m-bike.org

Author: Todd Scott

  • Proposed Chicago ordinance would protect cyclists

    Chicago continues to lead the charge and set the biking standards for other cities to follow. This latest news comes from the Chicago Bicycle Federation:

    Today Mayor Daley introduced the 2008 Bicycle Safety Ordinance to the Chicago City Council. The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, which provided input as the Chicago Department of Transportation’s Bicycle Program developed the ordinance, was happy to hear about the ordinance’s introduction. It could mean a big step in protecting bicyclists in Chicago.

    This ordinance is in accordance with Chicago’s Bike 2015 Plan by increasing fines for traffic violations that endanger bicyclists, making Chicago’s rules consistent with Illinois laws and clarifying instances where motorists are required to yield the right-of-way to bicyclists.

    Specific provisions of the ordinance define three feet as the minimum safe distance to pass a bicyclist, prohibit opening a vehicle door into moving traffic, increase the fines for parking in bike lanes or marked shared lanes, clarify that left-turning motorists yield to oncoming bicyclists and prohibit motorists from turning right in front of a bicyclist.

    Violation of the proposed rules will result in a minimum fine of $150 and no less than $500 when the violation results in a bicycle crash. The proposed ordinance will make it easier for police to issue tickets, and for prosecutors to bring charges when motorists hit bicyclists.

    The proposed ordinance was assigned to the Committee for Traffic and Safety Control.

  • 22nd Annual Bike Feast is March 1st

    Location: Olive Branch Masonic Lodge, 170 Mason St. in Dearborn

    The original Bike Feast is back again! All cyclists are welcome to enjoy an evening of dining, entertainment and prizes – a time for telling tall tales and making plans for the upcoming riding season.

    • Bring your favorite dish to share
    • Wear your favorite cycling shirt or jersey
    • 5 pm social hour
    • 6 pm dinner
    • Entrees provided – BYO pop, beer, wine
    • Space is limited – send $7 and SASE to:

      Tom Ferstle
      Down River Cycling Club
      23937 Huron River Drive
      Rockwood, MI 48173

    Have questions? Contact Tom at (734) 379-4781 or tkferstle AT sbcglobal DOT net

  • Two Wheel Revolution

    From metromode:

    bike lanesGeysering fuel prices and the clamor for sustainable lifestyles and cityscapes bode well for bicycle commuters, with Oregon congressman Earl Blumenauer leading the pack. As head of the bi-partisan Congressional Bike Caucus, a group promoting public investment in bike transportation, Blumenauer’s regular coasts to the office and the White House are Washington, D.C. legend.

    Cities from Portland, Oregon to Boulder, Colorado are threaded with cycling networks.

    So will the Motor City region (with three Congressional Bike Caucus members) shrug off its shroud of automobile exhaust and feel the oxy rush from the two-wheel revolution?

    Complete Article

  • Michigan announces “Safe Routes to School” recipients

    From MDOT:

    The Granholm administration today announced that nine Michigan elementary and middle schools will receive more than $1.6 million in federal “Safe Routes to School” funding for safety improvements and education programs that will encourage students to travel safely between home and school.

    “We want to protect the health and safety of our Michigan children,” said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. “This program offers our children encouragement and opportunities to walk or bike to school. These schools are to be commended for the neighborhood and community-building efforts they accomplished in developing action plans and pursuing these grants to improve safety and encourage healthy lifestyles.”
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  • I-275 Bike Path Public Work Sessions

    From MDOT…

    I-275 Bike Path Asset Management Study

    You are invited to join MDOT and their consultants, Wilbur Smith Associates and Wade Trim, at an Open House to review and provide input on the draft results of the existing conditions analysis for the I-275 Bike Path that has recently been completed. This work is the first step in an overall analysis of what will be needed to allow this 40+ mile path to become an integral piece of the regions bicycle and pedestrian circulation system. Information will be available for individual reviews between 3 and 5 PM on January 30, 2008 in the Freedom Room on the lower level of the Canton Administration Building, 1150 S. Canton Center, Canton, Michigan. There will be a short presentation of the draft conclusions of the existing conditions analysis at 3:30 PM.

    The project team is looking for local input and review of the draft conclusions before finalizing them and moving onto the development of improvement recommendations. The project team is also interested in hearing any suggestions you may have about trail improvements, possible connections, or other recommendations relating the reinvigoration of the I-275 Bike Path.

    There will also be two evening public work session. The first will be the evening of January 30, 2008, also in the Freedom Room in Canton starting at 5:30 PM. The second will be in the Activity Room in Willow Metropark on January 31, 2008, starting at 6:30 PM.

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