As reported earlier, a Royal Oak bicyclist was recently killed in a hit and run on Woodward. There had been discussion on Detroits Critical Mass discussion list about adding a ghost bike at the crash scene.
Ghost Bikes are small and somber memorials for bicyclists who are killed or hit on the street. A bicycle is painted all white and locked to a street sign near the crash site, accompanied by a small plaque. They serve as reminders of the tragedy that took place on an otherwise anonymous street corner, and as quiet statements in support of cyclists’ right to safe travel.
Rep. Donigan discusses transit issues at the recent Green Brainstorming workshop in Royal Oak.
It seems those who are most quick to negatively stereotype politicians have the least experience in working with them. That’s not to say some politicians don’t deserve a bad rap, but many don’t.
And speaking of politicians, the 8th annual Tri-County Summit was recently at the Detroit Institute of Arts. (Covered by the Detroit News and Detroit Free Press.) It was a great opportunity to talk trails and bikes with area politicians, including:
Commissioner Potter has been around for awhile and always a major trails advocate. Prior to joining the commission, he was mayor of South Lyon, where he helped spearhead the Huron Valley Trail in Western Oakland County. He’s continuing to push for its expansion to the southwest into Lyon Township and beyond.
Commissioner Coulter represents Ferndale, Hazel Park, and some of Royal Oak. Coulter has been an advocate for public transit and a supporter of non-motorized transportation in Southeast Oakland County. We recently discussed Detroit’s new non-motorized transportation plan and how that can provide connections with Ferndale’s Bicycle Network.
Representative Donigan’s district is Royal Oak and Madison Heights. Donigan has been pushing public transit in Michigan before it was popular and before gas hit $4 a gallon. She’s recently introduced innovative legislation to create Transit TIF‘s to finance public transportation development. She’s also co-sponsored HB 6299 and HB 6300 which increase penalties for motorists that injure or kill cyclists.
Councilmember Sheila Cockrel along with her fellow Public Health and Safety committee members JoAnn Watson and Alberta Tinsley-Talabi, have been very supportive of improving biking within the City of Detroit. Cockrel and staff have been working with the law department to craft replacement bike license ordinances, which is coming along well. Ms. Cockrel also had The Hub build up a bike for her.
Last Friday, a female was a victim of a hit-and-run collision on Woodward Avenue in Royal Oak. She was struck and dragged more than 100 feet. She died later at Beaumont Hospital.
Governor Jennifer M. Granholm celebrates volunteers committed to promoting bicycling in the communities of Detroit, Grand Rapids and Lansing
The Hub/Back Alley Bikes in Detroit, The Motion Initiative in Grand Rapids, and MSU Bikes and Share a Bike in Lansing will host a Day of Action event on Saturday, September 27 from noon to 4 PM to encourage the donation of bikes and bike parts. The events, depending on location, will also offer free maintenance checks, bike safety training and other services and activities.
These organizations work tirelessly to collect, repair and distribute bikes in their communities. Participating residents can support their efforts, donate bikes, and learn more about biking and bike maintenance.
Cyclists get ready to roll in front of the old Michigan Central Station
Last Saturday’s Tour de Troit bike ride in Detroit was a huge success, thanks in part to some wonderful September weather. There were 1,100 registered riders this year, about 500 more than last year.
As reported earlier, a Royal Oak bicyclist was recently killed in a hit and run on Woodward. There had been discussion on Detroits Critical Mass discussion list about adding a ghost bike at the crash scene.
