Last year, Detroit Public Television aired a half-hour segment on greenways and trails in the Metro-Detroit area called “Pathways for People.” It’s a well put together look at trails and their importance. If you have the time, you can now watch that video on-line. Pathway for People
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.
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.
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
Another great program that refurbishes donated bikes for needy children…
From the Detroit News:
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office has added two new partners to its Re-CYCLE for Kids program.
The program allows members of the community to donate bikes and bike parts as well as bicycle tools and accessories to give away to needy children through local charities. Officials have given away about 600 bikes since the program started in February 2006.
The bikes are then refurbished by minimum security inmates who perform work details in the community through the Sheriff’s Office Trusty Camp.
For information and a list of drop off locations, visit www.oakgov.com/sheriff/ or call (248) 858-5000.
Read Complete Article
There are habits in life that if you don’t pick them up as a kid, you’re unlikely to pick them up as an adult, e.g. eating right, hunting, smoking, and biking. Sometimes that’s a good thing, sometimes it’s not.
I’m reminded of the “give a man a fish” adage. Give a kid a ride to school and they’ll be in class that day. Give them a bike and they’re empowered to ride to school and elsewhere on their own (and be a whole lot healthier.)
A big thanks to Variety on Christmas!
From the Detroit Free Press:
When 12-year-old Jalen Hunt and his brother, 11-year-old Danotis Smith Jr., first set eyes on their new bicycles, they were looking forward to summer so they could go for a ride.
“This feels good,” said Jalen while testing out his bicycle. “This is new. It doesn’t look like my old one.”
More than 165 children like Jalen and Danotis received brand-new bicycles thanks to Variety, a children’s charity that offers support to more than 25 children’s agencies and groups throughout southeastern Michigan. For 12 years, Variety has worked with agencies to identify children who need a bicycle. Some of the children have never owned a bicycle or have never had a brand-new one.
Since Variety began its Bikes for Kids event, nearly 3,000 bicycles have been given away.