Dear Friends,
Part of our vision at LMB is for a state where "our streets and trails are safe and accessible" to all. We have a generally good working relationship with MDOT in pursuing that goal. We asked last year that the new MDOT director put people first, and this year, the department has set a new mission statement: "Serving and connecting people, communities, and the economy through transportation." I appeared on MDOT's Talking Michigan Transportation podcast to talk about the new distracted driving laws. We commented on MDOT's Five-Year Transportation Program, and MDOT gave an official response.
However, MDOT has also fallen short of its own goals for safety in every year since 2012, and of full compliance with laws and policies that LMB advocated for, especially Complete Streets. Since 2009, more than 16% of deaths on Michigan roads have been people walking or biking. We need to hold MDOT accountable for safety, to push against its own inertia and make changes – radical changes if necessary – that move us toward zero deaths.
We know that MDOT can do more to protect the safety of low-impact travelers on foot or bike. We've got ideas and evidence. And to make sure these also get attention, we'd like your help.
Please take a few minutes to read our open letter to MDOT director Brad Wieferich, and if you agree, add your name by Nov. 30 (and ask your friends to do the same!) We'll present the letter and signatures at the beginning of December.
MDOT's stated vision is "to provide people with a safe, future-driven, interconnected multimodal transportation network that ensures equitable options."
We know Michigan is capable of getting there. Will you join me on the journey?
Sincerely yours,
Matt Penniman
Communications and Advocacy Director, LMB
LEAGUE OF MICHIGAN BICYCLISTS
410 South Cedar Street, Suite A
Lansing, Michigan 48912
(517) 334-9100
Working to improve life through bicycling since 1981.
What a wonderful event. 70 bikes and helmets were give to the children. Thank you for your donations and volunteering!! This couldn't happen without you.
Thank you! Please deliver bikes to CTI (5479 Lapeer Rd, Burton) between 9am - 5pm M-F. Please feel free to contact us, info@grandblancgrid.com, if you need help with pick up or if you have helmets to donate.
On January 30th the Grand Blanc Grid met with public officials from Grand Blanc Township and the Genesee County Road Commission (GCRC). At this meeting the GCRC explained their policy for reconstructing major roadways: When a major roadway is reconstructed the roads will be designed with 12’ lanes and 3’ shoulders. In most cases roads wi
On January 30th the Grand Blanc Grid met with public officials from Grand Blanc Township and the Genesee County Road Commission (GCRC). At this meeting the GCRC explained their policy for reconstructing major roadways: When a major roadway is reconstructed the roads will be designed with 12’ lanes and 3’ shoulders. In most cases roads will be striped with 11’ lanes which will provide between 4’ and 4.5’ of paved shoulder. This standard only applies to roads that are getting completely reconstructed, and not to simple resurfacing projects. A recent example of a roadway reconstructed under this policy is Baldwin Rd. between South Dort Highway and Ruby St. in Grand Blanc Twp. This segment of Baldwin Rd. has wider paved shoulders than adjacent segments of Baldwin Rd. and should be safer for nonmotorized users. In the next two years Grand Blanc Rd. between Dort Hwy and Fenton Rd. will be reconstructed with these wider shoulders.
The Grand Blanc Township Board discussed non- motorized paths at their meeting Tuesday evening. They reiterated a desire to follow a focused plan that would prioritize connecting a Cook/Embury path to the new Dort Hwy extension path. In 2024 Cook Road is scheduled for major re-construction so the Township would like to coordinate the path project with the re-construction. Further, the Board took a unanimous vote to focus support on the Cook/Embury project. This vote will enable the Township to set aside capital money for path development. Path projects are approximately $1 million per mile. The capital money set aside will be approximate 26% or $260,000 to use toward engineering and matching funds for grants.
Friends of the Grand Blanc Grid is very excited about this formal step by the Township to continue path development. The Dort Hwy Extension path is scheduled for completion this summer.
Friends of the Grand Blanc Grid will be launching fundraising activities to support the development of non-motorized paths in our community. Please watch for more information and how you can be involved.
We are placing a sign at key business partners who are helping complete the Grid one section at a time. Thank you businesses and thank you Crannie.
Thank you Security Credit Union for your piece of the Grid.
Please link your Kroger card to Friends of the Grand Blanc Grid then Kroger will donate a portion of your purchases to Friends of the Grand Blanc Grid. It won't cost you a penny more and won't require any additional work. Simple go to https://www.kroger.com/i/community/community-rewards and scroll down to link your shopper's card. It is very easy. You can look up Friends of the Grand Blanc Grid or our code is JS913. Thank you!!!
Grand Blanc Township has committed to building the Cook/Embury Trail. This is a significant connection from the Dort Hwy Trail to the Grand Blanc Road Trail. We need to help them raise $300,000 to make this happen. Please support. Thank you!!
Please help spread the word about building the Grid. Pick up your cling and brochures at Bauman's Running and Walking Shop, Assenmacher's Bicycle Company, Great Harvest Bread Company, CycleFit in Fenton, Complete Runner or email us to get a window cling for your car.
360 Interactive has generously donated their time and talent to develop marketing materials for the Grand Blanc Grid. We are eager to start attending local events to build the enthusiasm for our paths.
click on the Gifts and Grants tab for more details
click on the Gifts and Grants tab for more details
Some paths have been built. There are exciting projects planned that could accommodate a path.
Please join our friends group to help build momentum, raise awareness, raise money and partner with those who can make the dream of creating bike paths and walking paths a reality. Let's complete this network by 2025!
Grand Blanc, Michigan, United States
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