Bicyclist

MICHIGAN

May 2014

PROMOTING BICYCLING AND THE SAFETY OF

BICYCLISTS ON MICHIGAN ROADWAYS

Also in this issue:

PA 1 of 2014: Right Turn Signal Revision

MDOT Ped/Bike Committees
National Bike Summit Recap
BATAs Bike-n-Ride
Bike Lane Liability
And More

2014 Lucinda Means Bicycle

Advocacy Day

Take the Share

Michigan Roads Pledge

Page 4

Page 5

Governor Snyder on
Cross-State Trail
Page 7

Small Revolutions Create Change

The League of Michigan Bicyclists (LMB)
is a 501(c)(3) non -prof it organiz ation
devoted exclusively to the advancement
of bicycling. Our mission is to promote
b i c yc lin g an d in cr e as e th e s af e t y o f
bicyclists on the roadways in Michigan.
Michigan Bicyclist Magazine is a
benefit of membership in LMB, and is
published three times a year as part of
the Leagues ongoing efforts to inform
Michigan cyclists, law enforcement, policy
makers, the engineering and planning
community, and others on issues affecting
bicycling in Michigan.

Michigan Bicyclist

Copyright 2014
On the Cover: Active in July and August,
Southwest Rides, a seasonal bike shop in Detroit,
runs a youth bike mechanic training program
at the All Saints Neighborhood Center. All Saints
is run by a nonprofit community development
organization called Urban Neighborhood
Initiatives. It serves the surrounding Springwells
Village neighborhood, a mostly Latino area with
a high concentration of kids and teenagers. More
than 30 young people are involved with the bike
program on any given day. A small garage in back
of the neighborhood center serves as their shop
and greasy training ground. Visit wearemodeshift.
org and search Southwest Rides to learn more.
Photo by J Singleton Photo courtesy Mode Shift.
Editor, Art & Design: JOHN LINDENMAYER
Letters/Comments/Advertisements may be
directed to: john@LMB.org

LMB Directors
DAVE BOURGEAULT
ERICA BRIGGS
JIM CARPENTER
DAVID JONES
VIC LUKASAVITZ, Treasurer
STEVEN ROACH, Chair
BARBARA SCHMID, Secretary
SARAH COLEGROVE
MICHAEL SHEEAN

Staff
RICH MOELLER
Executive Director
rich@LMB.org

Printed with
recycled content

JOHN LINDENMAYER
Advocacy & Policy Director, Webmaster
john@LMB.org
Kyle Kirkby
Administrative Assistant
kyle@LMB.org

League of Michigan Bicyclists

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

1 MICHIGAN BICYCLIST | May 2014

STEVEN ROACH, LMB Board Chair

Happy Spring!
Finally!
Spring always brings
the promise of renewal,
growth and energy. LMB
continues to deliver value
and results to you, our
members and supporters.
As discussed in this edition, the right hand turn
signal legislation is now law. This law encourages us to point where we wish to turn, allowing us to be more predictable, and better able
to share the road.
LMBs Share MI Roads Pledge is a fun, interactive way to support our efforts. Please take the
pledge and encourage your family and friends
to join you. The details are on page 5. Taking
the pledge allows the LMB to provide hard
data to legislators regarding the importance of
improving safety and quality of transportation
for cyclists.
The Lucinda Means Advocacy Day on May 21
will influence the decision makers in Lansing.
We will visit many Representatives and Senators. This is an important, and fascinating, part
of the legislative process. Be seen, be heard,
be counted, and make a difference by joining
us, and bring a friend. We will conclude our
activities with plenty of time to make that evenings Ride of Silence.
Finally, please vote. We have mailed the ballots
for the open seats on the board of directors.
Our nominating committee identified energetic candidates, whom we believe will provide
continued great leadership for your LMB. Results will be disclosed at the Annual Meeting, to
be held May 21 during Advocacy Day.
I look forward to seeing you on May 21 in
Lansing!

THANK
YOU!

We want to thank all of our generous

donors for making our 2013 year-end
appeal a success. We received 162 gifts
in our campaign totaling $15,290. Our
goal for the campaign was $13,000
and we exceeded it by 18%! When
we combine the contributions of our
year-end appeal with those received
throughout 2013 we totaled $22,417
in contributed dollars from individuals. This along with the $15,022 we received from 58 Dollar Per Rider events
put our total contributions for the year
at $37,439.
Again, a special thank you to all who
supported LMB in 2013 by contributing
to our efforts to make Michigan a more
bicycle-friendly state. This support will
allow us to continue to work to make
sure that bicycling is not left out of the
discussion on transportation safety in
Michigan.
To see a list of donors or to make a 2014
donation, please visit www.LMB.org/
donate.

LMB Welcomes New Administrative Assistant

League of Michigan Bicyclists is pleased to welcome Kyle Kirkby to the
team as our new Administrative Assistant. Kyle
joined us in February and
is providing administrative
support, including member correspondence, social
media communications,
and assisting with events
and other special projects.
Hello Everybody! Im so pleased to be here at League of
Michigan Bicyclists. Ive spent many years supporting local non-profit organizations invested in health outreach
and advocacy. I love spending time in the great outdoors
gardening, hiking, birding and biking (of course!).
As a long-time recreational rider, having safe spaces
to ride is key to enjoying the freedom two wheels can
bring. The work that League of Michigan Bicyclists does
to support biking in Michigan is the foundation for experiencing all the enjoyment and natural beauty of the
outdoors. Im looking forward to meeting our members
and supporting the LMB mission.

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We are delighted to report that on Tuesday, January 28th, 2014, Governor Snyder signed legislation giving bicyclists
the option of signaling a right turn by
extending their right arm horizontally.
Until now, bicyclists could signal a right
turn with a L position by extending

their left arm upward, a

method developed in
the 1940s when most
automobiles
lacked
turn indicators.

Ultimately, we hope that with promotion of the new law, well see more bicyclists choosing to use hand signals,
improving safety and awareness for all
road users.

The legislation, signed

into law as Public Act
1 of 2014, was the first
bill to be signed into
law by the Governor
this year.

The bills sponsor is Republican Representative Anthony Forlini of Macomb

Countys Harrison Township. Forlini says
most drivers are unfamiliar with bicyclists traditional right-hand turn gesture.

LMB, who spearheaded the proposed

changes to the vehicle code, is glad to
see this simple revision adopted into
law. 32 states have already adopted
this common sense update to their vehicle codes, said John Lindenmayer,
Advocacy & Policy Director. Its more
intuitive for both drivers and bicyclists.

The legislation does not outlaw the old

method of using an upturned left arm,
which is still necessary for drivers with
malfunctioning turn signals and for out
of state bicyclists who may only know
and use the universal left arm method
still legal in all 50 states. This gives bicyclists an option. It simply legalizes what
many cyclists already intuitively do, said
Lindenmayer.

Pictured L to R: Bill sponsor State Representative Anthony Forlini, LMB Member Kelly Thomas, Governor Rick Snyder, League of Michigan Bicyclists Advocacy &
Policy Director John Lindenmayer, and Legislative Aide Joseph Aragona at the ceremonial bill signing Public Act 1 of 2014 (HB 4866).
3 MICHIGAN BICYCLIST | May 2014

2014 Lucinda Means Bicycle

Advocacy Day May 21
The League of Michigan Bicyclists, Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance,
Michigan Mountain Biking Association, and PEAC are pleased to join forces
once again for the Lucinda Means Bicycle Advocacy Day to be held at the
State Capitol on Wednesday May 21st, 2014. Once at the Capitol, volunteers
from all four organizations will educate legislators on key policy issues that
facilitate a bicycle-friendly Michigan. Lunch will be provided after legislative
visits, followed by an optional afternoon ride.
Whether you enjoy riding on Michigan roads, trails, or dirt single track, Advocacy Day is your opportunity to speak with one voice to help advance Michigan bicycling and the interests of cyclists of all abilities across the state. We
hope that casual riders and die-hards alike will join us in communicating the
great importance of bicycling to the Michigan Legislature.
This years key issues include:

Protecting vulnerable roadway users by establishing

enhanced penalties for injuring or killing bicyclists
Establishing a standard for passing bicyclists safely
on Michigan roads
Including bicycle awareness in Michigan drivers education
Allowing bicyclists to bypass malfunctioning traffic lights
Supporting the Pure Michigan Trails revision to the Michigan
Trailways Act
Preventing a raid on Natural Resources Trust Fund dollars
available for trails projects
Defending bicyclists rights on the roads
Speaking up for speed limit standards that take the safety of
bicyclists and pedestrians into consideration
Promoting sustainable transportation funding for Michigan

10 Reasons to Attend Advocacy Day

Besides getting showered with gratitude from Michigan

cycling organizations for playing an essential role in
shaping bicycling policy, here are 10 reasons to register today
for the 2014 Lucinda Means Bicycle Advocacy Day:

Its a great way to celebrate Bike Month. In fact, youll be there

for our annual Bike Month proclamation from the Legislature.

Youll help build on past successes like Michigans Complete

Streets law and our right turn signal revision which both have
roots in Advocacy Day.

Its a great day to spend with friends united around a common

passion bicycling.

Price: Registration for Advocacy Day is $12 and includes lunch.

Preparation: If you have never communicated with policy makers before,

dont worry. No prior experience is needed to participate in Advocacy Day.
Well make sure that you are comfortable with the issue priorities and that you
get up to speed quickly.

By being part of the democratic process, youll have a big impact on issues that affect the enjoyment of your sport and active
lifestyle.

Youll have the opportunity to ride Michigans Main Street

(Michigan Ave.) to the Capitol and cruise the Capitol City by bike.

Its not us vs. themtalking with lawmakers allows you to relate to them better and gives you a sense of the tough decisions
they face everyday.

Youll be the first to congratulate LMBs 2014 Award recipients

at our lunch reception. (Oh, and lunch is always delicious too!)

Its all about safety Help us enact a safe passing distance law
and establish stiffer penalties for drivers who injure cyclists.

More places to ride Help create new trail funding opportunities and protect current funding sources.

Registration: Please register ASAP so we have ample time to

pre-arrange meetings with both your State Representative and
Senator. Register and learn more about the issue priorities at
www.LMB.org/advocacyday or scan this QR code > > > > > >

United in making Michigan a more bicycle-friendly state

Programs to Educate All Cyclists

roads = better bicycling, its that simple! Legislators

10 Better
need to hear bicyclists perspective on why sustainable transportation funding is important.

LMB Launches Share MI Roads Campaign

TAKE THE
PLEDGE

250+ Sign the Pledge at

Detroit Bike City EXPO

to share Michigan roads

to be a safer bicyclist
to be a safer driver

shareMIroads.org

League of Michigan Bicyclists (LMB) is proud to introduce our newest campaign, Share
MI Roads. In partnership with the Transportation For Michigan (Trans4M), we have
launched the campaign to develop educational resources that will reduce bicyclist injuries and fatalities, foster goodwill between drivers and bicyclists, and create a greater
understanding and awareness of the rights and responsibilities that drivers and cyclists
need to know to make our roads safe for all users.
We are really excited for this new campaign and the opportunity to engage Michigan
motorists and bicyclists from across the state about roadway safety, said John Lindenmayer, Advocacy and Policy Director for LMB. The goal is to fill the void in the training
roadway users receive about how to safely share the road with one another.
Michigan bicyclists are involved in less than 1% of traffic crashes, yet proportionally they
represent a much greater number of fatalities compared to other roadway users. In 2013,
according to the Office of Highway Safety Planning, there were 27 bicycle fatalities that
occurred in Michigan a 35% increase from 2012 while 1,479 bicyclists were injured.
While Complete Streets policies are creating safer roadways through engineering and
planning solutions, more must be done to educate drivers and bicyclists on how to
safely interact on the road. Share MI Roads is working to "humanize" the issue by emphasizing the fact that bicyclists are much more vulnerable than drivers and are much
more likely to be injured or killed if they are involved in a crash with a motor vehicle.
Currently Michigan's driver's education spends only two hours on the module called
Sharing the Road with Other Users. Sharing the road with bicyclists a common interaction most motorists routinely encounter, and one that drivers commonly express
confusion about makes up only small portion of this section as it also includes information about sharing the road with pedestrians, motorcycles, mopeds, large vehicles,
emergency vehicles, trains and public transportation, and construction vehicles and
work zones. The Share MI Roads team is actively building resources that driver's education instructors can use in the classroom to supplement their current lesson plans.
In addition to educating yourself through the campaigns resources, you can make an
immediate impact by taking our Share the Road Safety Pledge. It is a great way to show
others you are serious about making Michigans roads safe for all users, provide input
on what you think is the best way to achieve safer roads, and stand with others in your
community who want to foster goodwill between drivers and bicyclists.

LMB was pleased to be one of this years sponsors of the 2014 Detroit Bike City EXPO held
at Cobo Center in Detroit on March 29th. It
shouldnt come as any surprise that we had a
great time at the fun-filled event focused on
all facets of bicycling in the Detroit region and
beyond. The Expo featured over 100 vendors,
panel discussions, a swap meet, safety information, family activities, custom builders, and even
a kids Strider course.
A big thank you to all of our hard-working volunteers for helping us promote our new Share
MI Roads campaign at the event. A heart felt
thank you also goes out to the 250+ individuals
who signed our share the road pledge during
the EXPO.
What a great way to kick off another season of
riding! We are already looking forward to DBC
2015!

Add your name at shareMIroads.org

5 MICHIGAN BICYCLIST | May 2014

A Bold Vision for Michigan

Governor Snyder on the Cross-State Trail
and How He Plans to Make it Happen
Mary OConnor, Rails to Trails Conservancy

This interview was conducted by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and appeared in the

Winter 2014 issue of Rails to Trails magazine www.railstotrails.org/magazine

In 2012, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder unveiled plans for a trail across
the state, about 600 miles from Detroit through the Upper Peninsula to
the Wisconsin border. The proposed cross-state trail will connect a number of existing trails, many of them rail-trails. Snyders ambitious plan
immediately attracted praise from trail advocates and the outdoor recreation industry. Now, all eyes are on The Wolverine State and its leaders
to see how they are going to make the trail a reality.
At the state capitol building in Lansing, Snyder sat down for a discussion
about what Michigan has to gain by investing in its trail systems.

Obviously you are a busy man. Do you find time to get

out on the trails?
Actually, I do. Its something I really enjoy. I have a summer place at
Gun Lake, right next to the Yankee Springs Recreation Area, and there
are plenty of trails and opportunities to explore that area. Its a unique
place: Theres a state park, surrounded by a state recreation area, surrounded by a state game area. I grew up on the trails out there.
Back in the campaigning days, we did a snowmobile ride from Marquette to Escanaba. Well, we were trying to get to Escanaba, but we
made it about halfway before we ran out of snow. It was too warm. So
we had to get out the banana boat! We also did a bike ride on the Dequindre Cut [a popular rail-trail in downtown Detroit], which was a lot
of fun. I wanted to highlight how you could go from the riverfront to
7 MICHIGAN BICYCLIST | May 2014

[Detroits] Eastern Market.

I usually spend some time bike riding on Mackinac Island. Thats about
the most I get to do on a regular basis. They keep me very busy here!

Youve often noted that trails are important for Michigan. Why is that?
Its a quality-of-life issue. Michiganders love the outdoors. Thats something we dont talk about enough. A lot of people here have a second
place, or if they dont, theyre out enjoying the state parks and the recreation areas in our state. Thats where trails are a great opportunity, and
Im really excited about thatbeing able to connect Michiganders and
people visiting this state with the wonderful natural assets we are so
proud of.
I think one of the challenges we face is to make our trails more connected and to provide more information about where they are and the
places they connect to. Thats all about accessibility. Ive lived in Michigan most of my life, and there are so many cool places in Michigan I
havent even been to yet.
GPS presents an interesting opportunity now, in terms of providing information and promoting these great assets. Im definitely a techie who
likes trails.

What prompted you to prioritize the cross-state trail?

I want to give our team credit for thatit was a terrific idea that came
out of a great team discussion. Obviously the core of the project is

about connectivity, but right from the beginning we were conscious of

the marketing and presentation of the whole concept. I was surprised
how much response we got, how many people stepped up. Sometimes
you put out policy ideas and they either go over like a lead balloon and
nothing happens, or people start cheering and get all excited. I thought
there would be good support for the cross-state trail, but as it turned out
the response from the public was just incredible.
The great thing about the cross-state trail is Ive had several people
come up to me and say they want to be the first person to do the whole
thing. As soon as its ready, theyre going to start walking!

How will you pay for it?

Weve got a number of resources available. Weve got the Natural Resources Trust Fund to do some of that, and we have other resources
through the other parks and recreation funds at the state level. There
are also federal resources available that we have administered. I dont
spend a whole lot of time worrying about the money. I view it as, We
have the resource pots available; lets figure out what are the key pieces
of trail to add.
The maintenance question is a big deal to me. I think we can do a better
job of maintaining the trails. I think weve done a lot of good work, and
I want to give credit to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources
[DNR]and the Michigan Department of Transportation in particular
for bringing a lot of the different constituencies together.
When you say trails, that means a lot of different things to a lot of different people, and we have people who use the trails for everything
from walking to skiing to snowmobiling to horse riding. So we sometimes have competing perspectives on what the priorities are and how
they should be implemented. I think weve worked really hard on having
venues where we get individuals together to talk about accomplishing
things cooperatively rather than compete for finite resources.

Lets talk about the Natural Resources Trust Fund, which

uses royalties from state-owned mineral rights to acquire land for resource protection and public outdoor
recreation. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy thinks its a concept that other states can learn from. I understand some
recent changes to the trust fund will make more dollars
available for trails.
The trust fund is a great asset, and thats something we need to thank
our predecessors for putting in place. The good part is that its filled up
to its $500 million, so now we have the investment earnings available
on a recurring basis in perpetuity. Thats a nice situation to have. That
money can be used for trail improvement or to buy land for trails. That
flexibility is a plus.
Since the trust funds inception in 1976, more than $168 million has
been awarded for trail-related projects in Michigan, with two-thirds of
that amount going directly to local units of government. Surveys have
shown that people of Michigan have a strong public interest in trails as
outdoor recreation. The trust fund board has responded to that by giv-

ing a higher priority to trail-related projects. So expect to see more

trust fund grants going for trail projects in the future.
We are currently working on a state land-management strategy. I
think we havent done the best job in terms of having a statewide
strategy that coordinates our efforts. In some cases, to be blunt, we
were too focused on fee-simple purchase of land, and I dont get the
point of going out to buy land just for the purpose of buying land.
To go and buy a piece of land thats isolated, on its own, for the sake
of saying the state owns it, I dont see the value in that. But when

The Pure Michigan Trailways

Package Implementing the
New State Trails Plan
Members of the Senate Outdoor Recreation and Tourism recently released a five-bill package (Senate Bills 873 (S-1), 874
(S-1), 875, 876 (S-1), 877(S-2)) designed to update the Michigan
Trailways Act and to promote quality trail development and
operation. This legislation unites and incorporates all trail
types, including snowmobiling, ORV use, equestrian, hiking,
bicycling, mountain biking, and winter uses, such as crosscountry skiing and snoweshoeing, all under one act. A Pure
Michigan Trail designation will encourage best practices for
development and maintenance according to standards to be
established by the Department of Natural Resources. Also,
communities will have the opportunity to become a Pure
Michigan Trail Town if they undertake a planning process
and implement trail enhancements, such as physical connections, wayfinding, entrepreneurial services, or other improvements that welcome trail users to town.
Another feature of the new legislation is that a new pilot program will establish a statewide database of trail maps for Pure
Michigan Trails allowing trail users to download trail map applications on their smartphones. Having this user-friendly information so easily accessible will further promote trail use in
Michigan. Finally, the bill will require adopt a trail programs
to coordinate with other clean-up efforts on public land in
close proximity to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness
of the many volunteers who so generously give of their time
and energy.
It is hoped that these changes to the Michigan Trailways
Act will elevate all of our states trail systems to the next level
of trail development, upkeep, and promotion, said Nancy
Krupiarz, Executive Director of the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance. This legislation propels the new Michigan
Comprehensive Trails Plan forward into implementation.
8

we can see the broader strategy and be conscious of what parcels and trail
systems can be connected, then thats very much a positive. It helps us do
a better job of prioritizing, to tie it back into this cross-state trail concept,
along with some other key environmental opportunities.
The cross-state trail has some gaps in it. We need to look at what alternative methods we can use in terms of acquisitions. It doesnt have to be all
fee-simple; it could be easements and other access rights, which allows you
to leverage those dollars even further. I have no issue with working with a
private party. That said, we could put an easement for the trail on their land.
They could continue to own it, they could farm it, they could timber it, but
we have the rights to have a trail on it thats maintained appropriately.

Have you thought about eventually connecting the crossstate trail to Canada?
Yes, Id love to do that. Canadians are our partners and friends. Theres a
bridge Ive been pretty keen on getting done, so that would tie well into the
bridge project, wouldnt it? Itd be just another kind of bridgea bridge to
the trail network.

Michigan has been quick to always claim its portion of TA

or Transportation Alternatives [previously Transportation
Enhancements] funding. Do TA funds encourage investment in trail networks? And does this kind of investment
play a role in helping revitalize Michigan cities?
Weve been quick to claim TA funds because I think they demonstrate a
good return on investment. I dont believe in taking federal money for anything if you cant show that it has a good return. Its not just about spending
money. Its about the fact that the citizens of Michigan are my customers,
and I want to give them great customer service.
This gets back to the quality-of-life point, which applies to our urban areas
as well. That was part of the message of the cross-state trail conceptit
includes metro Detroit, and it would potentially involve other cities as well
as it went north.
Its really about exposing people to all that the state has to offer. We ran a
great program this last year, a youth initiative, where we got a lot of young
people in metro Detroit involved in conservation issues. The Michigan DNR
administered the program, and it was interesting to see that a lot of these
kids had never been to a state park. Some didnt know what a state park
was. One of these young people I met after the program had decided that
he now wanted to make that his career, going into some kind of forestry
work or outdoor work.
The Globe building in downtown Detroit is going to be a really cool outdoor
center. Its right on the riverfront, next to the Dequindre Cut. I believe that
will be a good hub to encourage more interaction between the outdoors
and the urban environment, and to let people know theyre not mutually
exclusive.
I believe its a symbiotic relationship, just like the economy and the environment. By leveraging the assets we have across the state, you can have a great
urban environment and you can provide great recreational opportunities.
9 MICHIGAN BICYCLIST | May 2014

Michigans Safe Routes to School (SR2S) Program is gearing up for the third annual National Bike to School Day on
Wednesday, May 7, 2014. Bike to School Day builds on the
popularity and success of International Walk to School
Day, an event celebrated around the world since 1997.
Both Walk to School Day and Bike to School Day are great
ways to bring community leaders, parents, students and
other stakeholders together to build awareness for communities to be more walkable and bikeable.
SR2S encourages all schools across Michigan to join the
Bike to School Day celebration by planning a bike-focused
event on May 7. If the May 7 date doesnt work schools can
choose another date; the entire month of May is National
Bike Month. Many schools are already planning special
activities in May such as All Children Exercising Simultaneously (ACES) Day, which also takes place on May 7.
If your school participates in ACES Day, consider adding
Bike to School Day to your ACES festivities.
All registered schools will receive planning and promotional resources and technical assistance. In additional all
schools registered with the Michigan Bike to School Day
will automatically be registered into the National Bike to
School database. All nationally registered schools will be
put into the Helmets for Heads giveaway, which will provide 10 bikes and 20 helmets to 10 lucky schools across
the country.
For more information or to register visit saferoutesmichigan.org and click on Bike to School Day, or contact Katie
Johnson: 517-908-3830, kjohnson@michiganfitness.org.

Bike Month: May

Bike-to-School Day: May 7
Bike-to-Work Week: May 12-16
Bike-to-Work Day: May 16
For bike-to-work resources:
bikeleague.org/programs/bikemonth
Participate in the National Bike Challenge:
nationalbikechallenge.org

Six New MDOT Regional Pedestrian & Bicycle Committees

It has been nearly a decade since the creation of a Pedestrian and Bicycle Committee within Southeast Michigans Metro Region, the division of Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) which covers
Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, and St. Clair Counties. Lucinda Means, LMBs
first Executive Director, advocated for the creation of this committee in
response to the recurring need for both public and private stakeholders at the state and local levels to discuss pedestrian and bicycle-related
issues and concerns within the congested, auto-focused region.

gans oldest trails, the I-275 Metro Trail, to the continued encouragement and input from members of the Metro Regions Non-motorized
Advisory Committee.
Gregory Johnson announced the expansion of the regional nonmotorized committees while speaking at a LMB event a couple years
back, said John Lindenmayer, LMB Advocacy & Policy Director. We are
thrilled to see the Department act on this and are encouraged about
opportunities to create
more dialogue between
the cycling community
and the engineering community. The sharing of
ideas and best practices
will be vital in the continued success of Complete
Streets implementation
across the state.

Brainstorming, consensus-building, education,

and
problem-solving
have all been part of the
mix of the Metro Regions
Pedestrian and Bicycle
committees
success.
MDOT recently decided
it is time to create similar
opportunities for open
In 2013 MDOT initiated Pedialog among engineers,
destrian and Bicycle Complanners, and advocates
mitees in the six other
in other regions across
regions around the state.
the state. MDOTs Chief
Regional Pedestrian and
Operations Officer, GregBicycle Committees now
ory Johnson, says The
exist in all MDOT regions:
success of early collaboSuperior, North, Grand,
ration between MDOT
Bay, Southwest, Univerand other road agencies
sity, and Metro. Two of
with non-motorized usChief Operations Officer for the Michigan Department of Transportation Greg Johnson (far right) enjoys
the
regions have already
ers and advocates has
bicycling with MDOT staff and bicycle advocates in the Grand Region. The June 13, 2013 event was the
second in a series of bicycle rides and meetings MDOT staff hosted in an effort to better engage represenhad a second quarterly
been demonstrated time
tatives from the bicycle advocacy community across the state.
meeting. The composition
and again via the first
and purpose follows the
regional non-motorized
advisory committee in the MDOT Metro Region. Implementing Metro region model. Each quarter the committees gather to review
this valuable tool in every region will help facilitate discussions of best practices, discuss in detail some local projects and then share the
needs, priorities, maintenance, and safety of non-motorized facilities current efforts of their various agencies and organizations. Norm Cox
throughout Michigan.
of The Greenway Collaborative and Leah Groya of living LAB have been
retained by MDOT to help facilitate the first year of meetings. Each reParticipation in the Metro Regions Pedestrian and Bicycle Committee
gion is unique and is shaping the committee to best fit the issues that
has included statewide, regional, and local MDOT staff, county road
they are facing but they share many common challenges. With seven
commissions, county planners and parks and rec officials, friends of the
committees now operating the committees can share information and
trail groups, statewide nonprofits, such as the League of Michigan Bicyresources between themselves. Norm Cox noted MDOTs Pedestrian
clists, Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance (MTGA), potential funders
and Bicycle Committees are a great way to get the all of the stakeholdand others. Sometimes items on the agenda offer discussion opportuers involved in a project at the earliest stages of development. They
nities to gather input from the collective expertise around the table,
are a great asset to both the implementing agency and the community
and other items are simply educational presentations to help bring the
advocates in their efforts to get quality projects on the ground.
various stakeholders up to speed about new non-motorized initiatives.
It is a valuable opportunity for all to ask questions, voice concerns, and If you represent a bicycle club, organization, or business, or are an adbounce ideas off each other, said Nancy Krupiarz, Executive Director, vocate interested in participating in your Regional Pedestrian and BiMTGA, and because so many different perspectives are heard, it of- cycle Committee, please contact John Lindenmayer, LMBs Advocacy &
ten encourages the go-ahead on many non-motorized initiatives. She Policy Director at john@LMB.org or (517) 334-9100.
credits the ongoing rehabilitation and improvement of one of Michi- A version of this article originally appeared in MTGAs Trailblazing in Michigan, Fall 2013.

10

National Bike Summit Recap

Amid several inches of snowfall and high winds, 700 of the brightest
minds and leaders of the national bicycle movement converged to advance efforts towards a more bicycle-friendly America on March 3-5 in
Washington D.C.
The theme of this years National Bike Summit was United Spokes: Moving Beyond Gridlock. The Summit and Womens Forum shared
success stories and best practices from the federal, state and local level;
examined new means of messaging and communications; and took on
some of our critics most challenging arguments against investing in
bicycle-friendly policies and funding.
Each year Michigan sends a strong delegation to DC for the Summit and
2014 was no exception! John Lindenmayer, Advocacy & Policy Director,
represented LMB. The Michigan delegation was also comprised of Laura
Padalino and John Waterman of PEAC, Scott Christie of Brasco International, Yvonne Rucker of BikeVon, shop owners Michael Reuter of American Cycle and Fitness, Tim Krone of Pedal Bicycle and Kelli Kavanaugh of
Wheelhouse Detroit, and LMB members Sue Kropscott of Holland, Glen
Ashlock of Westland, and Meredith Begin of Detroit.
The National Bike Summit is always an inspiring, informative, fun experience. There is something for everyone in the many topics offered,
from advocacy to business to social and cultural issues to health and
11 MICHIGAN BICYCLIST | May 2014

environmental data to laws and law enforcement," said Kropscott.

The educational sessions at the National Bike Summit were an opportunity for me to learn more about what products the bicycle industry
and its advocates are looking for. As a manufacturer of bike shelters and
fixtures, we listen to cyclists and design products that meet their needs.
And as cyclist, it was great fun to hang out with so many that shared a
common interest, commented Christie.
This isnt just an issue of recreation; its an issue of equality, bringing
people together, expanding the middle class and helping people who
are trying to get into the middle class.Those were heartening words
to hear coming from keynote speaker US Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. Themes of diversity, equity, and inclusion were underlining
messages throughout the Summit.
In addition to hearing from Secretary Foxx, speakers included top leaders such as Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Rep. Albio Sires (D-NJ), former
Chicago Transportation Commissioner and current fellow at the Urban
Land Institute Gabe Klein, and more.
On Wednesday morning, bike advocates from across the country, including the Michigan delegates, flooded Capitol Hill for Lobby Day.
Heading into Lobby Day, the common ask all of the advocates were
making on the Hill was simple:

 Co-sponsor the Bicycle

and Pedestrian Safety
Act (HR3494 and S1708)
Co-sponsor the Safe
Streets Act (HR3978)
Co-sponsor the New
Opportunities for Bicycle and Pedestrian
Infrastructure Financing
Act (HR2468 and S2004)
In the Michigan meetings, we
also requested help promoting our new Share Michigan
Roads campaign and safety
pledge. Many of the legislative offices expressed interest in helping to promote the
campaign by including information about sharing the
road in future newsletters to
their constituents.
This was my 6th visit to Capitol Hill to advocate for more bicycle friendly
communities and I would characterize our meetings with our elected officials as very approachable, said Michael Reuter, CEO of American Cycle
and Fitness. We stood face to face with Senator Stabenow and discussed
cycling issues and the same was true with Representative Candice Miller.
Showing up does make a difference and thats why I go each year.
Scott Christie of Brasco International echoed this point, Michigan is fortunate to be a leader in complete street design, and we wanted to share that
message with our Members of Congress. As a business that relies heavily on transportation funding, I wanted my legislators to know that issues
like the upcoming transportation bill and safe streets can have a very real
impact on small businesses in their districts. I felt we received good responses, even from those that couldnt support the legislation. Regardless
of political party, everyone walks or bikes and understands the need for
safe streets.
I particularly enjoyed the Womens Forum, said Padalino of PEAC. It was
really exciting to see so many groups working to empower under-represented groups in cycling, and so many people who were fired about the
bike being a vehicle for social change and empowerment. PEAC is looking
forward to continuing to work with LAB equity team on integrating individuals with disabilities into their mission.
Of course, Twitter was buzzing with coverage of the Summit (and if you
missed it, search hashtag #NBS14 to read all the tweets).
To see more coverage of the National Bike Summit including a complete
list of speakers, presentations for the breakout sessions and more details
about the asks, visit the League of American Bicyclists Summit page at
bikeleague.org/summit.

The Michigan delegation with U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow at the 2014 National Bike
Summit in Washington DC. L to R: Sue Kropscott of Holland, Yvonne Rucker of BikeVon,
John Waterman of PEAC, Glen Ashlock of Westland, Tim Krone of Pedal Bicycle, Senator
Debbie Stabenow, John Lindenmayer of League of Michigan Bicyclists, Meredith Begin of
Detroit, Michael Reuter of American Cycle and Fitness, Scott Christie of Brasco International,
and Laura Padalino of PEAC.

Help Collect
Share the Road Pledges
The League of Michigan Bicyclists needs your help is spreading
the word about the Share MI Roads campaign (see page 5). We
have created a campaign toolkit to help drivers, bicyclists, and
organizations get involved with the campaign to promote safety
between bicyclists and drivers on Michigan roadways. The toolkit
includes more specific information about campaign objectives,
promotional materials, and instructions on how you can help
collect names for our safety pledge. Toolkit resources can be
used to educate you or your organization about the campaign,
help you plan an event during Bike Month, write an article for a
newsletter, promote the campaign within your organization, etc.
The Share MI Roads team is committed
to making Michigan a more bike-friendly
state. If you are interested in joining the
team, would like a toolkit, or would like
to contribute to the campaign, please
contact info@sharemiroads.org.

PLEDGE
TOOLKIT

12

Fog Line to Fog Line:

Roadway, Shoulder, Sidewalk, Trailway, Crosswalk and Bike Lane Liability
to a public road; and (4) within the right-of-way of that road. Further,
for Governmental Agencies
By Sarah W. Colegrove and Todd E. Briggs
Being subject to liability for injuries
or property damage is arguably
the most effective way to motivate
governmental agencies to keep
roadways, shoulders, sidewalks,
trailways, crosswalks and bike lanes
in good repair for its users. However, recent changes by the Michigan Legislature to the Highway Exception to governmental immunity reduces accountability by requiring
governmental agencies to repair and maintain only two areas of public
travel in reasonable condition: (1) the part of a roadway used by motorized vehicles and (2) sidewalks that fit an extremely narrow definition.
These changes negatively impact bicyclists.
The Highway Exception that regulates governmental liability states
that each governmental agency having jurisdiction over a highway shall
maintain the highway in reasonable repair so that it is reasonably safe
and convenient for public travel. A person who sustains bodily injury
or damage to his or her property by reason of failure of a governmental
agency to keep a highway under its jurisdiction in reasonable repair and
in a condition reasonably safe and fit for travel can recover the damages
suffered by him or her from the governmental agency. MCL 691.1402.
Until March 12, 2012, the Michigan statute defined a highway as a public highway, road, or street that is open for public travel and includes
bridges, sidewalks, trailways, crosswalks and culverts on the highway.
However, effective March 13, 2012, MCL 691.1402 was amended by the
Legislature to state that the duty of a governmental agency to repair
and maintain highways, and the liability for that duty extends only to
the improved portion of the highway designated for vehicular travel and
does not include sidewalks, trailways, crosswalks, or any other installation outside the improved portion of the highway designed for vehicular travel. As a result of this change, there is no longer any motivation to
maintain a trailway, shoulder, bridge or crosswalk in reasonable repair.
If a bicyclist is injured because of the condition of a trailway, shoulder,
bridge or crosswalk, he or she is prohibited from recovering damages
from the governmental agency who has control or jurisdiction over it.
Liability for maintenance of a sidewalk is part of the Highway Exception to governmental liability and can be found at MCL 691.1402a.
The statute states that a municipal corporation in which a sidewalk is
installed adjacent to a municipal, county, or state highway shall maintain the sidewalk in reasonable repair. A sidewalk is defined as a paved
public sidewalk intended for pedestrian use situated outside of and adjacent to the improved portion of the highway designed for vehicular
travel. MCL 691.1401(f). The Michigan Court of Appeals in Stabley v
Huron-Clinton Metro Park, 228 Mich. App 357 (1998), further limited the
definition of a sidewalk, stating that it must be (1) a path designated
for pedestrian use; (2) usually paved; (3) running alongside and adjacent
13 MICHIGAN BICYCLIST | May 2014

the sidewalk cannot meander away from the side of a roadway to be

considered a sidewalk for liability purposes. If a sidewalk is separated
from the roadway by a swath of trees and bush it is not considered a
sidewalk and subject to reasonable maintenance. See, Hatch v Grand
Haven Twp., 461 Mich. 457 (2000).
The growing number of bicycle lanes, and the uptick in bicycle usage in
Michigan is worth considering. Who is responsible for failing to maintain bike lanes? No case law has been reported on the issue to date,
but it appears that the answer may fall under the Highway Exception,
which, as stated above, extends only to the improved portion of the
highway designated for vehicular travel and does not include sidewalks,
trailways, crosswalks, or any other installation outside the improved
portion of the highway designed for vehicular travel. As we have previously written about, in Michigan, bicycles are not considered vehicles,
yet "each person riding a bicycle...upon a roadway has all of the rights
and is subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle..."
Does a governmental agency thus have any liability for the improper
design, construction and maintenance/repair of a bike lane? There is
certainly gray area when it comes to this issue. As mentioned above,
there is currently no case law on the matter, so for now, the question
remains unanswered.
After the March 2012 statutory changes to the Highway Exception, no
matter how egregious the condition of the defect, the length of time
the defect existed, or how many times the defect was reported, noted
as dangerous or caused damage and injury, if the accident or damage
occurred on a roadway, shoulder, trailway, crosswalk, bridge, culvert, or
any other avenue or part of public travel you cannot recover damages
or injury caused by negligent maintenance. If the defect is outside
the portion of a roadway designed for use by motor vehicles, no liability
will be triggered. Liability of governmental agencies for damage and
injury under Michigans Highway Exception only attaches from failing
to maintain the area from fog line to fog line or certain sidewalks that
meet a very narrow definition.
As always, feel free to email us with you questions or comments. Ride
safely!
2013. Todd E. Briggs and Sarah W. Colegrove. Todd and Sarah 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, commercial litigation, probate and estate planning law. Todd and Sarah
are competitive cyclists, triathletes and adventure racers. Each has competed in many national and state
running, biking and triathlon competitions, including the Hawaii Ironman. Sarah also currently serves on
the LMB board. You can read past articles from Sarah and Todd on our web site at www.LMB.org/legaldesk
B r i g g s C o l e g r o v e , P. C . 6 6 0 W o o d w a r d A v e . , S u i t e 15 2 3 D e t r o i t , M I 4 8 2 2 6
(313) 964-2077 | briggscolegrove@aol.com

On February 5th, LMBs Advocacy & Policy Director John

Lindenmayer testified before the Local Government and
Elections Committee in opposition to legislation that
would further limit the rights of pedestrians and bicyclists using Michigan roads. Read more on our website:

Membership/Donations

Northwest Michigans BATA Solves

Transit Need In Innovative Way
By Carrie Thompson, Director, Business Development BATA
Northwest lower Michigan's Cherry Capital known for its growing foodie scene,
cultural richness and a hop, skip and a
jump away from the Sleeping Bear Dunes,
voted "the most beautiful place in America," is now also ahead of the curve in public transit.
Bay Area Transportation Authority
(BATA)'s Bike-n-Ride program is one of
few such programs in the U.S. and the
first in Michigan. The successful service
encourages groups of recreational riders
to pedal 17 miles on the paved Leelanau
Trail between Traverse City and Suttons
Bay and return on one of two retrofitted
school buses with capacity for 11 bicycles
and child trailers.
Doug Dowdy, Manager of Transportation Services for BATA, says that the "important
spoke" of the success of the Bike-n-Ride initiative is its ability to move families and riders
of varying abilities, like Judy Walter, a senior rider from Suttons Bay. She loves that the
Bike-n-Ride service allows her to ride her bike in to Traverse City on the Leelanau Trail, access the amenities downtown, including spending time with her grandchildren, and ride
the bus back a couple hours later, which to her is "truly a gift."
Walter is not the only cyclist who thinks the Bike-n-Ride program answers a need. Because
the Bike-n-Ride service "enriches the experience" of locals and tourists alike with "more
ways to enjoy all that is wonderful about northern Michigan including active access to
farms, water, restaurants and the towns," posits Lee Maynard of Traverse Area Recreational
Trails (TART). The project collaborators see growth potential and more economic impact
on the region. They are eyeing other trails, connections with other municipalities (like the
Village of Suttons Bay) and seasonal opportunities for service growth to fulfill the transit
need in line with organizational missions.
Organizers expected the service to be successful after they saw an increase in the use of
the Leelanau Trail after the final paving was completed. A 68% increase in ridership along
the route, however, has facilitated unexpected local economic impact as well.

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"We have really been feeling the boost to business here in Suttons Bay. I've been hearing
from a lot of people that this is their best season ever. Half of all our guests have been
grabbing bikes and completing the trip," shares Nick Wierzba, owner of Suttons Bay Bikes.
"The Bike-n-Ride program makes it more accessible for all ages." The service provides a
"safety net" that encourages riders to experience the scenic trail and know they can ride
the bus back if desired. 45th Parallel, a caf in Suttons Bay, has also experienced increased
restaurant traffic. Owner Tim Lambdin, exclaims "with doubled or more bike traffic, we've
experienced a phenomenal summer."

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

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

LeagueofMichiganBicyclists
@MIBicyclists
Dated Material: May, 2014

Please mark your calendars and reserve Wednesday May 21st to

help raise awareness for Michigan bicycling.
Celebrate Bike Week with cyclists from across the state by participating in the Lucinda Means
Bicycle Advocacy Day at the
State Capitol in the morning
and your local Ride of Silence in
the evening.
The League of Michigan Bicyclists, Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance, and Michigan
Mountain Biking Association,
and PEAC are pleased to join
forces once again in 2014 for
the Lucinda Means Bicycle Advocacy Day.
Join us as we advance vulnerable roadway user protections
and safe passing distance
standards for bicyclists, a Pure
Michigan Trails revision to the
Michigan Trailways Act, defend
bicyclists rights on Michigan
roads, and other issues that
support a more bicycle-friendly
Michigan. To register for Advocacy Day or to learn more about
the 2014 legislative priorities,
see page 4 or visit www.LMB.
org/advocacyday.

Then, that evening after Advocacy Day, join cyclists from across the
state and globe at your local Ride of Silence at 7 PM for a slow paced
a silent procession to honor friends and family who have been killed
or injured while cycling on public roadways. The ride aims to
raise the awareness of motorists, police and city officials that
cyclists have a legal right to the
public roadways.
Ride of Silence is free and will
take place in dozens of communities across Michigan. You can
participate in your local event
or stick around in Lansing after
Advocacy Day and participate in
the Lansing/East Lansing Ride
of Silence as we ride to the State
Capitol.
Both Advocacy Day and Ride of
Silence demonstrate that Michigan bicyclists are organized and
united around advancing bicycling and the safety of bicyclists
across the state.
To find a Ride of Silence event
near you, please visit www.
rideofsilence.org.

15