

New law will crack down on distracted drivers, save lives

Michigan Texting Ban Signed Into Law Live on Oprah Show

Michigan made history on April 30th as Governor Granholm signed Michigan's texting while driving ban into law live on the Oprah Winfrey Show (bottom photo). The live bill signing was part of Winfrey's first National "No Phone Zone" Day. Winfrey launched the campaign against distracted driving in January and has sponsored a pledge on her website asking motorists to commit to not texting or talking on phones while driving. "Today is a call to action to stop the madness of distracted driving," Winfrey said on her show. Winfrey orchestrated the "No Phone Zone" rallies live via satellite from her Chicago studio. Ali Wentworth hosted the Detroit event held at General Motors’ Renaissance Center headquarters. Rallies were also held in Atlanta, Boston, Los Angeles and Washington D.C. "We're proud to be the 24th state now to be able to ban texting while driving," Granholm said. "While talking on the phone is a distraction, clearly, texting while driving on top of that — where you don't have your eyes on the road or your hands on the wheel or your mind on what you're doing — it is clearly a danger." The audience cheered as Granholm signed the bill. Winfrey pronounced it "fantastic." LMB's Associate Director John Lindenmayer attended the event as a guest of Representative Lee Gonzales (D-Flint Twp.), chief sponsor of the texting ban bills (top photo).

Bicycle Advocates Join Forces for 2010 Lucinda Means Bicycle Advocacy Day
The three top cycling-advocacy groups in Michigan, the Michigan Mountain Biking Association, League of Michigan Bicyclists, and Michigan Trails and Greenway Alliance, are teaming up their efforts and organizations for the Lucinda Means Advocacy Day on Wednesday May 26th in Lansing, MI. to meet with legislators and promote cycling interests. The Lucinda Means Advocacy Day is a day for all cyclists across the state to join together with one voice to promote cyclists’ needs to their local legislators. All attendees will be scheduled to meet with their local Representatives and Senators to talk about cycling concerns across the state. The cost is $10, which includes lunch. The event is open to anyone interested in getting involved in advocating for pro bike policies in Michigan. The day kicks off at MSU Bikes with a bike rally into downtown Lansing. The North lawn of the State Capitol has been reserved and bike racks will be set up for the day. Representatives from all three organizations, as well as a lobbyist from Capitol Services, will be on hand to answer any questions. Two “webinars” will also be held prior to the event for interested participants (check website for details). Bicyclists will advocate for a statewide Complete Streets law to insure that ALL roadway users, including bicyclists, are routinely accommodated when roadwork is done in Michigan. All bicyclists, on- and off-road, need safe routes to their destinations, everywhere in Michigan. Many other states already have mandated Complete Streets, and LMB, MTGA, and MMBA all firmly believe it is overdue in Michigan. In addition to Complete Streets, Advocacy Day participants will ask their representatives in Lansing to support a number of other initiatives to protect all Michigan bicyclists, including our vulnerable-user bills to increase penalties for striking or killing a bicyclist. We will also continue to fight for stronger distracted driving legislation. Register today at www.LMB.org

Bicyclists Unite

May 26, 2010 Lansing, MI

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE: 8:30 am - Bike rally from MSU Bikes to State Capitol 9:15 am - Issue Briefings 10:15 am - Meetings with Representatives & Senators 1:00 pm - Lunch on Capitol grounds 2:00 pm - Group photo on Capitol steps 2:30 pm - Lansing by bicycle tour

2009 Advocacy Day attendees on the Capitol steps. Photo by Kirt D. Livernois

8

By SARAH W. COLEGROVE & TODD E. BRIGGS We were recently asked by a League of Michigan Bicyclists member how he could obtain copies of public records under the Freedom of Information Act. This Act is one of the most important state laws in Michigan, because it enables the public to gather practical information as well as more esoteric data easily. As lawyers, we make FOIA requests frequently to obtain specific government records for clients and to evaluate potential litigation. Any individual, however, has the right to request public information under the Act. Practical Tips When Making Your FOIA Request:

How to Obtain Public Records Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Prior to submitting your request for information, we suggest contacting the unit of government to find out the following: 1) the address to which the request should be sent; (2) whether there is a required form for the request; and (3) the fee, if any. Essentially, that is all the practical knowledge you need to request information. You should receive a response to your request within five business days of its receipt. If you do not, we have outlined your remedies below. For those of you that would like more details about the Act, following is a legal outline of your rights and procedures under the Act. The Freedom Of Information Act – In A Nutshell: The Michigan FOIA Act, found at MCL 15.231, defines the purpose of the law: It is the public policy of this state that all persons, except those persons incarcerated in state or local correctional facilities, are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those who represent them as public officials and public employees, consistent with this act. The people shall be informed so that they may fully participate in the democratic process. According to the Act, a person has a right to inspect, copy, or receive copies of requested public records of a public body. An individual starts the process by putting the request in writing (facsimiles, electronic mail or other electronic means are acceptable), usually directed to the public body’s FOIA coordinator, that describes a public record sufficiently to enable the public body to find the requested record. MCL 15.232 defines a “person” entitled to obtain records as an individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, firm, organization, association, governmental entity, or other legal entity. Public records eligible for review are any writings prepared, owned, used, in the possession of, or retained by a public body in the performance
9 MICHIGAN BICYCLIST | Spring 2010

of an official function, from the time it is created. However, public records do not include computer software. “Public body” means, among other things, a state officer, employee, agency, department, division, bureau, board, commission, council, county, city, township, village, school district or municipal corporation. A public body may charge a fee for the public-record search – a copy fee, mailing costs and the incremental cost of labor for the searching, examination, review, deletion and separation of exempt from nonexempt information. The public body must specifically respond to a request for a public record within five (5) business days after the public body receives the request (MCL 15.231). The public body may be exempt from disclosing information of a personal nature if public disclosure of the information would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of an individual’s privacy. It may also exempt records that interfere with law-enforcement proceedings or constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. To learn about other specific exemptions, see MCL 15.243. What To Do If Your Request Is Denied: If a public body makes a final determination to deny all or a portion of a request, the requesting person may do one of the following at his or her option: (a) submit to the head of the public body a written appeal that specifically states the word “appeal” and identifies the reason or reasons for reversal of the denial or (b) commence an action in circuit court to compel the public body’s disclosure of the public records within one hundred and eighty (180) days after a public body’s final determination to deny the request. If the appeal is denied, the requester can then choose the litigation route. MCL 15.235. Under MCL 15.240, the proper court to bring litigation is the circuit court for the county in which the requester resides or has his or her principal place of business or the circuit court for the county in which the public record or an office of the public body is located. The court shall determine the matter “de novo” (a legal “do-over”) and the burden is on the public body to sustain its denial. If the requester prevails in the action, the court shall award him or her reasonable attorney’s fees and costs, which shall be assessed against the public body liable for failure to disclose. If the court decides to grant the request in part and deny it in part, the court may award all or an appropriate portion of the reasonable attorney’s fee and costs against the public body. Additionally, if the court determines that the denial was arbitrary and capricious, the court must award $500.00 in punitive damages to the requester, in addition to any actual or compensatory damages. Typically the rules are simple and straightforward. A practical tip is See FOIA, continued on next page

Spring has begun and you want to ride!
By SCOTT BENJAMIN, PT, DScPT This spring, as Lance prepares for his 8th Tour de France win, all of us will also begin our season by getting our bikes and ourselves ready to go. Preparation is important before, during and after you ride. I used to bike train during my hockey days. When I was younger, my body did not hurt as badly, and after-ride aches did not happen. As we get older, we need to prepare, we need to train and we need to work after we ride. This article will teach you strengthening before your ride and after, so you can make your back, hip, and trunk muscles stronger. My patients enjoy both short and long rides. Their training includes both getting their bodies back in shape and strength work for their spine, legs and trunk. When they are not in the controlled environment of the clinic, they must deal with the elements of land, wind, bugs, heat and cars. All affect their ability to train; wind has a stronger effect on your spine than you know. When the wind is against you, you must work much more to overcome the elements, so your trunk, legs and belly muscles must work harder. To help this, I recommend this series of exercises (on line at: http://bit. ly/deBs60) before you ride: Exercises Slings on all fours External rotation of the hips Trunk extension Repetition 30 on each side 30 on each side After you ride, you may feel some strain in your lower back. To overcome this, do these exercises: Exercises Trunk extensions Slings on the table Piriformis stretching Hip abductions Repetition 30 seconds 3 sets of 20 each side 30 seconds each side 3 sets of 20 each side Quick Release continued from page 1 ticularly useful, as any councilperson can tell you. Anyone foolish enough to have fired a City Manager with less than a unanimous vote certainly regrets it. Your League of Michigan Bicyclists consists of dues-paying members, who elect most of the board from geographical “regions.” These representatives may appoint another one to three members. The board’s job is to set the League’s goals, but not in a vacuum. The LMB board has set one goal: “To promote bicycling and the safety of bicyclists on the roadways of Michigan.” It has let the Executive Director choose what he wishes to do to achieve the goal — a Hamiltonian’s dream job. Yet, the board’s job is both to set this overall goal and any more-detailed goals it chooses and to charge him with achieving them. Today, when most communication seems one-way, “outreach,” “getting the message out,” or “staying on-message,” we cannot function effectively without what I call “inreach.” The most important thing you can do is to keep us continually aware of the goals you want us to set for the League. You need to “reach in” and tell us what you want LMB not just to do, but be.

Post-ride exercises keep your back and trunk strong and relieve any muscular or ligamentous soreness from your ride. If you feel back achiness during your rides, make sure that your bike is lined up correctly and that you are not stretching out your spine too much. If you are leaning forward too much, you will cause pain or a shutting down of the lower back muscles. This will, or can over time, contribute to lower back pain, a bad way to start the biking season. If you do not feel comfortable when you get on your bike, or feel you are leaning too far forward to reach your handle bars, have a professional check your bike fit. Keep your spine in good alignment and remember that your leg power comes from your spine; make sure your bike, foot-on-pedal placement and handlebar height are also all properly aligned. If you have any questions, please contact me at [email protected]. Happy spring and good riding, so that you can get ready for your own tour!

Squats against the wall 100 10

FOIA, continued from previous page to keep copies of all requests and replies from the public body and keep proof and a record of all significant dates. When we have brought suit against public bodies for denying a FOIA request, courts have usually been sympathetic. If you need assistance with a denial, we recommend seeking assistance from an experienced attorney. For more information see LMB’s new Advocacy Toolkit article on FOIA at: www.LMB.org
Sarah W. Colegrove and Todd E. Briggs are lawyers in private practice. In addition to helping athletes injured in bicycle and sports-related accidents, they concentrate in the areas of civil litigation, including personal injury, real estate, probate and corporate law. Todd and Sarah are competitive cyclists, triathletes and adventure racers. Each has competed in many state and national running, biking and triathlon competitions, including the Hawaii Ironman where Todd has gone sub-10 hours. You can read past articles from Sarah and Todd on our web site at: www.LMB.org/pages/Resources/Legal_Info.htm. You can contact them at: Briggs Colegrove, P.C. 660 Woodward Ave., Suite 1523 Detroit, MI 48226 (313) 964-2077 Fax: (313) 961-2345 [email protected]

Have a suggestion for a bicycle-related legal topic for an upcoming Michigan Bicyclist Magazine? Send suggestions to: [email protected]

10

2010 National Bike Summit
By Rory Neuner, LMB Region Six Representative Michigan bike advocates descended on our nation’s capital in March for the tenth annual League of American Bicyclists’ National Bike Summit. The event brought over 700 attendees, including 13 Michganders, to Washington, DC for a fun-filled and action-packed three days of networking, lobbying on the Hill, and learning about the latest and greatest in bicycle advocacy and policy. In a refreshing repeat of the 2009 Summit, Michigan’s delegation was a diverse group, including representatives from local and statewide advocacy groups, trail groups, disability advocates, a handful of shop owners, one University bike shop, and representatives from at least one bicycle touring organization. In addition to the usual suspects, this year’s Michigan delegation included 20% of the town of Copper Harbor. Two leaders of the Copper Harbor Trails Club, an advocacy group that builds trails in Michigan’s northernmost town, joined the Michigan delegation. Yes, you read that correctly, two citizens constitutes 20% of the town. But what’s even cooler is the message they were there to send our elected officials: bicycling is a key part of Michigan’s economic recovery. In fact, thanks to its breathtaking, pristine trails and robust mountain biking culture, Copper Harbor is pinning its economic future in part on the bicycle. With reauthorization of the federal transportation bill on hold until sometime after this fall’s mid-term elections, our key “asks” on the Hill were a group of “marker bills” designed to build supTop to Bottom: 1) LMB Associate Director John Lindenmayer gives a “thumbs-up” at the Congressional Reception with Gary Fisher, one of the inventors of the modern mountain bike. 2) The Michigan delegation with Allison Pascal of Senator Carl Levin’s office. 3) Michael Reuter of American Cycle and Fitness, John Waterman of Program to Educate All Cyclists, Congresswoman Candice Miller (R -10th District) with Todd Scott, Detroit Greenways Coordinator for the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance. 4) Lindenmayer receiving LMB’s Bicycle Friendly Business award from Andy Clarke, Executive Director of the League of American Bicyclists. 5) Lindenmayer with USDOT Secretary Ray LaHood and Sarah Schillio, Legislative Director for Michigan State Representative Lee Gonzales.

11

MICHIGAN BICYCLIST | Spring 2010

Photos by John Lindenmayer, Tim Potter Randy Martin & Todd Scott

port for measures bicycle advocates hope to wrap into the reauthorization bill. These marker bills included Complete Streets, a set of Safe Routes to School bills, and the Active Community Transportation Act. Here are the details:

• S. 584/H.R. 1443 — The Complete Streets Act of 2009. More than 100 state and local government entities have adopted Complete Streets policies, an approach to planning that the Federal Highway Administration has endorsed since 1999. However, federal leadership and oversight is necessary to ensure it is implemented effectively. S. 584, the Complete Streets Act of 2009, was introduced by Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) and currently has 12 co-sponsors, including Senator Carl Levin. On the House side, H.R. 1443, the Complete Streets Act of 2009, was introduced by Representative Doris Matsui (D-CA) and currently has 43 co-sponsors. The companion bills would require states and metropolitan planning organizations to adopt complete streets policies for federally funded projects within two years, or a portion of the state’s flexible Surface Transportation funding will be directed to safety improvements. However, the bills would also ensure that policies are flexible and costeffective, allowing exemptions when costs are demonstrably prohibitive. • H.R. 4021 — The Safe Routes to High School Act and S. 1156 — The Safe Routes to School Program Reauthorization Act. Safe Routes to School (SRTS) is a proven national program to create safe, convenient and enjoyable ways for children to walk and bike to school. In 2005, the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act – A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) provided $600 million over five years to enable states and local agencies to implement construction, education and encouragement programs for kindergarten to eighth grade schools. Michigan, an early adopter of the concept, continues to be recognized as a national leader in innovation and successful implementation of Safe Routes programs. The SRTS program is part of the larger pending federal transportation reauthorization bill. We asked members of Congress to co-sponsor bills that would further expand the scope and funding of the program. S. 1156, the Safe Routes to School Program Reauthorization Act, was introduced by Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Susan Collins (R-ME) and currently has 21 co-sponsors. The bill would increase funding to $600 million annually (triple the FY 2009 level of $183 million), improve project delivery by reducing paperwork and unnecessary regulations, and expand eligibility to high schools. It would also allow funds to be used for bus-stop safety and rural access programs, and add a research and evaluation component. On the House side, H.R. 4021, the Safe Routes to High School Act, was introduced by Representative Earl Blumenauer (D-Portland, OR) and currently has 21 co-sponsors. The bill would expand SRTS eligibility to high schools. • Active Community Transportation Act, H.R.4722. Representative Blumenauer also introduced the easy-to-remember ACT Act in early March. This groundbreaking bill creates a competitive grant program

funded with $2 billion to help communities build bicycling and walking networks. Aside from these legislative asks, there were plenty of big, newsworthy events announced at this year’s Summit: • Google announced a new feature for its popular mapping tools, biking directions and extensive bike trail data for the U.S.! In other words, when you need directions, you can now select a “bicycle” routing option, in addition to current tools for driving, walking, or using transit. Google software engineers were on hand at the Summit showing off the new tool in the exhibitors’ hall, and the lead engineers gave a keynote speech to announce the tool, which is currently in a beta version. (That means they want your feedback!) See more here: http://maps.google.com/biking • The Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance was awarded a $15,000 grant from REI and Bikes Belong to help the Motor City earn a League of American Bicyclists Bike Friendly City designation. Congratulations to MTGA and to the City of Detroit; we can’t wait to hear more! • The League of Michigan Bicyclists was designated a bicycle friendly business by LAB, as was The HUB of Detroit. • Perhaps the most exciting moment of the Summit came when U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood gave an impassioned speech from atop a table during a reception following our long day of lobbying on the Hill. In what is now dubbed his “tabletop speech” (view it here: http://fastlane. dot.gov/2010/03/ my-view-from-atopthe-table-at-thenational-bike-summit.html), LaHood announced the end of an era “favoring motorized transportation at the expense of A malfunctioning microphone did not non-motorized.” The stop US Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood from thanking a packed crowd U.S. DOT is work- and expressing his support for bicycling ing to integrate the from atop a tabletop at the closing needs of bicyclists in reception for the 2010 National Bicycle Summit. all federally funded See National Bike Summit, continued on next page
12

May 21 is Bike to Work Day
With spring in the air, the League of Michigan Bicyclists (LMB), Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance (MTGA) and Michigan Mountain Biking Association (MMBA) announce that May is Bike Month, May 17-21 is Bike to Work Week, and Friday, May 21 is Bike to Work Day. Representative Jon Switalski (D-Warren) who introduced H.R. 273 declaring May Bike Month in Michigan, said, “Biking to work is an efficient and fun way to get the exercise you need, without having to find extra time to work out. And this year, with gasoline prices as high as they are, biking to work makes more sense than ever.” Americans have been commemorating National Bike Month each May for 54 years. Timed to coincide with the arrival of warmer weather, the event has inspired countless bike rides, safety inspections, commuter challenges, ribbon cuttings, "share the road" promotions, and other celebrations of bicycling in communities across the nation. One of the most popular activities in Bike Month is encouraging people to bicycle to work and forsake their motor vehicles for at least one day and bicycle to work. Friday, May 21 is designated as National Bike to Work Day, although many communities pick other dates for the event. “Commuting by bicycle is rewarding on so many levels. Whether it is improved health, helping the environment, saving on soaring energy costs, or simply enjoying a ride, it is worth being part of the solution,” said Rich Moeller, Executive Director of the League of Michigan Bicyclists. Bike Month will culminate on May 26th at the State Capitol where all three organizations will co-host the Lucinda Means Bicycle Advocacy Day. The event is an opportunity for all cyclists across the state to join together with one voice to promote cyclists’ needs to their local legislators. LMB, MTGA and MMBA reminds all roadway users that: • Bicycles are vehicles, with the same rights, rules and responsibilities of other road users. • Motorists should only pass a bicycle when it’s safe to do so. Slow down and give bicyclists at least three feet of passing room.
13 MICHIGAN BICYCLIST | Spring 2010

MICHI GREEN

PO Box Lansing (517) 4 nancy@ www.m
• • Motorists should never “cut off” a bicyclist, but should yield to bicycles as the do to any other vehicle. Bicyclists must obey all traffic laws, stop signs, and traffic lights, and ride in the right-most lane, with the direction of traffic. State law requires bicycles to have lights at night, and common sense dictates that cyclists wear helmets and be visible.



Whether you ride a bike or drive an automobile, please share the road! Contact your local city officials or bike shop to get involved with Bike Month activities in your area. To request a free Michigan bicycle information packet, which includes a Ride Calendar, Trail Directory and a safety handbook titled “What Every Michigan Bicyclist Must Know,” please visit www.LMB.org. National Bike Summit, continued from previous page road projects, discouraging transportation investments that negatively affect cyclists and pedestrians, and encouraging investments that go beyond the minimum requirements and provide facilities for bicyclists and pedestrians of all ages and abilities. To move this forward, the DOT has since released recommendations for state DOTs and communities to treat walking and bicycling as equals with other transportation modes. In addition to LMB’s Blog, you can read additional coverage from other Michigan bike advocates at: • m-bike: http://bit.ly/agjaU9 • Wheelhouse Detroit: http://bit.ly/daZaam

LMB Membership Application
Annual Report, continued from page 6 MICHIGAN RIDE CALENDAR LMB’s signature publication, our annual “Michigan Ride Calendar,” continues to be an essential resource for bicycle enthusiasts in Michigan and beyond. With support from MDOT, the League published and distributed 50,000 Ride Calendars, listing 150+ bicycling events in Michigan for 2009. The Ride Calendar is the primary means of promotion for most of these events, distributed extensively throughout the state at MDOT Welcome Centers, Convention & Visitors Bureaus, all known bicycle clubs and shops, and numerous bicycle-related events. Ride Calendars are distributed to all LMB members and to individuals requesting Michigan biking and tourism information. The League also delivers copies of this publication to all Michigan legislators, who distribute them to constituents. SPECIAL EVENTS LMB assisted in two statewide special events, the annual Ride of Silence and the Bike to Work (Smart Commute) activities in many communities across Michigan. With LMB’s promotion assistance these events continue to grow each year. COMMUNICATION We completed a major revision to our website in 2009 and launched the new site in the fall. The site is helping us use the latest cutting-edge tools to communicate efficiently and effectively with bicyclists across Michigan. We continue to publish the Michigan Bicyclist Magazine four times a year. To supplement this, a Monthly E-newsletter is sent to all LMB members. Regional e-mail groups are being used to communicate more effectively with cyclists on regional issues. In 2009 we also embraced Facebook, Twitter, You Tube and other social networking tools to communicate with bicyclists all over Michigan.

Annual Memberships

q

New

q

Renewal

q Individual/Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..$25 q Organization/Club/Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..$50 q Life-Individual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..$450 (3-Pay Plan - $170/yr) q Life-Organization/Club/Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..$1000 (3-Pay Plan - $350/yr)
Donations (tax deductible)

q q q q q
Name Address City

Yellow Jersey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..$500 and up Rainbow Jersey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..$250 - $499 Polka Dot Jersey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125 - $249 Green Jersey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..$50 - $124 White Jersey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..up to $49

State

Zip

Home Phone E-mail County LMB Region

Join, renew, or donate by check or credit card today!

q q q q

Visa MasterCard Discover American Express

Please make checks payable to: League of Michigan Bicyclists

Name on Card Card # Expiration Date (mm/yy) Signature

HEADLINES
Have you signed up for email updates from LMB’s blog yet? Here’s what you are missing: • Bicyclists Celebrate Smoke Free Michigan • On Road Bicycle Facility Design Training • Anti Bicycling Sentiments Have Michigan Roots • Google Maps Adds Directions for Cyclists • Michigan Receives $55,000,000 in Tiger Grants Subscirbe today at www.LMB.org

Membership Total Additional Tax Deductible Donation to the LMB

Subtotal $ Subtotal $

Grand Total

$

14

MICHIGAN BICYCLIST
416 S. Cedar St. Suite A, Lansing, MI 48912 Dated Material May, 2010

NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID LANSING MI PERMIT #686

Michigan Goes Bicycle Friendly - Lansing Celebrates
The League of American Bicyclists (LAB) recently announced 16 new Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) awards, three of which are in Michigan: Lansing, Marquette and Portage. All three Michigan communities earned the entry-level Bronze status for Engineering, while Lansing also received a Bronze in the Education category. These communities now join the ranks of Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids and Traverse City, communities previously designated as BFC's in Michigan. The Cities of Saline and Midland also received honorable mention during this latest round of awards A joint press conference between the City of Lansing and Walk Bike Lansing! was held on May From L to R: Kathie Dunbar — Lansing Councilmember; John Lindenmayer — 3rd to publicly announce the Bronze level designaLMB/Walk Bike Lansing! Co-chair; Virg Bernero — Lansing Mayor; Jessica Yorko — Councilmember; Lyndon Babcock — LMB member/Walk Bike Lansing! Member; tion. Speakers included Virg Bernero - Lansing and Andy Kilpatrick — Lansing Traffic Engineer/Walk Bike Lansing! Co-chair. Mayor, Chad Gamble - Public Service Director, in less than three months last year to help pass the first Complete John Lindenmayer - LMB/Walk Bike Lansing! CoStreets ordinance in Michigan. chair, Jessica Yorko - Councilmember, Kathie Dunbar - Coun"I am confident that passing the first Complete Streets ordicilmember and Lyndon Babcock - LMB member/Walk Bike nance in the state weighed heavily in LAB's decision to recLansing! member. ognize Lansing as a BFC," said LMB Associate Director John "The BFC Bronze award showcases the Lansing community Lindenmayer. for its bicycle-friendly initiatives and recognizes its progress to The BFC application process was spearheaded this winter accommodate and encourage a bicycling culture," said Jessica by Walk Bike Lansing! in cooperation with the City of Lansing. Yorko, 4th Ward Lansing Councilmember. "Plus, Lansing is joining an elite group of communities that have been recognized Lyndon Babcock with the help of other Walk Bike Lansing! volnot only as bicycle-friendly communities, but as desirable places unteers organized the collection of data needed before submitting the 28 page application to LAB. to live." "Today's designation is really just a springboard...an opporThis designation comes three and a half years after Mayor tunity as a community to live up to a higher standard. For years Virg Bernero formed the Task Force on Walking and Bicycling, we have built roads to move automobiles, not people. Times have a collaboration that has since transformed into Walk and Bike Lansing!, a partnership of city government, citizens, and over 30 changed and Lansing is helping to lead the way towards a more bicycle friendly Michigan," said Lindenmayer. agencies working toward a more walkable, bikeable, and livable LMB will report further on the Bronze level designations for Lansing. both Marquette and Portage as more information is available. Dozens of Lansing volunteers collected over 5000 signatures
15

Sponsor Documents

Or use your account on DocShare.tips

Hide

Forgot your password?

Or register your new account on DocShare.tips

Hide

Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive a link to create a new password.

Back to log-in

Close