m-bike.org

Author: Todd Scott

  • Organizing Bike Advocacy in Metro Detroit

    Meeting with BikesBelong’s Tim BlumenthalOne of the biggest problems facing bike advocacy in Metro Detroit is the lack of organization. There are many groups and clubs, but not a single voice that can inform and mobilize grassroots cycling advocacy.

    We’ve met and discussed this dilemma with the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance, League of Michigan Bicyclists, Michigan Fitness Foundation, and American Cycle and Fitness. We looked at one example of a successful regional advocacy group in Flint.

    Of course, one big issue is funding.

    Since the National Safe Routes to School Conference was in Dearborn at the end of 2007, we set up a meeting with Tim Blumenthal of BikesBelong. As he mentioned ahead of time, he didn’t bring his checkbook, but he still gave us ideas of where else this situation has been resolved throughout the U.S. Unfortunately there aren’t many examples.

    Still, this idea is moving forward though with a more limited regional perspective. We’ll should be posting more updates in the near future.

  • Another round of M-DOT Transportation Enhancements are announced

    Detroit RiverwalkM-DOT has just announced another $3.8 million in Transportation Enhancement funding for 11 projects across the state. These grants will be used to develop non-motorized trails, pave roadway shoulders, purchase bus bike racks and more. All projects will take place during the 2008 construction season.

    Unfortunately the bus bike racks aren’t for D-DOT. Flint and Marquette requested those.

    However, two of the grants are in Detroit and will undoubtedly improve biking in the City.

    Here are the details from MDOT: (more…)

  • Complete Streets Legislation is Introduced

    Complete Streets logoSenator Tom Harkin from Iowa has introduced the Complete Streets Act of 2008. According to the Senator’s web site, “To reduce accidents, legislation will create ‘Complete Streets’ to keep motorists, transit vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians safe.”

    Making our streets bike and pedestrian friendly is a win-win for us all. It not only promotes healthier lifestyles, it lowers the amount of traffic congestion that many people deal with every day.

    So, what would this bill do for the Detroit area? It would require M-DOT and SEMCOG to adopt policies ensuring “that the safety and convenience of all users of the transportation system shall be accommodated.” That means all new road construction and reconstruction should include bicycle facilities unless very specific justifications can be documented.

    Some U.S. cities and states already have Complete Streets policies. In Michigan, only the City of Jackson has done so.

    What can you do to help? Make a quick call to Senators Levin (202.224.6221) and Stabenow (202.224.4822) to let them know you support Senator Harkin’s Complete Streets Act of 2008. If no one answers, just leave a message of support, your name, and address. (more…)

  • Copenhagen’s Two-Wheeled Congestion

    The video below is from the Knippels Bridge in Copenhagen during rush hour. If this were in Detroit, people would assume it’s an organized group ride. Is it any wonder than Danes make up the happiest nation?

    Note that a dedicated bus (and tulip truck) lane provides some separation between the cars and bikes.

    Imagine how many more lanes of roadway would need to be built if these cyclists were in their own individual cars.

    Thanks to the Copenhagen Cycle Chic blog for originally posting this video — “bike advocacy in heels.”

  • Thoughts on Google Maps + bike routes

    Google cycling jerseyThere’s a new blog GoogleMapsBikeThere.org that’s leading a petition to get bike directions added to Google Maps. In other words, when you type an address into Google Maps, you could request biking directions instead of driving directions.

    In some cities, there is an option to select public transit options rather than driving directions. It’s called Google Transit and Detroit SMART bus routes are included. It’s a very cool mashup.

    So why not do that for bikes? Google apparently likes bikes. They sell Google bike jerseys. Their Ann Arbor office has secure bike parking. They encourage their Birmingham employees to commute by bike.

    I think the biggest problem is safety. (more…)