Michigan Bicyclist Magazine_Spring2010

8/9/2019 Michigan Bicyclist Magazine_Spring2010

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MICHIGANBICYCLIST

Bike Summit Round Ups

Michigan Goes BicycleFriendly

Texting Ban Passes

LMB Annual Report

And More

Spring 2010

In This Issue:

Bicycle Advocates Join Forces

for 2010 Lucinda Means Bicycle

Advocacy Day - PAGE 8

Bicycl is t s

Unite

May 26, 2010

Lansing, MI


2/16

1 MICHIGAN BICYCLIST | Spring 2010

uick Release

Ive been honored to serve many community organizations, and a num

of governing boards, including leadership stints. In many ways, theyre

same; in some, they can be quite different. Because organizations comp

human beings, they display the gamut of human personality types and be

iors. Participate in enough groups and youll see (and sometimes be) the g

the bad, and the ugly.

As an elected ofcial, I became familiar with the political model, wh

constituents communicate in many ways. They call people hired to run the city, from the

on the beat to the highest appointed ofcial. They attend public meetings, whether cit

boards or city councils. They also contact ofcials outside meetings. Surprisingly, given

heat in public meetings, they do this less often. Of course, they can always express ultim

displeasure on election day.

Theres an important distinction in cities, towns and villages, between Strong Mayor

Weak Mayor systems. A Strong Mayor actually runs day-to-day city operations, like

chief operating ofcer (COO). The Weak Mayor system, hires a separate COO (called a

Manager) to keep streets clean and people safe.

During one mayoral terms I received a fellowship to the Kennedy School of Governm

(KSG) at Harvard. (A couple of years later, our City Manager was also chosen.) There I lear

a key concept: ofcials almost invariably t one of two archetypes, each named for membe

Washingtons Cabinet. One is the Hamiltonian, whose mantra is Get er done, whether build

a bridge or levying taxes for it. She has no patience for debate, and doesnt mind stepping on

The Jeffersonian is not interested simply in goals, but in how she meets them. She c

about democratic process, through which free people reach consensus on societys goals. E

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, re ch

and public works directors, Hamiltonians. Neither is best or worst. Democracy needs both acti

involved. They will always conict. Thats healthy. Its unhealthy, dysfunctional, for eithe

dominate, or to fail to engage in setting goals and managing their implementation.

Though different from municipal governments, other organizations share many of t

characteristics. It is important for any organizations members to understand its leaders r

and their own relationship to the groups leaders, employees and fellow members.

LMB is very like a Weak Mayor government. Except for chairing board meetings

writing this column), the CEO (Chief Executive Ofcer) exercises no special powers. He

board member with a gavel.

The board wields one strong power: hiring and ring Executive Directors. This is not

By DANTE LANZETTA, LMB Board Chair

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

LMB Directors

Region 1: STEVEN ROACH

Region 2: MICHAEL SPROULRegion 3: DANTE LANZETTA, ChairRegion 4: JIM CARPENTER, Vice Chair

Region 5: PAUL ALMAN

Region 6: RORY NEUNER

Region 7: MICHAEL BOERSMA, Treasurer

Region 8: BARBARA SCHMID, Secretary

Region 9: DAVE KINDY

Region 10: VACANT

Region 11: MICHAEL SHEEAN

Region 12: CHRISTINA RIDDLE

At Large: FRED DOREAt Large: DAVE DUFFIELD

At Large: PHIL WELLS

LMB ToursANNE 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 [email protected]

JOHN LINDENMAYERAssociate Director, [email protected]

The League of Michigan Bicyclists (LMB) is a

501(c)(3) non-prot 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 Bicyclistis a benet of membership

in the League of Michigan Bicyclists. Michigan

Bicyclist is published four times a year as part

of the Leagues continuing efforts to inform

Michigan bicyclists.

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

Printed on

100% Post Consumer Waste

Zeke Boldy rides his re bike in the

2010 Traverse City Earth Day Parade.The parade is organized each year by

Little Artshram. This year's theme wa

"pedal power," displayed here in a ban

at the front of the parade. Recently,

Complete Streets advocates have b

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 m

complete streets.

Photos courtesy of Gary L Howe

www.MyWheelsareTurning.com

On the CoverSee Quick Release, continued on page


3/16

By being a member of LMB you have demon-

strated 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 peoples 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 dif-

ferent 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 doesnt 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 handle-

bars, you are not a bicyclist. When we are part of a group we must not

let individual ideology hinder the groups 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 sympath

to our issues, not just those that look like us or are our friends. I c

lenge each of you to think how you can be a leader, a real leade

your community.

Thanks to Treks leadership, bicycle shops have begun to realize

importance of their involvement in advocacy. It is time that we eng

the bike shops and make them part of our advocacy and educa

efforts at all levels, not just as people we ask for freebies, but as

advocacy partners.

The average age of bicyclists in clubs and organizations like L

is in the mid 50s. Obviously, we are missing a huge segment o

bicycling population. We need to use the various social networking t

to reach out to bicyclists who may not look or act like the average L

bicyclist. How many of you are embracing Facebook, Twitter, YouT

blogs, Google groups, Flickr and Delicious? Five years ago, when I

this job, many of these tools didnt exist. No longer can we say, I d

understand this new age stuff and ignore it. We need to embrace it

are discovering a whole new world of bicyclists and supporters throthese vehicles. Many of these are younger bicyclists who have a

interest in what their future is going to look like.

For years we have thought that bicycle clubs would be an excel

vehicle for advocacy and bicycle education. Some have, but many sim

want to ride their bikes and want no part of advocating and educa

Thankfully, in many communities, coalitions such as Walk Bike L

sing!, Greater Grand Rapids Bicycle Coalition, Safe and Active Gen

for Everyone and the Washtenaw Bicycling and Walking Coalition

become leaders in advocating for bicycling. We need to take advan

of the support we can get from these types of coalitions.

Bicyclists come in many sizes, shapes and packages. We have

ferent wants and needs and dont often agree on much except tha

all want a safe bicycling environment. I challenge each one of

to make a commitment to be a leader in your community by en

ing all groups and individuals are part of making bicycling safe

Michigan.

By RICH MOELLER, LMB Executive Director

From the Big Wheel

Sleep with History!After a restful overnight and a heartybreakfast, explore southern Ohios 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

877-364-4786

740-596-2408

www.HistoricHost.com

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


4/16


2010 Michigan Bicycle SummitThis years Michigan

Bicycle Summit,

hosted by LMB,

brought over 100

cycling enthusiasts

from across the state

to take part in a day

of educational work-

shops and networking

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 Wash-

ington 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 LaHoods recent statement that,

This is the end of favoring motorized transportation at the expense of

non-motorized. (see page 12) Andy built on the Secretarys remarks

with his own words of encouragement, stating, Theres no better place

than Michigan to show by example that things are changing.

Andy Clarke was certainly not the only draw at this years Summit.

Twelve diverse workshops lled 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 ontheMichigan Complete Streets movement, a high-energy presentation

of the 11 Commandments of Cycling Advocacy by lobbyist Jean Doss,

and A Bike Shops 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

2010 MichiganBicycle Summit

Providing tools for a brighterbicycling future in Michigan

March 27 - Lansing, MI

Keynote Speaker Andy ClarkeExecutive Director, League of American Bicyclists

How many cars crossed the riverbefore you built the bridge?

Andy Clarke, when asked how to respond to criticswho ask why governments should build bicycling facilities

where people dont currently ride bicycles.

Top to bottom:1) Ride of Silence founder Chris Phelan recounorganizing the rst Ride of Silence in Dallas in 2003 aft

a passing bus killed endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz an empty road.

2)Lansing City Council Member Jessica Yorko explains tcommunity organizing efforts that led to Lansing recentpassing the rst Complete Streets ordinance in Michiga

3)Keynote speaker Andy Clarke, Executive Director of tLeague of American Bicyclists, shares inspiring examplof communities across America leading the charge f

bicycle friendliness.

4) Jean Doss of J. Doss Consulting, giving a high-ener

primer on how to improve your advocacy skills.


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At LMBs 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 eective, 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

Bloomeld 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/cW7jMmfor more details on award recipients.

2009 LMB Award

Recipients

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 Michigans 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

discussedMichigans No-Fault Law and how it affects bicyclists.

The Summit also marked the unveiling of LMBs new online

Education and Advocacy Toolkits. LMB Associate Director

John Lindenmayer introduced the toolkits, demonstrating the

new section of LMBs 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 newresources in the toolkits.

A number of cyclists took part in a 20-mile post-Summit ride

through Lansings countryside. You will nd 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.


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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)

2009 2008

Individual Members 1095 1077

Lifetime Members 104 102

Shop Members 35 31

Organization Members 41 40

Club Members 35 33

Total Members: 1310 1283

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 difcult time.Financial Trends (in 000s)

Year End of YearCash Balance

ToursNet

Administration &Program Net

2006 $165 $80 -$93

2007 $189 $108 -$84

2008 $194 $88 -$83

2009 $181 $92 -$105*

*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 sup-

porters. In 2009 we identied 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.

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

Appeal.

Our increase in individual donations in 2009 offset a decreas

receipts from the $1 per Rider Program.

We want to thank all who supported our efforts through t

donations in 2009.

TOURS

LMB annually conducts bicycle tours. The purpose of th

tours to:

Showcase bicycle tourism opportunities in Michigan;

Demonstrate that bicyclists are responsible road users;

Provide funding for the overall operation of LMB.

PnP Sunrise MUP West Total

Total Riders - 2009 61 129 129 417 736

- 2008 103 162 126 445 836

- 2007 104 167 148 499 918

Oldest 68 82 80 86 79

Youngest 3 7 18 5 8

Average Age 43.54 54.64 56.64 53.26 52.02

MI % of Riders 97% 89% 33% 38% 51%

We want to thank our Tour Volunteer Leaders for their outsta

ing efforts: Anne Belanger (Rogers City) Sunrise Adventure,

and Mary Dougherty (Lansing) Shoreline West and Fred D

(Commerce Township) Michigans Upper Peninsula. They w

assisted by 40 other volunteers. A special thank you to all of

wonderful folks who make our tours a wonderful experience for

RESOURCES

We provide many different resources to bicyclists in Michigan

those coming to vacation in Michigan. Through our web site, em

and telephone calls we provide a valuable service to bicyclists seek

information from where to ride to what are the laws in Michig

We answered more than 6,500 inquiries in 2009.

In addition, we work with the Michigan Department of Tra

portation to distribute the new bicycle suitability maps for the

regions in Michigan. Last year we distributed 509 maps.

We also work with MDOT in distributing Tourism Packet

people who want to learn more about bicycling in Michigan. In 2

we mailed out 1,100 Tourism Packets.

Through our online store, we sold 72 route maps of our vari

tours.

Thanks to Ralph and Janet Emmons, we completed our rst cr

state bicycle route and published maps for all to enjoy. This ro

goes through Monroe, Lenawee, Hillsdale, Branch, St. Joseph, C

2009 Annual Report


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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

eld testing this summer and hope to publish it in the fall.

ADVOCACYWe 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

MDOTs Context Sensitive Solution Steering Committee. We also

serve on the Governors 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 partici-pants 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 LMBs 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 states Capitol the rst

city in Michigan to adopt a Complete Streets ordinance. LMB also

played a vital role in the introduction of House Concurrent Resolu-

tion 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. Wemaintain the Coalitions 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 Com-

mittee 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)

LMBs vulnerable user legislation was reintroduced in 2009

May, Representatives Gabe Leland (D-Detroit) and Marty Kno

berg (R-Troy) introduced House Bills 4958 and 4959 respectiv

which would enhance penalties for moving violations causing ph

cal injury or death to bicyclists or other vulnerable roadway u

Senator Tom George (R-Kalamazoo) introduced companion Se

Bills (529 and 530) with the same language. Senator GeorgeRepresentative Leland also introduced bills on LMBs behalf

would require a bicycle curriculum in the Drivers Education prog

(Senate Bill 531 and House Bill 4960 respectively). In June, L

testied before the House Transportation Committee in suppo

these bills.

LMB was quick to respond in August, when Greater Med

Detroit radio station WCSX aired deplorable remarks encoura

violence against bicyclists. LMB demanded a retraction and apo

from radio hosts Jeff Deminiski and Bill Doyle. When they ne

apologized or retracted the remarks, LMB launched a boyco

Greater Media, which soon collected nearly 700 signatures. L

is pleased to report that Deminiski and Doyle were relieved of

on-air duties in January of this year.

LMB also advocated at the federal level in 2009 for the Ame

Bikes agenda, which included support for the Complete Streets

of 2009 (S. 584, introduced by Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), and

1443, introduced by Representative Doris Matsui (D-Sacrame

CA)), CLEAN-TEA: The Clean, Low-Emission Affordable, N

Transportation Efciency Act (S. 575, introduced by Senators T

Carper (D-DE) and Arlen Specter (D-PA), and H.R. 1329, introdu

by Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-Portland, OR), Ellen Taus

(D-Pleasanton, CA) and Steven LaTourette (R-Bainbridge Town

OH)), to develop and implement plans to reduce greenhouse gas e

sions from the transportation sector.

EDUCATION

LMB printed a new completely revised edition of our What E

Michigan Bicyclist Must Know booklet. Because of the incre

demand, we had two printings in 2009, totaling 55,000 copies.

distributed 35,000 in 2009 to bike shops, individuals and other gr

requesting them.

The youth version of the What Every Bicyclist Must Kn

booklet was started in 2009. The content has been completed.

hired an illustrator to begin illustrating the booklet. We antici

having it completed by the fall of 2010.

We began work in the fall of 2009 on two Toolkits, one

Bicycle Education and one for Bicycle Advocacy. The toolkits

introduced at the 2010 Michigan Bicycle Summit.

See Annual Report, continued on pag


8/16


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 driv-ing 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 dis-

tracted 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, manu-

ally 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 drivinga primary offense, which allows police to pull over and ticket drivers

solely for texting. Drivers will receive $100 ne for a rst offense and

$200 ne 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, twenty-

three states and the District of Columbia already have some sort of ban

on texting while driving. While LMB is extremely pleased to haveplayed a role in making Michigan the 24th state to ban texting while

driving, we remain concerned about the larger issue of distracted driv-

ing. 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

Im glad that Michigan has nally decided to put a stop to it. Making

an excuse for texting behind the wheel wont save a life, but making itagainst 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.

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 rst National "No Phone Zone" Day.

Winfrey launched the campaign againstdistracted 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).

New law will crack down on distracted drivers, save lives Michigan Texting Ban Signed

Into Law Live on Oprah Show


9/16

Bicycle AdvocatesJoin Forces for2010 Lucinda Means

Bicycle Advocacy DayThe three top cycling-advocacy groups in Michigan, the

Michigan Mountain Biking Association, League of Michi-

gan Bicyclists, and Michigan Trails and Greenway Alli-

ance, 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 topromote cyclists needs to their local legislators. All attend-

ees will be scheduled to meet with their local Representa-

tives 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 rmly believe it is overdue inMichigan. 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 ght for stronger distracted driving legislation.

Register today at www.LMB.org

Bicyc l i s t s

Uni te

May 26, 2010

Lansing, MI

2009 Advocacy Day attendees on the Capitol steps.

Photo by Kirt D. Livernois

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:

8:30 am - Bike rally from MSU Bikes to State Capitol

9:15 am - Issue Briengs10:15 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


10/16


We were recently asked by a

League of Michigan Bicyclists mem-

ber how he could obtain copies of

public records under the Freedom

of Information Act. This Act is oneof the most important state laws in

Michigan, because it enables the public to gather practical informa-

tion as well as more esoteric data easily. As lawyers, we make FOIA

requests frequently to obtain specic 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:

Prior to submitting your request for information, we suggest contact-

ing the unit of government to nd 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 ve

business days of its receipt. If you do not, we have outlined your rem-

edies 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, denes 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 ofcial acts of those who represent them

as public ofcials 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 mailor other electronic means are acceptable), usually directed to the public

bodys FOIA coordinator, that describes a public record sufciently to

enable the public body to nd the requested record.

MCL 15.232 denes a person entitled to obtain records as an

individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, rm,

organization, association, governmental entity, or other legal entity. Pub-

lic records eligible for review are any writings prepared, owned, used,

in the possession of, or retained by a public body in the performance

of an ofcial function, from the time it is

created. However, public records do not

include computer software. Public body

means, among other things, a state ofcer,

employee, agency, department, division, bureau, board, commissi

council, county, city, township, village, school district or municicorporation.

A public body may charge a fee for the public-record search a co

fee, mailing costs and the incremental cost of labor for the searchi

examination, review, deletion and separation of exempt from nonexem

information. The public body must specically respond to a requ

for a public record within ve (5) business days after the public bo

receives the request (MCL 15.231). The public body may be exem

from disclosing information of a personal nature if public disclosu

of the information would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion

an individuals privacy. It may also exempt records that interfere w

law-enforcement proceedings or constitute an unwarranted invasion

personal privacy. To learn about other specic exemptions, see M

15.243.

What To Do If Your Request Is Denied:

If a public body makes a nal determination to deny all or a port

of a request, the requesting person may do one of the following at

or her option: (a) submit to the head of the public body a written app

that specically states the word appeal and identies the reason

reasons for reversal of the denial or (b) commence an action in circ

court to compel the public bodys disclosure of the public records with

one hundred and eighty (180) days after a public bodys nal determi

tion to deny the request. If the appeal is denied, the requester can th

choose the litigation route. MCL 15.235.

Under MCL 15.240, the proper court to bring litigation is the circ

court for the county in which the requester resides or has his or h

principal place of business or the circuit court for the county in wh

the public record or an ofce of the public body is located. The co

shall determine the matter de novo (a legal do-over) and the burd

is on the public body to sustain its denial. If the requester prevails

the action, the court shall award him or her reasonable attorneys f

and costs, which shall be assessed against the public body liable failure to disclose. If the court decides to grant the request in part a

deny it in part, the court may award all or an appropriate portion of

reasonable attorneys fee and costs against the public body. Additio

ally, if the court determines that the denial was arbitrary and capricio

the court must award $500.00 in punitive damages to the requester

addition to any actual or compensatory damages.

Typically the rules are simple and straightforward. A practical tip

How to Obtain Public Records Under theFreedom of Information Act (FOIA)By SARAH W. COLEGROVE & TODD E. BRIGGS

See FOIA, continued on next p


11/16

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 bod-

ies 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:

After you ride, you may feel some strain in

your lower back. To overcome this, do these

exercises:

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 t. 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!

Spring has begun and you want to ride!By SCOTT BENJAMIN, PT, DScPT

Exercises Repetition

Slings on all fours 30 on each side

External rotation of

the hips

30 on each side

Squats against the wall 100

Trunk extension 10

Exercises Repetition

Trunk extensions 30 seconds

Slings on the table 3 sets of 20 each s ide

Piriformis stretching 30 seconds each side

Hip abductions 3 sets of 20 each side

to keep copies of all requests and replies from the public body and keep

proof and a record of all signicant 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 LMBs new Advocacy Toolkit article on

FOIA at: www.LMB.org

FOIA, continued from previous page

Sarah W. Colegrove and Todd E. Briggs are lawyers in private practice. In addition to h

ing athletes injured in bicycle and sports-related accidents, they concentrate in the area

civil litigation, including personal injury, real estate, probate and corporate law. Todd

Sarah are competitive cyclists, triathletes and adventure racers. Each has competed in

state and national running, biking and triathlon competitions, including the Hawaii Iron

where Todd has gone sub-10 hours. You can read past arti cles from Sarah and Todd on o

web site at: www.LMB.org/pages/Resources/Legal_Info.htm. You can contact them at:

Briggs Colegrove, P.C.

660 Woodward Ave., Suite 1523Detroit, MI 48226

(313) 964-2077

Fax: (313) 961-2345

[email protected]

Have a suggestion for a bicycle-rela

legal topic for an upcomingMichig

Bicyclist Magazine? Send suggestio

to: [email protected]

Quick Release continued from page

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 Bicyclist

consists of dues-paying members, who

elect most of the board from geo

graphical regions. These represent

tives may appoint another one to three

members. The boards job is to set th

Leagues goals, but not in a vacuum.

The LMB board has set one goal

To promote bicycling and the safety o

bicyclists on the roadways of Mich

gan. It has let the Executive Directo

choose what he wishes to do to achieve

the goal a Hamiltonians dream job

Yet, the boards job is both to set thi

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-me

sage, we cannot function effectively

without what I call inreach. Th

most important thing you can do is to

keep us continually aware of the goal

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.


12/16


Michigan bike advocates descended on our nations 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-lled 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, Michigans delegation

was a diverse group, including representatives from local and state-

wide 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 years 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 Michigans northernmost town,

joined the Michigan delegation.

Yes, you read that correctly, twocitizens constitutes 20% of the

town. But whats even cooler is the

message they were there to send

our elected ofcials: bicycling is

a key part of Michigans

economic recovery. In fact,

thanks to its breathtaking,

pristine trails and robust

mountain biking culture,

Copper Harbor is pinning

its economic future in parton the bicycle.

With reauthorization of

the federal transportation

bill on hold until sometime

after this falls mid-term elec-

tions, our key asks on the

Hill were a group of marker

bills designed to build sup-

port for measures

bicycle advocates

hope to wrap into

the reauthorization

bill. These marker

bills included Com-

plete Streets, a set

of Safe Routes to

School bills, and the

Active Community

Transportation Act.

Here are the details:

2010 National Bike Summit

Top to Bottom:

1) LMB Associate Director John Lindenmayer gives athumbs-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 SenatorCarl Levins ofce. 3) Michael Reuter of American Cycle andFitness, John Waterman of Program to Educate All Cyclists,Congresswoman Candice Miller (R -10th District) with ToddScott, Detroit Greenways Coordinator for the Michigan Trails andGreenways Alliance. 4) Lindenmayer receiving LMBs BicycleFriendly Business award from Andy Clarke, Executive Director ofthe League of American Bicyclists. 5) Lindenmayer with USDOTSecretary Ray LaHood and Sarah Schillio, Legislative Directorfor Michigan State Representative Lee Gonzales.

By Rory Neuner, LMB Region Six Representative


13/16

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 SenatorCarl 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 states exible Surface

Transportation funding will be directed to safety improvements.

However, the bills would also ensure that policies are exible and cost-

effective, allowing exemptions when costs are demonstrably prohibitive.

H.R. 4021 The Safe Routes to High School Act and S. 1156 TheSafe 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 Efcient Transportation Equity

Act A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) provided $600 million over

ve 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 trans-portation 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 Reauthori-

zation 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 Rep-

resentative 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 w

ing networks.

Aside from these legislative asks, there were plenty of big, ne

worthy events announced at this years Summit:

Google announced a new feature for its popular mapping to

biking directions and extensive bike trail data for the U.S.! In o

words, when you need directions, you can now select a bicy

routing option, in addition to current tools for driving, walking

using transit. Google software engineers were on hand at the Sum

showing off the new tool in the exhibitors hall, and the lead engin

gave a keynote speech to announce the tool, which is currently

beta version. (That means they want your feedback!) See more h

http://maps.google.com/biking

The Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance was awarded a $15

grant from REI and Bikes Belong to help the Motor City earn a Lea

of American Bicyclists Bike Friendly City designation. Congrat

tions to MTGA and to the City of Detroit; we cant wait to hear m

The League of Michigan Bicyclists was designated a bicycle frie

business by LAB, as was The HUB of Detroit.

Perhaps the most exciting moment of the Summit came when

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood gave an impassioned sp

from atop a table dur-

ing a reception fol-

lowing our long day

of lobbying on the

Hill. In what is nowdubbed his table-

top speech (view it

here: http://fastlane.

dot.gov/2010/03/

my-view-from-atop-

the-table-at-the-

national-bike-sum-

mit.html), LaHood

announced the end

of an era favoring

motorized transporta-

tion at the expense of

non-motorized. The

U.S. DOT is work-

ing to integrate the

needs of bicyclists in

all federally funded

A malfunctioning microphone did notstop US Secretary of Transportation LaHood from thanking a packed crowand expressing his support for bicycfrom atop a tabletop at the closingreception for the 2010 National BicycSummit.

See National Bike Summit, continued on next


14/16


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 efcient and fun way to get the exercise you need, without

having to nd 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 encourag-

ing people to bicycle to work and forsake their motor vehicles for

at least one day and bicycle to work. Friday, May 21 is designatedas 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 cyclistsneeds 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 its safe to do so.

Slow down and give bicyclists at least three feet of passing

room.

Motorists should never cut off a bicyclist, but should

yield to bicycles as the do to any other vehicle.

Bicyclists must obey all trafc laws, stop signs, and traf

lights, and ride in the right-most lane, with the direction

trafc.

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 ofcials or bike shop to get involved

with Bike Month activities in your area.

To request a free Michigan bicycle information packet, whichincludes a Ride Calendar, Trail Directory and a safety handbook

titled What Every Michigan Bicyclist Must Know, please visit

www.LMB.org.

National Bike Summit, continuedfrom previous page

May 21 is Biketo Work Day

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 releasedrecommendations for state DOTs and communities to treat

walking and bicycling as equals with other transportation

modes.

In addition to LMBs Blog, you can read additional coverage

from other Michigan bike advocates at:

m-bike: http://bit.ly/agjaU9

Wheelhouse Detroit: http://bit.ly/daZaam


15/16

MICHIGAN RIDE CALENDAR

LMBs signature publication, our annual Michigan Ride

Calendar, continues to be an essential resource for bicycle enthu-

siasts 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 Calendaris 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 request-

ing 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 Rideof Silence and the Bike to Work (Smart Commute) activities in

many communities across Michigan. With LMBs 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 efciently 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 sentto 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

LMB Membership Applicatio

q Individual/Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$25

q Organization/Club/Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$50

q L i f e - I n d i v i d u a l . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 4 5 0 (3-Pay Plan - $170/

q Life-Organization/Club/Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..$1000 (3-Pay Plan - $35

Name

Address

City State Zip

Home Phone

E-mail

County LMB Region

Membership Total Subtotal $

Additional Tax Deductible

Donation to the LMB Subtotal $

Grand Total $

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

Please make checks payable to:League of Michigan Bicyclists

q Visaq MasterCardq Discoverq American Express

Name on Card

Card #

Expiration Date (mm/yy)

Signature

Donations (tax deductible)

q Yellow Jersey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$500 and up

q Rainbow Jersey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$250 - $499

q Polka Dot Jersey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125 - $249

q Green Jersey.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$50 - $124

q White Jersey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .up to $49

Annual Report, continued from page 6

H E A D L I N E S

Have you signed up for email updates from LMBsblog yet? Heres 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


16/16

MICHIGANBICYCLIST

416 S. Cedar St. Suite A, Lansing, MI 48912

NON-PROFIT OR

US POSTAGE PAI

LANSING MI

PERMIT #686

Dated Material May, 2010

The League of American Bicyclists (LAB)

recently announced 16 new Bicycle Friendly Com-

munity (BFC) awards, three of which are in Michi-

gan: Lansing, Marquette and Portage.

All three Michigan communities earned the

entry-level Bronze status for Engineering, whileLansing 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

3rd to publicly announce the Bronze level designa-

tion. Speakers included Virg Bernero - Lansing

Mayor, Chad Gamble - Public Service Director,

John Lindenmayer - LMB/Walk Bike Lansing! Co-

chair, Jessica Yorko - Councilmember, Kathie Dunbar - Coun-

cilmember and Lyndon Babcock - LMB member/Walk Bike

Lansing! member.

"The BFC Bronze award showcases the Lansing community

for its bicycle-friendly initiatives and recognizes its progress to

accommodate and encourage a bicycling culture," said Jessica

Yorko, 4th Ward Lansing Councilmember. "Plus, Lansing is

joining an elite group of communities that have been recognized

not only as bicycle-friendly communities, but as desirable places

to live."

This designation comes three and a half years after Mayor

Virg Bernero formed the Task Force on Walking and Bicycling,

a collaboration that has since transformed into Walk and Bike

Lansing!, a partnership of city government, citizens, and over 30

agencies working toward a more walkable, bikeable, and livable

Lansing.

Dozens of Lansing volunteers collected over 5000 signatures

in less than three months last year to help pass the rst Complete

Streets ordinance in Michigan.

"I am condent that passing the rst Complete Streets ordi-

nance in the state weighed heavily in LAB's decision to rec-

ognize Lansing as a BFC," said LMB Associate Director John

Lindenmayer.

The BFC application process was spearheaded this winter

by Walk Bike Lansing! in cooperation with the City of Lansing.

Lyndon Babcock with the help of other Walk Bike Lansing! vol-

unteers organized the collection of data needed before submit-

ting the 28 page application to LAB.

"Today's designation is really just a springboard...an oppor-

tunity as a community to live up to a higher standard. For years

we have built roads to move automobiles, not people. Times hav

changed and Lansing is helping to lead the way towards a more

bicycle friendly Michigan," said Lindenmayer.

LMB will report further on the Bronze level designations for

both Marquette and Portage as more information is available.

Michigan Goes Bicycle Friendly - Lansing Celebrates

From L to R: Kathie Dunbar Lansing Councilmember; John Lindenmayer

LMB/Walk Bike Lansing! Co-chair; Virg Bernero Lansing Mayor; Jessica Yorko

Councilmember; Lyndon Babcock LMB member/Walk Bike Lansing! Member;and Andy Kilpatrick Lansing Trafc Engineer/Walk Bike Lansing! Co-chair.

Michigan Bicyclist Magazine_Spring2010

Documents

Transcript of Michigan Bicyclist Magazine_Spring2010