This just in from MTGA…

Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance is kicking off the final round of public input sessions on the recommendations for restoration and improvement of the I-275 Pathway on Saturday, May 31st from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Nankin Mills County Park. The session will be in conjunction with the regular “Saturday in the Park” event in which Hines Drive is closed to motorized but open to nonmotorized traffic.

Stop by at anytime during those hours and you will be able to view aerial images of the entire pathway together with all of the recommendations. All of the changes that have been discussed over the 5 preceding public input sessions have been taken into account in the work done by the engineering team contracted by the Michigan Dept. of Transportation.

Read the rest of this entry »

As we noted earlier, American’s drove less in January. While February showed a modest increase, March dropped sharply. In fact it was the sharpest monthly drop in 66 years of reporting.

High gas prices and this continued downward trend (which began in 2006) only reinforces the fact that we need to provide more transportation options for Americans, including public transit and bicycling facilities.

Here is the complete press release from the Federal Highway Administation: Read the rest of this entry »

Last Friday was Detroit Synergy’s organized bike to work day from Downtown Dearborn to Campus Martius in Detroit.  It was a light turnout, which was surprising giving the great weather and high gas prices.  Perhaps many were getting an early start on their Memorial Day Weekend plans.

Nonetheless, we had a great ride straight down Michigan Avenue.  Channel 7 came out and covered the ride. Thanks to Alex, Detroit Synergy, Michael Boettcher (East Dearborn Downtown Development Authority), the Dearborn Police, and the Mercury Coffee Shop.

It’s getting closer.

The expected completion date for Phase I is this summer. It appear the electrical is currently being installed. There is still a lot of steel beams which may be for the Antietam Bridge replacement. The main trail portion (the east half of the right-of-way) is graded, along with the two vehicle access points at Gratiot and Lafayette.

One clarification should be made. Many, including myself thought the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy was responsible for constructing the Cut. They aren’t. The City of Detroit is with the DEGC managing the project. However, once completed, the Conservancy will handle this trail’s operations, maintenance, and programming.

In February Congressman Earl Blumenauer introduced a House Resolution that “recognizes that increased and safe bicycle use for transportation and recreation is in the national interest” and outlines general federal policy changes to support increased biking.

The outlined policies really tie together all of bicycling advocacy causes from Complete Streets to Safe Route to Schools to mountain biking access to bike commuting and much more.

You can view the complete House Resolution 305 on-line. Last week the Resolution was passed by the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. It was on the House floor this week but no vote was taken due to a lack of quorum. Its current status is also on-line.

Help get this passed

One easy option for cyclists to help get this passed is to simply call their representative. Here’s the list of phone numbers for the Detroit-area congressional delegation.  You can also find your representative on-line::

• Representative Joe Knollenberg, 202-225-5802
• Representative Thaddeus McCotter, 202-225-8171 ** BILL CO-SPONSOR **
• Representative Sander Levin, 202-225-4961
• Representative Carolyn Kilpatrick, 202-225-2261
• Representative John Conyers, 202-225-5126
• Representative John Dingell, 202-225-4071

You can ask them to support House Resolution 305 from Representative Blumenauer. It’s simple and takes less than a minute. Just let them know that you’re a cyclist from the Representative’s district and you want them to support this bill.

And, if Represenative McCotter is your congressman, make sure you thank them for co-sponsoring the resolution.