[Disclaimer: I work for MTGA.]

MTGA actively supports trail development in the City of Detroit

The Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance (MTGA) has been through some changes.

They started as the Michigan office for the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC).  When the RTC shifted their state focus to a regional focus, the Michigan office amicably split and MTGA was the result.

One issue that MTGA had is it was always chasing grant dollars to keep the wheels turning.  That chasing took time away from the trail projects themselves.  And it was that dilemma that prompted this new partnership with the Michigan Fitness Foundation (MFF).

“The shifting of the administrative burden will allow us to take the trails movement in Michigan to the next level,” said Nancy Krupiarz, executive director of MTGA. “We will be able to more fully dedicate ourselves to advancing the development of Michigan’s interconnected trailways system.”

Marilyn Lieber, president and CEO of the Michigan Fitness Foundation, sees this partnership advancing both nonprofits’ missions.

“A connected system of trails is an essential component of active community environments. Enhancing the opportunities for MTGA staff and its dedicated board members to address trail programs, full time, supports our mission of promoting healthy lifestyles in communities designed to support physical activity.”

Link: MTGA Press Release

The Bureau of Urban Living is hosting a fundraiser for Detroit greenways this Thursday, August 7^th. 25% of the sales for the day will be donated to the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance for work in Detroit.

The Bureau is “a modern-day general store for city dwellers, [and] offers modern home goods and gifts.” It’s a very cool store carrying unique items that you’re just not going to find anywhere else in town.

The Bureau will have light refreshments from 5 PM until 9 PM. (They open at 11 AM.) They’re also have some brochures on the various trail projects under development across the City.

You can find the Bureau of Urban Living in the Canfield Lofts, 460 West Canfield Street in Midtown Detroit. They’re just next door to Motor City Brewing and across the street from the Traffic Jam and Snug.

Mark from Canada posted the below comment on the MTGA web site.  We’ve reprinted it here (with his permission) because it echoes our push for safe AASHTO on-road bicycle facilities in Oakland County.  It’s great that Ontario is so forward-thinking and progressive with respect to cycling.

I’m accustomed to road cycling in Canada, and planning a visit with a friend in Oakland County. I can’t believe I’m being pushed onto “recreational trails” if I want to cycle! I want to get places and see the community, not paved trails in woodlands or parks! Bikes are classified as a vehicle by Ontario’s road authority, and there’re active advocacy groups successfully pushing for bike lanes on current and future roadways. Maybe we have a healthier mindset in Canada. Or maybe Michigan just can let go of the narrow minded car mindset. I recall seeing some arterials without sidewalks even!

Detroit Bike Riders United's Ron Scott

Yesterday was the Detroit Bike Riders United’s Cycling Awareness Ride from Eastern Market to Hart Plaza. Both the weather and turnout were great.

A big thanks goes out to all who participated, and special thanks to Detroit Police Chief Ella Bully-Cummings and State Senator Martha Scott. Other groups in attendance included the MIchigan Trails and Greenways Alliance, League of Michigan Bicyclists, Back Alley Bikes/The Hub, Detroit Freewheelers, and Sisters Cycling, just to name a few.

Slideshow of photos

So what made this a milestone? The last couple weeks are the first time in a long time that Detroit cyclists have spoke in a collective voice for better biking laws and facilities within the City. According to Kathryn Underwood of the Detroit City Planning Commission, it is the cyclists’ voice that really helped push Chicago to become more bike friendly. Detroit can do the same.

Detroit, Michigan

The Detroit City Council’s Public Health and Safety Committee is holding a public hearing to remove the Detroit bike license requirement. That meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 28th at 10:30 AM at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center (Jefferson at Woodward.) Please plan on arriving prior to 10 AM to avoid disturbing the Committee meeting.

We certainly could use some Detroit residents at this hearing to voice their support for this change.

The hope is that Council and Mayor can remove the required licensing prior to their August recess. During that recess we will work with Council and others to look at alternative ordinance language that would still allow police to identify and return stolen bikes without heavy fines for those cyclists who are unlicensed.

The City Council members at yesterday’s Public Health and Safety Committee meeting expressed support for biking in Detroit. Council President Ken Cockrel commented that he rides 3-4 times a week. He rightfully noted that unswept streets with broken glass is one issue he faces during his rides.

Overall it was a great discussion and it certainly seems we are making lemonade from the original lemon.