LMB Blog

Michigan Bicycling Infographic

john@LMB.org (John Lindenmayer) — Thu, 09 May 2013 20:55:57 -0400

Thank you to our amazing volunteer designer Alex B. Hill for creating this awesome infographic about the state of bicycling in Michigan. We are excited to deliver it to the Michigan Legislature during the 2013 Lucinda Means Bicycle Advocacy Day on May 22nd. We hope cyclists from across the state will join us in advancing our legislative priorities. Michigan Bicycling Infographic by League of Michigan Bicyclists

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Riding a Bike is Not a Crime!

jenny@lmb.org (Jenny Jensen) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 20:45:59 -0400

It was a Friday evening in June when John Lindenmayer left the League of Michigan Bicyclists' (LMB) office in Lansing, MI and rode his bicycle to the City Market. Around 6:30 p.m., he left to head home, utilizing the same route he had ridden dozens of times before. Traffic was light on Michigan Avenue, a five-lane road, which runs from the front steps of the State Capitol right past Michigan State University. John traveled eastbound in the far right (curb) lane for several blocks, without incident. Then, only blocks from home, he heard a honk imme¬diately behind him, followed by a siren. John turned to find a police car with its lights on. He promptly pulled over and parked his bike. John was confronted by a City of Lansing police...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Another Successful National Bike Summit

jenny@lmb.org (Jenny Jensen) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 20:17:19 -0400

With 750 attendees from all 50 states and three Canadian provinces, the 2013 National Bike Summit (NBS) was certainly a success. The National Women's Bicycling Forum, which piggybacked the NBS, also saw a huge turnout, with 350 people traveling to Washington D.C. to hear from speakers like Rep. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and New York City Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan. The focus this year's NBS was on how "bicycling means business". The economic impact of bicycling was explored, discussed, and debated in workshops, over meals, and during coffee breaks. The sessions were extraordinarily valuable and gave us all some great ideas to implement here in Michigan. It was incredibly inspiring to meet and speak to advocates from all...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

LMB Recognized with Outstanding Traffic Achievement Award

john@LMB.org (John Lindenmayer) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 17:17:58 -0400

LMB Advocacy & Policy Director John Lindenmayer with Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson, receiving an Outstanding Traffic Achievement Award for our What Every Michigan Bicyclist Must Know booklets at the 18th Annual Michigan Traffic Safety Summit on March 27, 2013. LMB continues to work closely with the Department of State on bicycle safety issues including recently helping to update the "Share the Road" section of What Every Driver Must Know manual and developing a bicycle-related question for the sample driver's test within this publication. In addition, Secretary Johnson is currently developing a short "Share the Road" PSA message aimed at Michigan drivers and bicyclists. On March 27th, 2013 at the 18th Annual...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Rep. Cotter Stands Up for Bicycling - Bill to Limit Bicyclists' Rights on Michigan Roads Shelved

john@LMB.org (John Lindenmayer) — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 16:37:34 -0400

Thank Rep. Cotter for standing up for bicyclists' rights to use Michigan roads: KevinCotter@house.mi.gov LMB recently posted an article (House Bill Would Limit the Rights of Michigan Bicyclists) encouraging bicyclists to contact State Representative Kevin Cotter to oppose House Bill 4086. The highway exceptions bill would limit the ability for pedestrians and bicyclists to bring a claim forward if they were injured in the improved portion of the roadway. We were cc'd on many well written emails to his office requesting that he not take up this bill during the 2013-2014 legislative session. We are pleased to update our supporters that we received a correspondence from Representative Cotter responding to our concerns and stating that he has...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Not Enough Cyclists Killed to Count?

john@LMB.org (John Lindenmayer) — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 18:51:41 -0500

Tell DOT That Cyclist Fatalities Matter. Transportation agencies across the country are about to miss an important opportunity to improve non-motorized traffic safety and encourage healthy and active transportation options. The US Department of Transportation is required by the new transportation law to establish national safety goals and performance measures to guide the states. Right now, they are NOT proposing any separate national goals or performance measures to improve the safety of bicyclists and/or pedestrians. We cannot let this happen – these measures will be used to guide traffic safety policy and funding at the national and state level for years to come. If this is allowed to happen, there will be no national target to...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Visit LMB at Detroit Bike City and Quiet Water Symposium!

jenny@lmb.org (Jenny Jensen) — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 17:03:38 -0500

LMB will be in attendance at two extra events in Michigan in March 2013. The Quiet Water Symposium held at Michigan State University's Pavilion in East Lansing and Detroit Bike City at Cobo Center in Detroit. Please come out and visit us at these events! Detroit Bike City (March 16) Detroit's Annual Bicycle Show and Swap Meet includes a custom bike builder row, a marketplace of Detroit businesses, BMX demo, bike auctions, a charity event the night before, as well as a kids selection of bikes, classes, lessons and courses. Detroit Bike City is the premier bicycle event of the year. Started in 2012, Detroit Bike City took hold of the cycling community with a bike show in a scale that Detroit had not yet seen, and it was met with great...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

2013 Michigan Ride Calendar - PDF Version

john@LMB.org (John Lindenmayer) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 15:43:19 -0500

The 2013 Michigan Ride Calendar is now available. In addition to the table listing on our website, we have uploaded a downloadable PDF version. The Ride Calendar was mailed to all current members and Michigan bike shops around the state. If you are not a current member, we encourage you to join today! You can also request a Ride Calendar to be mailed to you by filling out our Michigan bicycle tourism packet request form. The 2013 Ride Calendar lists nearly 300 events including tours, mountain biking, road races, trail events, Ride of Silence, advocacy events, Bike to Work/Smart Commute events and more. We are also extremely pleased to report, that 66 events pledged to participate in our $1 Per Rider program - also the most we have ever...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

House Bill Would Limit the Rights of Michigan Bicyclists

john@LMB.org (John Lindenmayer) — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 19:52:55 -0500

Help oppose House Bill 4086 by contacting Representative Kevin Cotter, Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, to request that House Bill 4086 not be taken up in Committee this session. You can contact Representative Cotter at (517) 373-1789 or KevinCotter@house.mi.gov. House Bill 4086 proposes to change a single word of the highway exception to governmental immunity in a manner that would limit the rights of cyclists and pedestrians. Under Michigan law, citizens are barred from suing governmental entities for property damage or injuries sustained by a governmental entity's negligence, unless the governmental entity's negligent conduct falls within a narrowly drawn exception to the general rule that governmental entities are immune from...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Un-Responsive Light Legislation Reintroduced

john@LMB.org (John Lindenmayer) — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 17:51:40 -0500

LMB is pleased to report that our malfunctioning traffic signal legislation (HB 4265) was recently reintroduced by Representative Mike Shirkey of Clarklake (District 65). HB 4265 would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code (MCL 257.611) to allow the driver of a bicycle, motorcycle, moped, or 3-wheeled vehicle to proceed through the stop signal of an automated stoplight if the automated stoplight fails to detect the presence of such a vehicle for the purposes of making a signal change. The bill was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on February 14th. The legislation was first introduced during the final weeks of the 2012 legislative session. In November, LMB's Advocacy and Policy Director, John Lindenmayer,...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

LMB and Shoreline West Loses a Dear Friend

john@LMB.org (John Lindenmayer) — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 19:08:57 -0500

It is with sadness and heavy hearts that we report the passing of Jim Dougherty. Jim has meant so much to bicycling in Michigan and his passion, work ethic and humor will be dearly missed by bicyclists throughout not just Michigan, but the entire United States. Jim was an original Board Member of LMB and helped establish the roots and mission that have helped LMB become a positive force for bicyclists. Jim was a volunteer for almost every LMB Bicycle Tour that was ever run. He had been involved in the Shoreline West Tour since it inception 27 years ago. The last four years Jim and his wife Mary have been the ride leaders for West. Jim and Mary received LMB's Distingished Service Award in 2011 for their long-standing service to the...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Protect Non-Motorized Funding in Michigan

john@LMB.org (John Lindenmayer) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 19:52:28 -0500

Transportation funding reform is a top priority for Governor Snyder and the Michigan Legislature in 2013. Sadly, only a month into the new legislative session, there are already concerns about potential attacks on non-motorized funding. House Speaker Jase Bolger, made the following statement earlier this week in his Legislative Update email: Furthermore, I have had serious talks recently with our Congressional delegation regarding the elimination of the strings that our federal government attaches to our road money, including non-motorized requirements such as bike paths, turn lanes, tension barriers in the median, beautification projects and more. Additionally, where such non-motorized mandates are in place, we should look to other...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Michigan Bicycling Photo Contest Winners

john@LMB.org (John Lindenmayer) — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 20:41:54 -0500

LMB is pleased to announce the winners of our inaugural Michigan Bicycling Photo Contest. Over 100 photos were submitted to our 2012 contest. A panel of judges had the difficult job of narrowing the images down to a set of 18 Finalists. Final voting was then done by the general public through the LMB website. We would like to thank all the photographers who submitted photos to our contest and especially congratulate our 2012 Michigan Bicycling Photo Contest Winners listed below. In addition to their other prizes, winning photos will appear in the 2013 Michigan Ride Calendar due out in late January. We would also like to thank American Cycle and Fitness for being a generous sponsor of our 2012 photo contest. Watch our website for...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Trail Projects Win Big With the Natural Resources Trust Fund on Dec. 5!

jenny@lmb.org (Jenny Jensen) — Wed, 05 Dec 2001 00:00:00 -0500

From Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance: A total of $4,810,000 in trail development was approved at the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund board meeting along with $120,000 in acquisition dollars for the North Bank Trail a total of almost $5 million. Among the winners today for trail development were: Fred Meijer Clinton Ionia Shiawassee Trail Pere Marquette Trail (Reed City to Baldwin) Indiana-Michigan River Valley Trail (Niles Twp.) Trolley Line Trail (Clio) Rouge River Gateway Trail Extension (Dearborn) Frances Park Trail (Lansing) Riverbends Park to Macomb Orchard Trail Connection (Shelby Twp.) AuTrain Township Heritage Trailhead, (Marquette to Munising Trail) County Line Rd. Nonmotorized Pedestrian Path (New...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Ann Arbor to Launch Bike Sharing in 2013

jenny@lmb.org (Jenny Jensen) — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 21:14:54 -0500

Ann Arbor is preparing to launch Michigan’s first advanced technology bike share system in 2013. The successes of recently developed bike share systems in DC, Boston, Minneapolis, Denver, Boulder and Madison has generated excitement in cities across the US interested in providing integrated multimodal transportation options for residents, commuters and visitors. Bike sharing, when integrated effectively with public transit, can aid in reducing congestion, and improving air quality, public health, and economic activity. Ann Arbor’s system will be designed to service the downtown and University of Michigan’s central campus during the initial system design. Erica Briggs, LMB board member and project manager for Clean Energy...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

At the Summit: Bringing Biking Minds Together

jenny@lmb.org (Jenny Jensen) — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 15:48:08 -0500

When I attended my first National Bike Summit (NBS) in 2011, it was mostly out of curiosity. Did this gathering have anything to offer me in insight and inspiration that I could put into action to enhance my company's commitment to this alternative mode of transportation? The answer I found left me eagerly awaiting Summit 2012. The most exciting thing about the Summit is that it brings biking minds together as thought leaders. Leaders who are influential as policy makers. Leaders who approach Congress in its own backyard. Leaders who prepare and then provide our legislators with information that helps them understand why support for bicycling is critical to our communities. More than 800 advocates gather annually for that sole purpose. To...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Bike Lanes - A Little Extra Information

jenny@lmb.org (Jenny Jensen) — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 21:01:25 -0500

Bike Lanes — So, Where are Drivers Supposed to Turn From? The State Police Uniform Traffic Code prohibits parking in a marked bicycle lane, except where parking is permitted by official signs. Furthermore, it states, "a person shall not operate a vehicle on or across a bicycle lane, except to enter or leave adjacent property," meaning that drivers are to make turns from the travel lane and not use the bike lane as a deceleration lane. While buffered bike lanes are new, and will undoubtedly take a bit of adjustment for drivers and bicyclists alike, LMB reminds drivers that the 6-foot buffer is actually part of the bike lane and not the automobile lane. Motorists should always make right turns from the automobile travel lane, not from...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

What Every Young Michigan Bicyclist Must Know Booklet Available for Customization

jenny@lmb.org (Jenny Jensen) — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 21:25:49 -0500

In the first year of distribution, our What Every Young Michigan Bicyclist Must Know booklet has proven to be a huge hit! Through the generous donations of LMB supporters, we have already circulated over 51,000 copies to countless bicycle rodeos and other bicycle safety events geared towards children. After receiving numerous requests about customizing the booklet, LMB is pleased to announce that starting in 2013, your organization will have the option to add your own logo and contact information to the back cover. The deadline to order customized booklets is January 1st, 2013, and a minimum order of 900 booklets is required. If you do not plan to distribute 900 or more booklets in 2013, please consider your booklet needs over the next...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

2012 Michigan Bicycling Photo Contest Finalists - Cast Your Vote

john@LMB.org (John Lindenmayer) — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 20:36:28 -0500

LMB is pleased to announce the 2012 Michigan Bicycling Photo Contest Finalists. Over 100 photos were submitted to our inaugural contest. A panel of judges had the difficult job of narrowing the images down to our Finalists, and now we invite the public to vote for their favorites. Your votes will help decide 1st, 2nd, and 3rdprize winners, along with Honorable Mentions. You can vote up to two ways using Facebook and/or Twitter. Voting is open through December 31st, 2012. VIEW IMAGES (voting is now closed)

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

LMB Commends MDOT on Their New Bicycle Awareness Materials

jenny@lmb.org (Jenny Jensen) — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 19:54:20 -0500

Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has released a new video about the buffered bike lanes that have opened in Lansing and Oakland County. See if you can spot LMB's own John Lindenmayer on his bike, checking out the new lane with MDOT's Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator Josh DeBruyn! Watch below: In addition, MDOT has also released a new brochure, What Every Michigan Driver Must Know... About Bicycle Lanes that you can read below. LMB would like to thank MDOT for their leadership in placing the buffered bike lanes in both counties and helping educate the public about these innovative bicycle facilities. What Every Driver Should Know About Bicycle Lanes

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Midland Designated ‘Bicycle Friendly’

jenny@lmb.org (Jenny Jensen) — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 15:08:31 -0500

LMB's John Lindenmayer presents Mayor Maureen Donker with a Bicycle Friendly Community Sign at Midland's City Council Meeting, on Monday, December 3, 2012 surrounded by the city council and bicycle advocates that assisted Midland in earning this honor.In October, the League of American Bicyclists (LAB) recognized 28 new Bicycle Friendly Communities (BFC), including Midland, Michigan. Midland, joins Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Houghton, Lansing, Marquette, Portage and Traverse City as previously recognized BFCs in Michigan. Last night, LMB's John Lindenmayer and Jenny Jensen traveled to Midland on behalf of LAB, where John presented the Bronze Bicycle Friendly Community Award to Mayor Maureen Donker during Midland's City Council Meeting, who...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Promoting Active Living Through Bicycle Road Skills Course at U of M-Flint

jenny@lmb.org (Jenny Jensen) — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 20:12:53 -0500

To encourage more walking and biking on the campus of the University of Michigan-Flint (UM-Flint) and its host city, many groups including faculty, students, and staff have been working closely together on innovative non-motorized transportation projects. At the center of these efforts is the UM-Flint Walk and Bike Work Group, which was formed to foster the support of safe, non-motorized transportation initiatives, policies, and infrastructure across the campus and the greater Flint area. Increased walking and bicycling will lead to reduced congestion on campus; enhance local and regional transportation options for current students, staff, and faculty; aid in attracting future students; and ultimately lead to a safer and healthier...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

LMB Testifies on Un-Responsive Light Legislation

john@LMB.org (John Lindenmayer) — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 21:55:56 -0500

Today, LMB's Advocacy and Policy Director, John Lindenmayer, testified before the House Transportation Committee in support of HB 5848. The bill introduced by Representative Mike Shirkey would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code (MCL 257.611) to allow the driver of a bicycle, motorcycle, moped, or 3-wheeled vehicle to proceed through the stop signal of an automated stoplight if the automated stoplight fails to detect the presence of such a vehicle for the purposes of making a signal change. This applies if the stoplight fails to detect the vehicle's presence after one full cycle of the automated stoplight after making the stop, or after 60 seconds if the automated stoplight is not cycling or if the driver is unable to determine whether the...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

MDOT RFP on Economic Impact Study of Bicycling in Michigan

jenny@lmb.org (Jenny Jensen) — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 19:45:32 -0500

Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) to assist in an expanded economic impact study of bicycling in Michigan. The study will occur in two phases, beginning in January 2013. Phase One will: "research and quantify the extent of economic impacts bicycling has on a community and the state as a whole. Findings will be used independently by business owners, perspective business owners, or by local, regional and state government decision makers and planners to measure, evaluate and track over time, the extent to which local, regional and statewide economic and community benefits have been influenced by bicycling or bicycle infrastructure. Collect and evaluate...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Silver Bells By Bike - LMB Sponsoring Bicycle "Float" Nov 16th

john@LMB.org (John Lindenmayer) — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 02:00:00 -0500

League of Michigan Bicyclists is once again hosting a bicycle-themed "float" in the annual Silver Bells Electric Light Parade to be held November 16th at 6:10 pm. We are inviting cyclists from across the state to light up their bikes and join us for this annual celebration in downtown Lansing. This year's bicycle "float" theme is tweed. (No, not tweet as in twitter...TWEED!) So, pull out your warm woolens if tweed is part of your wardrobe and come ride with us. (If not, ride with us anyway - just make sure your bicycle is decorated with plenty of lights) Afterwards, stick around to watch the lighting of the state holiday tree with 150,000+ of your closest friends. A special thank you to LMB volunteer Thomas Harpstead for organizing this...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

2013 National Bike Summit - Discounts & Scholarships

john@LMB.org (John Lindenmayer) — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 14:19:59 -0400

LMB is excited to once again be organizing the Michigan delegation at the 2013 National Bike Summit to be held March 4-6. On behalf of the League of American Bicyclists (LAB), LMB works diligently behind the scenes leading up to the Summit to coordinate meetings between cyclists and their Congressional representatives. We've seen some wonderful new faces attend from Michigan over the last few years and are hoping to see our delegation grow even larger this year. The 2013 National Bike Summit is going to be a big one. The theme of this year's Summit is Bicycling Means Business. For more than a decade now, your voice at the Summit has helped dramatically increase investments in bicycling at the state and local level. But this spring,...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

1st Buffered Bike Lanes Come to Michigan - Cyclists Celebrate in Lansing

john@LMB.org (John Lindenmayer) — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 20:06:52 -0400

Ribbon cutting for newly replaced M-43 Saginaw Hwy bridge over the Grand RIver in Lansing. L to R: Andy Kilpatrick - City of Lansing Transportation Engineer, Lisa Benck - Westside Commercial Association Chair, Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero, Jessica Yorko - 4th Ward Councilwomen, Stephen Palmer - Lansing Transportation Service Center Manager for MDOT, and Greg Losch - MDOT Construction Engineer, Lansing Transportation Service Center. © State of Michigan - Department of Transportation- Photography Services.A group of 30 cyclists celebrated the opening of the Saginaw Street (M-43) bike lane in Lansing with a group ride on the brand new facility on Sunday October 14. The cyclists were joined by a group of pedestrians from the neighborhood,...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

New Northwestern Highway Buffered Bicycle Lane: Enhancing Mobility for Oakland County Bicyclists

john@LMB.org (John Lindenmayer) — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 21:17:24 -0400

Green pavement markings at right turn lanes along the new buffered bike lane on M-10 in Oakland County. The green paint are intended to help bicyclists and motorists navigate the "conflict area" between the bike lane and turn lane. Photo taken during construction of M-10 buffered bike lane in Oakland County. © State of Michigan - Department of Transportation- Photography Services.M-10 (or Northwestern Highway) stretches through Oakland County between Southfield and Farmington Hills. The highway was constructed originally as a 4 lane road with two 12' shoulders. Following a recent resurfacing, a 3 mile section of M-10 has received a new treatment: Michigan's first "buffered bicycle lane." Traditional bicycle lanes are becoming more...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

October 13 Metro Detroit Event to Help Injured Triathlete and Highlight Issue of Car-Bike Accidents

jenny@lmb.org (Jenny Jensen) — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 20:41:29 -0400

October 13 is the day triathlete and Westland resident Amy Gluck would have competed in her fifth World Triathlon Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Instead, Amy continues a long, slow recovery after being hit by a gravel hauler during a training ride September 15. The accident left her in intensive care with severe injuries, including a head injury and multiple broken bones. Friends, triathletes and cyclists will come together October 13 at Island Lake State Recreation Area in Brighton, MI for a Benefit Fundraising Ride to support Amy and her long road of recovery. Cost to participate is $30 per person and all proceeds go support Amy's needs as she recovers. Advance registration is strongly encouraged here. For those unable to...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Welcome to the New and Improved LMB.org

john@LMB.org (John Lindenmayer) — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 18:58:03 -0400

After several months of behind the scenes work, LMB is excited to unveil our new website. Welcome to the new and improved LMB.org! Our new site features many great enhancements, especially to the Ride Calendar submission process. We completely overhauled the submission form in order to make it more user-friendly to event organizers and easier for us as well. You will notice a number of new fields this year. While the submission form is slightly longer than in years past, the additional fields will help streamline how LMB will be able to manipulate collected event information for the over 300 annual Michigan rides that we help to promote each year. We would like to take this opportunity to remind event promoters that...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

LMB's Advocacy & Policy Director Receives Recognition

john@LMB.org (John Lindenmayer) — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 17:26:07 -0400

LMB's Advocacy & Policy Director Receives 10 Over 10 Award from Lansing Regional Chamber.We are extremely pleased to announce that John Lindenmayer, LMB's Advocacy & Policy Director, was recently recognized with a 10 Over the Next 10 award from the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. 10 Over the Next 10 recognizes the Lansing region's top young professionals who are expected to contribute significantly to our community over the next ten years. The winners of the 10 Over the Next 10 awards are judged based on their professional achievement, community involvement and personal success. To be eligible, applicants were required to be 35 years old or younger; professionally centered in Ingham, Eaton or Clinton counties; and have spent...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Would You Like to See More Bikes in Your Community?

jenny@lmb.org (Jenny Jensen) — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 16:36:55 -0400

In the last two weeks we've posted two PNC Neighborhood Wishlist campaigns on Facebook and Twitter. Both campaigns will help increase cycling in the communities where the project is targeted. In the first Wishlist campaign we posted, run by Tom Philllips of Ann Arbor called 'Get Out And Ride!', seeks to install two public bike repair stations around the community to encourage people to ride more, knowing there is help nearby in these repair stands. The second Wishlist campaign is being run by Wendy Vadnais of Warren entitled 'Community Bike Outreach', which shares the name with her and her husband's outreach program that accepts donated bicycles, refurbishes them and donates the bikes to people of all ages who are in need....

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

2012 Shoreline West Bicycle Tour Wrap Up

office@LMB.org (Rich Moeller) — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 16:54:41 -0400

Thanks to Brenda Carlton from Peachtree City, GA for letting us use parts of her journal about the 2012 Shoreline West Bicycle Tour. My choice for a week-long group road bike tour for 2012 was the highly recommended tour of the western side of northern Michigan along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. For seven days, 400+ riders rode through the scenic rural roads often paralleling the shore of the 2nd largest Great Lake. Looking out over the lake, I often felt I was at an ocean based on its immense size and many sandy beaches and picturesque harbors. At its max, Lake Michigan is 118 miles wide, 307 miles long and 980’ deep. On the windy days, waves pound the shoreline.

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

We've Been Nominated for a Chase Community Giving Grant!

jenny@lmb.org (Jenny Jensen) — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 20:13:10 -0400

Thanks to a Chase Bank customer, who also is a member of LMB, we have been nominated for a chance to win a $250,000 - if we get the most votes before September 19, 2012. If we don't make it to the top, we could be awarded from $10,000 to $100,000 instead if we get enough votes to put us in the top 196 of vote receivers. We have some very exciting programs that we are working toward rolling out and getting one of these grants would help tremendously. But we can't get there without your help! Please go to our profile in the Chase Giving Facebook App here and vote! There are rules, and if you are not a Chase Bank member you only get two (2) votes on Facebook, but you get more votes if you are a Chase Bank member. Here are...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

New Study: Taking the Stress Out of Cycling

john@LMB.org (John Lindenmayer) — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 14:29:26 -0400

According to a recently published study from the Mineta Transportation Institute: "For a bicycling network to attract the widest possible segment of the population, its most fundamental attribute should be low-stress connectivity -- providing routes between people's origins and destinations that do not require cyclists to use links that exceed their tolerance for traffic stress, and that do not involve an undue level of detour." Using San Jose, Calif., as a case study, the researchers found that, while 2/3 of area streets were comfortable for cyclists, the 30 percent of roads that were high stress made it difficult for residents to effectively navigate the city. Click Here to download the full report.

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Upcoming Law Enforcement Bicycle Training

john@LMB.org (John Lindenmayer) — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 14:24:26 -0400

October 19, 2012, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm $25 per person Course Content: Motor vehicle traffic law update - applicable codes for cyclists operating on and near roadways, and applicable codes for operators of motor vehicles who drive in the vicinity of cyclists Why and Where People Bicycle The Highway Safety Triangle How Bicycle Crashes Happen Education for Bicycle Safety Enforcement for Bicycle Safety The Police Offcer’s Role in Bicycle Safety Bicycle Safety Self-Assessment Building Community Partnerships “Wheel Time” Stories from the Street LMB is pleased to announce a new initiative that will provide up to three trainings a year for Michigan Law Enforcement personnel and bicyclists. These trainings will be in different parts of the state...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Michigan Bicycling Photo Contest

john@LMB.org (John Lindenmayer) — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 19:51:22 -0400

View 2012 Michigan Bicycling Photo Contest Winners 2013 Photo Contest Info Coming Soon! League of Michigan Bicyclists (LMB) is pleased to announce our first ever Michigan bicycling photo contest. We are looking for striking digital images that highlight the beauty, adventure, and inspirational nature of bicycle travel in Michigan. Images may be taken anywhere in the state of Michigan and must have a bicycle-related theme (Photos that focus on the scenery of an area must include some connection to or indication of bike travel). We are especially interested in images that showcase the wide range of bicyle-related experiences: touring, road, dirt and trail riding, rural and urban settings, scenery and weather, people, and the...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Meet Augie - LMB's New Intern

jenny@lmb.org (Jenny Jensen) — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 17:14:13 -0400

LMB is excited to announce another expansion in the office. Joining the teamn is Augie Engelhart, 22, if Algonac who is interning with us this summer. A recent grauate of Michigan State University's school of Natural Science, Augie is an avid cyclist looking to begin a career in the bike industry. "Cycling has always been a big part of my life. For as long as I can remember, I've yearned to get out and explore new spots on my bike, be it around the neighborhood, the city, or the state." After attending the Lucinda Means Bicycle Advocacy Day back in May, Augie was awed by the impact a small but dedicated organization like LMB could have on the state legislature. He knew he wanted to be a part of such an organization and approached LMB...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

LMB Loses a Founding Father - Tom Ferstle Passes at Age 62

john@LMB.org (John Lindenmayer) — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 13:54:30 -0400

It is with a heavy heart that we report that the League of Michigan Bicyclists (LMB) recently lost one of our founding fathers. Tom Ferstle, Age 62 of Rockwood, Michigan died July 22, 2012. An avid bicyclist, Tom played a big role in Michigan’s cycling scene including the early history of LMB where he served the organization in numerous capacities over the years. Tom was involved in the founding of the League in 1981 and went on to serve as one of LMB’s founding board members. In this capacity, he also served as treasurer for many of the early years before helping to organize the first Shoreline Bicycle Tour – East Route in 1988. He served as Tour Director for this tour from 1989-1996. In 1992, Tom’s...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

2012 Michigan UP Tour

jenny@lmb.org (Jenny Jensen) — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 11:31:50 -0400

July 21, 2012 Homeward bound! Riders rose early to race back to St. Ignace and head home after a great week on the bike. After a refreshing breakfast and loading luggage on the truck, about a third of the riders were held up by a thunderstorm and holed up in the cafeteria until it passed. Although the weather was mostly clear, it was cloudy and windy for most of the day. As the riders came into St. Ignace the head wind off of the lake became a hindrance but everyone made it in to Little Bear East Arena in one piece. After scooping up their bags, cleaning up for the road and picking up the delicious bread that some bought at North Star Bakery yesterday, the 2012 MUP came to a close. July 20, 2012 Paradise to Newberry...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Adopt a Stronger Complete Streets Policy - Sign the Petition

jenny@lmb.org (Jenny Jensen) — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 20:36:21 -0400

LMB has launched a petition urging the Michigan State Transportation Commission to adopt a stronger policy on Complete Streets. Please see the information below, then sign the petition at change.org here. via michigancompletestreets.org: "Michigan’s draft Complete Streets policy is out, and the Michigan State Transportation Commission (MSTC) is looking for your feedback. Through July 13th, we urge you to join other citizens around the state by signing the change.org petition asking MSTC to adopt a stronger policy. MSTC, a six-member board that establishes the policy and plans for Michigan’s Department of Transportation (MDOT), recently released the draft policy for implementing Complete Streets on state roads. The Complete Streets policy...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Effects of the New Transportation Bill on Bicycling

jenny@lmb.org (Jenny Jensen) — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 18:17:28 -0400

On Friday, June 29, 2012, the U.S. Congress passed a new 27-month federal transportation bill, extending current law until the end of September 30, 2012 and new law from October 1, 2012 until September 30, 2014. The bad news is that, compared to current law, the bill takes a real step backwards. That is truly disappointing, coming at a time when we sorely need forward-looking 21st century transportation policy that provides balanced transportation choices and improves public health and safety, economic development, the quality of our environment and the livability of our communities. Instead, the bill makes federal transportation policy more highway-centric, focusing on new road capacity and increasing the federal share of such projects...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Distracted Driving - It's More than Just Texting Behind the Wheel of a Vehicle

jenny@lmb.org (Jenny Jensen) — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 18:15:49 -0400

When the average person hears the phrase "distracted driving," they're most likely to think of a typical driver, piloting their vehicle they talk, text, change the radio station, sip a coffee, or even do their makeup. It's certainly true that this is the most likely scenario, but it should be noted that those on bicycles are just as likely to commit serious distracted offenses which place them right into harm's way while out on the road. Those offenses, combined with the need to always be on high alert for distracted drivers who might swerve into a bike lane or cause another kind of accident, absolutely require cyclists to pay close attention to every move they make while they're en route to their destination. Distracted Driving Happens...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Sunrise Wrap Up - Cycling Around Alpena

jenny@lmb.org (Jenny Jensen) — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 18:56:20 -0400

LMB's annual Sunrise Adventure took place in Alpena June 14-17, 2012 and we were honored to have 96 bicyclists join us for this three day ride. LMB is very excited to have worked with area volunteers and advocates to promote this event. All three days had short, medium and long routes to suit any rider. Thursday kicked off the tour with registration of cyclists from Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and Canada followed by a wine and cheese reception at the Marine Sanctuary. Alpena's mayor, Matt Waligora, proclaimed the town, "Bike Town" in participation of this event. The weekend had great weather as the tour traveled around Alpena. Friday the ride took a scenic route around Hubbard Lake alongside area Amish children on their chainless bikes....

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Bikes on Trains - Just Around the Track

john@LMB.org (John Lindenmayer) — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 16:52:52 -0400

Since the release of the Michigan State Rail plan last September, LMB has actively lobbied Amtrak to allow bicycles onboard Michigan passenger trains. We are excited to announce that our efforts are paying off and that Amtrak is currently taking steps to accommodate bicyclists on Michigan passenger trains. In March, LMB delivered our bikes on trains petition to Thomas C. Carper, Chairman of the Board for Amtrak. The petition, which has grown to 3100+ names, urges the railroad to provide onboard accommodations for bicyclists and bike parking at all stations. In response to the petition, Mr. Carper sent LMB a letter on June 25th outlining the current status of bicycle accommodations for both existing railroad cars needing retrofits, as...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

MDOT Promotes On-road Bicycling Facilities

jenny@lmb.org (Jenny Jensen) — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 18:54:08 -0400

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is sponsoring "Training Wheels" courses around the state designed to educate communities interested in providing on-road bicycle facilities for their residents and visitors. The five-hour course includes both classroom and outdoor instruction. The courses will be offered in the following areas: July 16 in Alma July 17 in St. Ignace July 18 in Ferndale July 19 in River Rouge July 20 in Kalamazoo "Training Wheels" shows communities how to integrate bike facilities into existing infrastructure to make bicycling safe and convenient, providing alternate transportation that makes roads more complete for everyone. Classroom instruction using a guide produced by the American Association for...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Be a "Roll Model" - Help Promote Youth Bicycle Safety

john@LMB.org (John Lindenmayer) — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 18:10:47 -0400

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) and AAA recently launched the Be a Roll Model campaign to help promote safe bicycling. Whether you are a motorist or bicyclist, a parent/grandparent, adult, or older youth, ride for transportation or recreation, we can all play a part in being a "Roll Model" to decrease the risks of traffic crashes and preventable injuries and deaths. The campaign consists of bicycle safety pledges, helmet safety tips, and safe bicycling tips for parents and children. More information on the campaign and copies of all tip sheets and pledge cards can be found at http://www.nhtsa.gov/Driving+Safety/Bicycles/Be+a+Roll+Model

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Deja Vu: House Aims to Eliminate Local Funds for Biking and Walking - Take Action!

john@LMB.org (John Lindenmayer) — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 16:58:26 -0400

Ask Your Member of Congress to Protect Funding in the Transportation Bill. The U.S. House and Senate are negotiating right now to produce a final federal transportation bill and 20 years of gains on biking, walking and Safe Routes to School could be eliminated. Only a strong show of support from bicyclists like you can make sure this doesn’t happen. Please act TODAY to protect federal funding for local biking and walking. In March, the Senate passed a bill with bipartisan support that included the Cardin-Cochran agreement, which allows local governments and school systems to access much-needed funds to for biking and walking projects and programs. But the House would prefer to get rid of biking and walking funding by giving states the...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Lansing Adopts Bicycle Parking Ordinance

john@LMB.org (John Lindenmayer) — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 14:43:52 -0400

Lansing City Council voted 7-1 at their June 4th meeting to adopt a comprehensive bicycle parking ordinance, backing up their Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly status with a policy aimed at improving cycling in the City. LMB was pleased to consult the City's legal council, City Council, and our organizational partners regarding bicycle parking best practices. Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council led the major push for the policy however, meeting with area business leaders, developing FAQ and guidelines, and organizing grassroots support around the ordinance. "The City of Lansing continues to lead the region in promoting walkable, bikeable communities", says Julie Powers, Executive Director of the Mid-Michigan Environmental Action...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]