m-bike.org

Author: Todd Scott

  • What’s our carbon footprint in your City?

    I gave the following public comment at a recent Troy City Council meeting.  I was speaking in favor of their Troy Trails initiative.  Given the city’s past success in attracting business, I thought the following insight might spur further support for making Troy more bikeable and walkable:

    Yesterday I got back from a Smart Growth conference in Albuquerque

    There I learned that progressive entrepreneurs and businesses – companies like Google – are starting to ask the question:

    If we locate our operations in your city, what will be our carbon footprint?

    Can our employees bike, walk or take transit to work?

    Or do they need to drive?

    Can they bike or walk to the grocery store, the parks, cafes or the local micro brew?

    Can their kids walk or bike safely to school?

    Or do they need to be driven?

    Today, honestly,having a low carbon footprint in Troy is challenging. Troy is not yet competitive with the Ann Arbors, the Portlands, or the Chicagos of the world.

    And while making Troy more bikeable and walkable is not a single solution, it is a major first step towards becoming more competitive in bringing future progressive employers to Troy.

  • Tax Deductions for some bikes and clubs

    Michigan's State Capitol Building in LansingHouse Bill 4109 was recently introduced that makes some exercise equipment and memberships tax deductible in Michigan.

    One could assume Tonya Schuitmaker, the bill’s sponsor is intent on encouraging greater fitness among Michigan taxpayers.

    The problem is the legislative language is very limiting.  A cyclist could deduct their bicycle purchase if it were used “for the sole purpose of engaging in vigorous exercise.”  If you ride that bike to work or to the local coffee shop, you can kiss that deduction goodbye.  If you decide to enter a bike race then you lose your deduction.

    The language makes me wonder if my cycling food and clothing would be deductible.

    Our synopsis: Good intentions.  Bad bill. (more…)

  • “I’ve got some rights on the road!”

    tom-swiftNinety-nine years later and bicyclists are facing the same issues Tom Swift faced in the first chapter of the  first book of the popular series, Tom Swift and His Motor Cycle, or, Fun and Adventure on the Road.

    Aggressive driving.

    Cyclists’ rights to the road.

    Hat’s off to Tom Swift for keeping such a calm demeanor.

    From the 1910 book which is freely available via Project Gutenberg:

    As the boy spoke, the breeze, created by the speed at which the car was traveling, lifted off his cap, and sent it whirling to the rear.

    Andy Foger turned for an instant’s glance behind. Then he opened the throttle still wider, and exclaimed:

    “Let it go, Sam. We can get another. I want to see what time I can make to Mansburg! I want to break a record, if I can.”

    “Look out, or you’ll break something else!” cried a lad on the rear seat. “There’s a fellow on a bicycle just ahead of us. Take care, Andy!” (more…)

  • Trails Forum on February 3rd in Dearborn

    mrpaThe Michigan Recreation and Parks Association is having another trails forum on Tuesday, February 3rd in Dearborn.

    A list of the trail forum sessions is on-line.

    The fee for those already attending the conference is $65.  For those just attending the trails forum, the fee is $105.

    I will be there giving the presentation Building Urban Trails and Greenways with a collaborative effort in Detroit.

    From the MRPA:

    The MRPA Trails Greenways and Blueways Committee presents the 2nd state-wide trails forum.

    The day long forum will consist of several case studies of successful trails. Presenters will include information specific to their trail on planning, construction and programming trails. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the successes and flaws in an educational format. Case studies include trail systems of Grand Rapids, Grosse Ille, Heart of Michigan, Detroit, Columbus, and others.

    The lunch event will afford networking with trail experts.

    The invited keynotes speaker of the forum is Tim O’Brien, former Vice President, Ford Motor Company. As deputy chief of staff at Ford, Mr. O’Brien was instrumental in Ford’s initiative of integrating sustainability into all aspects of its business strategy. Mr. O’Brien was the Ford Motor Company liaison in the Rouge Gateway Partnership. This public/private stakeholder group developed the Rouge Gateway Master Plan and Greenway. He championed the revitalization of the Rouge Center with its environmentally responsible manufacturing system and the largest green roof in North America. Mr. O’Brien is now an independent consultant specializing in “environmental mediation”.

    Please join the MRPA Trails, Greenways and Blueways Committee for this day long forum of education and networking.

  • Biking Headlines in the News

    Here are some bike-related headlines from the past couple days.

    Ghost Bike Driver Waives Exam

    Kimberly Dancy waived her rights to an exam this week.  Dancy is accused of the hit-and-run accident on Woodward that killed a Detroit bicyclist.

    Dancy’s waiving of her preliminary exam in Royal Oak’s 44th District Court amounts to “a concession that there was probably cause” for the felony charges, Royal Oak City Attorney Dave Gillam said.

    Earlier this month, she dropped her lawsuit against the Royal Oak police that sought to force the return of her Jeep Liberty, Gillam said.

    Dancy is going before Oakland County Circuit Judge Lisa Gorcyca on Monday.

    This story was even picked up in the Chicago Tribune.

    Polly Ann Trail Upgrade

    The Polly Ann Trail is being extended in Orion Township as  we reported earlier (though it appears the costs have changed.)

    Jimmy Carter gets Replacements for his Stolen Bikes

    Someone recently stole Former President Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter’s bikes in Atlanta.  On the Daily Show this week, Jon Stewart presented Carter with two new bikes.  It was great watching his genuine gratefulness.