LMB News Blog

2012 LMB Annual Award Nominations

john@LMB.org (John Lindenmayer) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

LMB annually presents awards to deserving bicyclists and businesses from across the state in the following categories: DISTINGUISHED SERVICE BICYCLE ADVOCATE BICYCLE EDUCATOR LMB VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR BICYCLING We are asking for your help in nominating worthy candidates for recognition in 2012. Please visit our online nomination form to review award criteria. Read about 2011 recipients Read about 2010 recipients

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Representative Candice Miller votes against pro-bike amendment - defeated by two votes

john@LMB.org (John Lindenmayer) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:42:32 +0000

Representative Tom Petri (R-WI) and his colleagues Timothy Johnson (R-IL), and Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ) showed themselves yesterday to be strong and brave defenders of biking and walking, a balanced transportation system, and livable communities. Representative Candice Miller (R-MI), however, did not. The Petri Amendment to the American Energy and Infrastructure Act to restore dedicated funding for walking and bicycling lost by just two votes and unfortunately, Representative Miller, the only Michigan Representative on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, voted against it. The House leadership strongly opposed the amendment, so our sincere thanks goes to Representatives Petri, Johnson, and LoBiondo for standing with...

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Urge Amtrak to Allow Bicycles on Michigan Trains

john@LMB.org (John Lindenmayer) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

LMB is extremely pleased that the recently published Michigan State Rail Plan makes clear recommendations that bicycles need to be accommodated on Michigan passenger trains. LMB thanks the Michigan Department of Transportation for recognizing this need. We also thank all of our supporters who responded to our call to submit comments to the rail plan this past year. We now are asking for your help again to ensure that these recommendations are acted on promptly. Please sign our petition urging Amtrak to implement roll-on bicycle service on all Michigan service routes as they have already done in other states. Currently in Michigan, bikes are not allowed on board Amtrak trains, nor as checked luggage. On board accommodations for bicycles...

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URGENT: House Bill Reverses Decades of Progress on Bike/Ped

john@LMB.org (John Lindenmayer) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:35:36 +0000

It's so much worse than we thought. Today, the House released its transportation bill, the American Energy and Infrastructure Act. As a Member of the Committee, Congresswomen Candice Miller (Huron, Sanilac, Lapeer, St Clair & Macomb Counties) is in a key position to save dedicated funding for biking and walking. If you live in her district, please contact her today and ask her to vote to preserve biking and walking by supporting the Petri amendment. When we posted our action alert last week, we knew the bill would be bad news for biking and walking. But we didn't think it would go so far as to completely cut every reference to bicycling and walking out of the federal transportation policy. Why the urgency? House leaders are exerting...

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LMB Job Posting

office@LMB.org (Rich Moeller) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:59:50 +0000

The League of Michigan Bicyclists is seeking a motivated individual to join the current two (2) person staff team in a new Associate Director position. This full-time position requires a college degree or equivalent experience in a related field. The candidates background should include experience in fund raising, volunteer development and member communications. The ability to effectively communicate (both written and orally) to community leaders, members, constituents, volunteers and other staff is a must. The successful candidate must have a passion for bicycling. Candidate's should mail their resume with references to League of Michigan Bicyclists, 416 South Cedar St., Ste A, Lansing MI 48912. Applications may be sent...

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Amtrak Bikes on Trains Update

john@LMB.org (John Lindenmayer) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:46:17 +0000

LMB is pleased to report that earlier this month Representative Sean McCann of Kalamazoo introduced House Concurrent Resolution 41 to urge the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) to pursue bicycle friendly policies by providing accommodations for bicycles on board trains and bicycle parking in future station plans. The language was largely taken from LMB's issue paper on the topic. "I was very pleased to introduce House Concurrent Resolution 41 which urges the National Railroad Passenger Corporation to put into place bicycle friendly policies by providing bicycle storage on trains as well as bicycle parking in future station plans," said Representative McCann. "This resolution was introduced with bipartisan support and ...

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2011 LMB's Year End Appeal

john@LMB.org (John Lindenmayer) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:53:08 +0000

Dear Fellow Bicyclists, Everywhere you look, you see indications of the increased popularity of bicycling. Advertisers from banks to clothing retailers are placing bikes in their marketing. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is declaring himself a bike commuter. The latest American Community Survey data shows that bicycle commuting has grown by 44% in the latest year measured. Bike sharing is spreading like wildfire-both in its number of users and the number of jurisdictions served. {xtypo_button1} Make a Year-End Donation {/xtypo_button1} But behind the scenes there is much more that needs to be done. Progress is uneven, and it is up to us to ensure that our gains are sustainable, not just a passing fad or media blip. Behind...

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MDOT Seeks Public Comment on Draft 2012-2016 Transportation Program

john@LMB.org (John Lindenmayer) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 17:39:59 +0000

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is seeking public comment on its draft 2012-2016 Five-Year Transportation Program. The document includes a list of specific transportation projects planned for the next five years in each of MDOT's seven regions. For the first time ever, you can locate the projects by proposed construction year on an interactive state map. The draft 2012-2016 Five-Year Transportation Program is available on the MDOT Web site at: www.michigan.gov/mdot5yearplan. Comments will be accepted until Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011, and should be e-mailed to MDOT-Five-Year-Program@michigan.gov. To request alternative formats, such as large print, please contact Bob Parsons, Public Involvement and Hearings Officer, Bureau...

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Holland & Marquette Celebrate the Bicycle Through Streetscaping

john@LMB.org (John Lindenmayer) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

The Cities of Holland and Marquette have both recently publicly declared their love for bicycling through creative streetscaping efforts in their respective downtowns. Last Spring, the City of Holland installed bike-themed streetpoll banners in an public art project titled ReCycle. Along with the Holland Downtown Development Authority, the Holland Area Arts Council hosted this exciting initiative, which challenged local artists to create works of art that would evoke fond memories of bike riding. Remember the feel of the wind and the gentle brrrrrggg of the bicycle bell as you took your childhood rides through the neighborhood? You'll find a unique interpretation of those memories in each of the 34 works of art displayed on avenue...

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Proposed law would force cyclists off roads on federal land and onto paths

john@LMB.org (John Lindenmayer) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:51:49 +0000

Reposted from the League of American Bicyclists blog. Update 11/14/11: LAB has posted a petition asking for the mandatory sidepath language to be removed from the Senate transportation authorization bill (S. 1813 Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act). Please consider signing and passing along this link along: http://www.bikeleague.org/petition/ The draft of the Senate’s transportation authorization (S. 1813 Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act) has been a bit of a disappointment for cyclists. It reduces funding for dedicated bicycling programs and allows state departments of transportation an opt-out for spending it. However, even aside from funding, there is an egregious clause that has rightly upset...

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