House 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. Read the rest of this entry »

Ninety-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!” Read the rest of this entry »

The 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.

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.

Yesterday Mayor Cockrel signed the U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Act.  He joins a growing list of other Metro Detroit signees that have done the same, including:

• John Hieftje (Ann Arbor)
• Marilyn Stephan (Berkley)
• Daniel Paletko (Dearborn Heights)
• Robert Porter (Ferndale)
• James Ellison (Royal Oak)
• Gretchen Driskell (Saline)
• Brenda Lawrence (Southfield)
• Norma Wurmlinger (Southgate)
• Cameron Priebe (Taylor)
• David Flaisher (Township of West Bloomfield)
• Mark Steenbergh (Warren)
• Paul Schreiber (Ypsilanti)

Part of this agreement includes the following:

We will strive to meet or exceed Kyoto Protocol targets for reducing global warming pollution by taking actions in our own operations and communities such as:

2. Adopt and enforce land-use policies that reduce sprawl, preserve open space, and create compact, walkable urban communities;
3. Promote transportation options such as bicycle trails, commute trip reduction programs, incentives for car pooling and public transit;

There’s no surprise that many of these Michigan cities have taken the lead on bicycle facility development.  Some have not.  For those communities that have not seen the light — or made the commitment to improve biking — this may be another justification to help push them along.