m-bike.org

Author: Todd Scott

  • Windsor updates: Bikes, Trains, and Ferries

    Bicycle Use Master Plan underfunded

    The Windsor Star has a brief mention of the city of Windsor’s bicycling efforts, which according to some bicycling advocates is moving too slowly.

    Members of the Windsor Bicycling Committee and the advocacy group Bike Friendly Windsor were at Wednesday’s capital budget meeting to implore council to devote more money to the Bicycle Use Master Plan (BUMP).

    Drafted by the city in 2001, the 20-year plan was meant to show the city’s commitment to building an “easily accessible, safe and actively used” cycling network.

    But Steve Konkle of Bike Friendly Windsor said BUMP has been the victim of “chronic underfunding.”

    According to Konkle, Windsor has less than 25 miles of bike lanes.

    Bike Train now daily

    The Ontario Bike Train is now daily. The train makes it easy for cyclists to get between Windsor, London, Toronto, and other cities in Ontario. Bicycle racks are available for cyclists.

    We spoke with Justin LaFontaine, Projects Director for Transportation Options and the founder of the Bike Train initiative. He said the big buzz among Toronto cyclists is riding in Detroit. And while they can take the bike train to Windsor, there is no option for them to get to Detroit.

    They have had conversations with the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority about ferry service across the Detroit River. The Port Authority is very interested in helping make that international connection for cyclists.

    Until there is a convenient way for cyclists to cross the border, Detroit-area cyclists can drive to the Windsor train station. There’s also this interesting web site with the tag line, “Explore Ontario by bike. Stop at bicycle friendly places to eat, visit and sleep.”

    What about AMTRAK?

    One obvious question is what about bicycles on AMTRAK? The Pere Marquette and Blue Water lines should be getting roll-on bicycle service. However, we do not know about the Wolverine line, the line between Pontiac, Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Chicago. That line is not subsidized by MDOT and therefore is not required to have roll on service per an MDOT appropriations bill. We’re waiting to hear if AMTRAK will provide roll on service nonetheless.

  • Clinton River Trail bridge under construction

    The Friends of the Clinton River Trail have posted some very exciting construction photos of the Clinton River Trail bridge over Telegraph Road in Pontiac.

    According to the Friends site, “Progress is being made on the bridge, with the ramps set and the first steel spans in place… Engineers say they are on track to have the bridge open by sometime in June!”

    For more information and many more construction photos, visit the Friends of the Clinton River Trail blog site.

  • OmnicorpDetroit offers bicycle repair bootcamp

    Omnicorpdetroit in Eastern Market is offering a three day bootcamp on bike repair from simple, on-the-road fixes to full assembly.

    The dates are April 12th, April 26th, and May 3rd.

    All participants must bring their own bike and be prepared to get greasy! This is a full hands-on class.

    Tools and bike stands will be provided.

    More info and online registration is available on EventBrite.

    For more details, visit the Omnicorp web site.

    Via Joe Aasim on Facebook

  • Complete Streets: Detroit and more

    The Complete Streets Community Workshop held on March 31st was an absolute success. While it was hoped to attract perhaps 100 attendees, about 160 showed up. There is a brief write up on the MTGA web site:

    Prior to the event, DHWP Director and Public Health Officer Dr. Yvonne E. Anthony said, “With this workshop, we hope to engage the community and garner support to make our streets safer in order to promote healthy lifestyles and activities such as walking, running and biking. We encourage Detroit residents to join in the conversation.

    And they did.

    After the [Richard] Wooten presentation, the attendees submitted questions ranging from the impact of light rail, truck traffic, and bike lanes.

    In speaking with some city officials afterwards, they were very impressed with the turnout and interest in Complete Streets. In many ways this reaffirms their recent efforts.

    On the radio

    On March 29th, I joined Myra Tetteh from the Detroit Health and Wellness Promotion Department on the WDET’s Craig Fahle Show. If you missed the broadcast, the podcast is on-line. The Complete Streets conversation begins 54 minutes into the podcast.

    A new web address

    In order to simplify things, a new web address and basic web page has been created for the Complete Streets efforts in Detroit. That address is www.DetroitCompleteStreets.org.

    Michigan Municipal League

    The Michigan Municipal League has a helpful Complete Streets web page. The page is especially useful for government officials looking to pursue Complete Street policies. The web page includes example ordinances and resolutions from various Michigan governments. And if you’re just a motivated Complete Streets advocate, this is a good link to email to your elected government officials.

    — Todd Scott

  • Red Planet Bicycle Collective opens in Detroit

    A new bike collective called the Red Planet Bicycle Collective has opened in Detroit. They are located south of  Seven Mile and Woodward and just down the street from the Innate Healing Arts Center (18700 Woodward).

    Our mission is to mobilize the Seven Mile and Woodward area by providing access to donated bikes, tools and parts, and teach bicycle repair. Through hands on workshops the community will learn road safety and how to build and maintain a bicycle.

    The collective is seeking donated bikes, parts and tools. Donations can be dropped off at the Healing Center (313.366.2247)