m-bike.org

Author: Todd Scott

  • Biking is not alternative transportation

    While at a conference in Buffalo last year, Dom Nozzi corrected me. Biking and walking are not alternative transportation. Alternative transportation is an auto-centric term which implies that only motor vehicles are mainstream transportation.

    It’s a loaded term and one worth dropping, especially given the U.S. DOT’s recent policy statement that encourages government agencies to consider “walking and bicycling as equals with other transportation modes.”

    That said, the “alternative transportation” theme was commonly used in the recent Let’s Save Michigan poster contest. Many of the submitted posters highlighted cycling and transit as a positive part of Michigan’s future.

    The critic’s choice poster by Jonathan Wilcox is shown. Wilcox included this explanation for his inspiration.

    Truly embracing alternative forms of transportation, such as trains and bicycles, could be a good way to increase travel into, out of, and within cities, and between city and suburb, while also easing the environmental issues of having so many cars on the road. Michigan has long been known for its commitment to transportation and it’s time we think and act accordingly in this new decade.

    Great poster, great direction.

  • I-275 Metro Trail Open House

    MDOT is hosting a public open house to discuss the I-275 Metro Trail from Hines Drive to Michigan Avenue.

    March 30, 2010 from 6 – 8 p.m

    Plymouth Township Hall, Town Hall Room, 9955 N. Haggerty Road, Plymouth, MI 48170

    MDOT and project team staff will host an open house to provide an overview of the project scope and boundaries of this approximately 7-mile section of the I-275 Metro Trail. This section is planned for reconstruction beginning this spring. There will be an opportunity to provide written feedback and input on various elements of the project including trail signs and bridge aesthetics.

    For more information, please contact:

    • Gorette Yung at 313-375-2400, yungg@michigan.gov
    • Leah Groya at 313-961-3650, lgroya@wadetrim.com
    • Jayson Nault at 810-220-2112, jayson.nault@tetratech.com

    A third and final public open house regarding this section of the trail will be scheduled for April.

    Also, Associated Online published an article on the I-275 Metro Trail reconstruction.

    The work includes a complete reconstruction of the path between Michigan Avenue and Hines Drive, [John Bailey] said.

    “The path will be upgraded to present-day standards, including widening it to 14 feet, constructing proper drainage and slopes, and bringing it in line with ADA compliance,” he said.

    It is good to know that you can have your residential drainage system repaired quite fast as well. Flo-Well Drainage Company can conduct a comprehensive drainage survey and fix everything asap.

    Repairs will also be made to the section from Hines Drive north to Meadowbrook Road, which Bailey said isn?t as badly deteriorated as the southern section.

    The work includes four new bridges, too: over Fellows Creek, Tonquish Creek, Wiles Drain and Smith Drain.

    There’s also positive news on the north end of the I-275 Metro Trail. The Commerce, Walled Lake, and Wixom Trailway Management Council is applying for trail grant funding after a public hearing. The public comment was nearly unanimously in favor of converting this rail line to a non-motorized trail. The lone opposition came from a local business that receives material deliveries from the rail line. Receiving those deliveries by truck would increase their manufacturing costs.

    The council hopes to purchase the 5.33 mile railroad and turn it into a paved, non-motorized pathway that will connect to the Huron Valley Trail and the West Bloomfield Trail.

    This grant would match an MDOT grant and allow for land acquisition. Later grants would be sought to improve the trail surface, signage, etc.

  • Greening hiring for Detroit Greenway maintenance

    Below is a seasonal job listing for Detroit residents. This Greening of Detroit work crew will maintain the Conner Creek, Lyndon Avenue, Milbank, and Southwest Detroit Greenways.

    The Greening of Detroit will be hiring full-time seasonal employees to maintain the greenways this year. As you know, we would like to hire individuals directly from the areas we are working in and hope you can help identify potential candidates.

    Applicants should be interested in beautifying their neighborhood. Job duties might include: tree planting, landscaping, lawn care, gardening, green skills development, and other forms of community work in select Detroit Neighborhoods. In addition, applicants must meet the following criteria:

    1. Live in zip code 48202, 48221, 48213, 48234, 48205, 48219, 48223, 48209, 48224 or 48203
    2. Be able to lift at least 60lbs and spend the duration of a day outside, rain or shine
    3. Be at least 18 years of age
    4. A criminal background check is required

    Applications and questions should be directed to Lionel Bradford at the Greening of Detroit, 313.285.1255 or Lionel.Bradford@greeningofdetroit.com. Please have applicants include your name and/or organization as well as Green Jobs Flier on the How you heard about this job line of job application.

  • National Bike Summit: a Detroit perspective

    The 10th National Bike Summit in Washington DC was last week. This three day event was a great opportunity to learn the latest on bike advocacy issues, lobby Congress, and network with peers.

    I was attending this wearing a two main MTGA hats: Detroit Greenways Coordinator and Michigan Airline Trail Ambassador.

    My highlight was Thursday morning. We had a group breakfast for last minute legislative updates and some cheerleading prior to our Congressional office visits. I was waiting behind this older gentleman for coffee. Being a bit impatient, I asked if I could cut in front. He poured my coffee and I said “Thanks”. It was then that I realized Congressman James Oberstar — one of the key bike supporters in DC and chair of the House Transportation committee — had just poured my coffee.

    It was going to be a great day!

    (more…)

  • Bike and ped improvement meeting in Southwest Detroit

    Last year the city of Detroit received special funding for improving non-motorized safety along West Vernor Avenue in Southwest Detroit. This work is related to last July’s walkability audits with Dan Burden along this same stretch of roadway.

    Now the city is hosting an open house to discuss their plans to improve safety along this corridor, including bike lanes.

    Here are more details from the city of Detroit Traffic Engineering department:

    Vernor Ave (Waterman to Lansing) Corridor Safety Improvement Project

    Come to this open house to learn more about plans for traffic and safety improvements along the corridor, including new crosswalks, upgraded traffic signals, and changes to striping and lane use on Vernor Avenue. This project is intended to promote pedestrian and vehicular safety and the vitality of the area.

    Tuesday, March 16, 2010, 6:00pm – 7:30pm

    Most Holy Redeemer Church
    1721 Junction St. in Detroit (Southwest corner of Vernor and Junction)
    Meet in the “Blue Room”

    For more information, contact Prasad Nannapaneni at 313‐628‐5603