MICHIGAN

BICYCLIST

In This Issue:
• Bike Summit Round Ups
• Michigan Goes Bicycle
Friendly
• Texting Ban Passes
• LMB Annual Report
• And More

Bicyclists May 26, 2010

Unite Lansing, MI

Bicycle Advocates Join Forces

for 2010 Lucinda Means Bicycle
Advocacy Day - PAGE 8

Spring 2010

The League of Michigan Bicyclists (LMB) is a
501(c)(3) non-profit statewide organization devoted
exclusively to the advancement of bicycling. Our
mission is to promote bicycling and increase the
safety of bicyclists on the roadways in Michigan.
Michigan Bicyclist is a benefit of membership
in the League of Michigan Bicyclists. Michigan
Bicyclist is published four times a year as part
of the League’s continuing efforts to inform
Michigan bicyclists.
Michigan Bicyclist
Editor, Art & Design: JOHN LINDENMAYER
Copy Editor: DANTE LANZETTA
Cover Photo: GARY L. HOWE
Letters/Comments/Advertisements may be
directed to: john@LMB.org
Visit our web site for contact information,
advertising rates and much more.
www.LMB.org Copyright © 2010
Printed on
100% Post Consumer Waste
LMB Directors
Region 1: STEVEN ROACH
Region 2: MICHAEL SPROUL
Region 3: DANTE LANZETTA, Chair
Region 4: JIM CARPENTER, Vice Chair
Region 5: PAUL ALMAN
Region 6: RORY NEUNER
Region 7: MICHAEL BOERSMA, Treasurer
Region 8: BARBARA SCHMID, Secretary
Region 9: DAVE KINDY
Region 10: VACANT
Region 11: MICHAEL SHEEAN
Region 12: CHRISTINA RIDDLE
At Large: FRED DORE
At Large: DAVE DUFFIELD
At Large: PHIL WELLS
LMB Tours
ANNE BELANGER, Tour Director - Sunrise Adventure
FRED DORE, Tour Director - MUP
JIM DOUGHERTY, Ride Leader - Shoreline West
MARY DOUGHERTY, Ride Leader - Shoreline West
Staff
RICH MOELLER
Executive Director
office@lmb.org
JOHN LINDENMAYER
Associate Director, Webmaster
john@LMB.org
League of Michigan Bicyclists
416 S. Cedar St. Suite A Lansing, MI 48912
(888) 642-4537 | (517) 334-9100
(517) 334-9111 (fax) | www.LMB.org
1 MICHIGAN BICYCLIST | Spring 2010
uick Release
By  DANTE LANZETTA, LMB Board Chair
I’ve been honored to serve many community organizations, and a number
of governing boards, including leadership stints. In many ways, they’re the
same; in some, they can be quite different. Because organizations comprise
human beings, they display the gamut of human personality types and behav-
iors. Participate in enough groups and you’ll see (and sometimes be) the good,
the bad, and the ugly.
As an elected official, I became familiar with the political model, where
constituents communicate in many ways. They call people hired to run the city, from the cop
on the beat to the highest appointed official. They attend public meetings, whether citizen
boards or city councils. They also contact officials outside meetings. Surprisingly, given the
heat in public meetings, they do this less often. Of course, they can always express ultimate
displeasure on election day.
There’s an important distinction in cities, towns and villages, between “Strong Mayor” and
“Weak Mayor” systems. A “Strong Mayor” actually runs day-to-day city operations, like any
chief operating officer (COO). The “Weak Mayor” system, hires a separate COO (called a City
Manager) to keep streets clean and people safe.
During one mayoral terms I received a fellowship to the Kennedy School of Government
(KSG) at Harvard. (A couple of years later, our City Manager was also chosen.) There I learned
a key concept: officials almost invariably fit one of two archetypes, each named for members of
Washington’s Cabinet. One is the Hamiltonian, whose mantra is “Get ‘er done,” whether building
a bridge or levying taxes for it. She has no patience for debate, and doesn’t mind stepping on toes.
The “Jeffersonian” is not interested simply in goals, but in how she meets them. She cares
about democratic “process,” through which free people reach consensus on society’s goals. Even
majority rule is not democratic enough; she is just as concerned about minority rights.
Not surprisingly, most mayors at Harvard were Jeffersonians; most city managers, fire chiefs
and public works directors, Hamiltonians. Neither is best or worst. Democracy needs both actively
involved. They will always conflict. That’s healthy. It’s unhealthy, dysfunctional, for either to
dominate, or to fail to engage in setting goals and managing their implementation.
Though different from municipal governments, other organizations share many of their
characteristics. It is important for any organization’s members to understand its leaders’ roles
and their own relationship to the group’s leaders, employees and fellow members.
LMB is very like a “Weak Mayor” government. Except for chairing board meetings (and
writing this column), the CEO (Chief Executive Officer) exercises no special powers. He’s a
board member with a gavel.
The board wields one strong power: hiring and firing Executive Directors. This is not par-
See Quick Release, continued on page 10
On the Cover
Zeke Boldy rides his “fire bike” in the
2010 Traverse City Earth Day Parade.
The parade is organized each year by the
Little Artshram. This year's theme was
"pedal power," displayed here in a banner
at the front of the parade. Recently,
“Complete Streets” advocates have been
particularly active in the city working
to implement a community-planning
initiative called The Grand Vision, as
well as holding the city government
accountable for policies that call for more
complete streets.
Photos courtesy of Gary L Howe
www.MyWheelsareTurning.com
 From the Big Wheel
By RICH MOELLER, LMB Executive Director
By being a member of LMB you have demon-
strated that you care about bicycling in Michigan.
Whether or not we want to be, each of us is a leader.
I would like to share with you my thoughts on how
we as leaders need to adapt to ensure that Michigan
continues to become bicycle-friendly.
We need to be real leaders to advance our bicycle
agenda. Unfortunately, there are many more poor
leadership role models as than good ones today. Leadership is not being
a bully and forcing your ideas down people’s throats. Nor is leadership
sitting back and doing nothing and hoping the issue will disappear or,
if someone does have an idea, criticizing him or her. Leadership is
embracing individuals who come from different disciplines, hold dif-
ferent views and want to work to make bicycling safer. A good leader
is not only a good listener, but is able to work with a diverse group and
encourage them to work as one to achieve a common goal. Being a
leader means not caring who gets the credit as long as the goals are
reached. That is real leadership.
A leader doesn’t have to be in charge to lead. If you are simply a
member of a group, you can still lead. We all have different beliefs.
Some of us may feel that, unless you ride a bike with dropped handle-
bars, you are not a bicyclist. When we are part of a group we must not
let individual ideology hinder the group’s ability to complete the task.
We must stand up for our views, but we be willing to compromise for
the good of the whole. This is real leadership.
No longer can we sit back and wait for someone else to do it. Now we
Sleep with History!
After a restful overnight and a hearty
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need actively to involve all bicyclists and groups that are sympathetic
to our issues, not just those that look like us or are our friends. I chal-
lenge each of you to think how you can be a leader, a real leader in
your community.
Thanks to Trek’s leadership, bicycle shops have begun to realize the
importance of their involvement in advocacy. It is time that we engage
the bike shops and make them part of our advocacy and education
efforts at all levels, not just as people we ask for freebies, but as true
advocacy partners.
The average age of bicyclists in clubs and organizations like LMB
is in the mid ’50s. Obviously, we are missing a huge segment of the
bicycling population. We need to use the various social networking tools
to reach out to bicyclists who may not look or act like the average LMB
bicyclist. How many of you are embracing Facebook, Twitter, YouTube,
blogs, Google groups, Flickr and Delicious? Five years ago, when I took
this job, many of these tools didn’t exist. No longer can we say, “I don’t
understand this new age stuff” and ignore it. We need to embrace it. We
are discovering a whole new world of bicyclists and supporters through
these vehicles. Many of these are younger bicyclists who have a real
interest in what their future is going to look like.
For years we have thought that bicycle clubs would be an excellent
vehicle for advocacy and bicycle education. Some have, but many simply
want to ride their bikes and want no part of advocating and educating.
Thankfully, in many communities, coalitions such as Walk Bike Lan-
sing!, Greater Grand Rapids Bicycle Coalition, Safe and Active Genesee
for Everyone and the Washtenaw Bicycling and Walking Coalition have
become leaders in advocating for bicycling. We need to take advantage
of the support we can get from these types of coalitions.
Bicyclists come in many sizes, shapes and packages. We have dif-
ferent wants and needs and don’t often agree on much except that we
all want a safe bicycling environment. I challenge each one of you
to make a commitment to be a leader in your community by ensur-
ing all groups and individuals are part of making bicycling safer in
Michigan.
May 19, 2010
Join cyclists in all seven continents at
7pm in a silent slow-paced (max. 12
mph) ride to honor those who have been
injured or killed while cycling on public
roadways.
• To HONOR those who have been
injured or killed
• To RAISE AWARENESS that we are here
• To ask that we all SHARE THE ROAD
Find Michigan Locations at: www.rideofsilence.org
2
 2010 Michigan 2010 Michigan Bicycle Summit
Bicycle Summit
Keynote Speaker Andy Clarke
Executive Director, League of American Bicyclists This year’s Michigan
Bicycle Summit,
hosted by LMB,
brought over 100
“Providing tools for a brighter cycling enthusiasts
bicycling future in Michigan”
from across the state
March 27 - Lansing, MI
to take part in a day
of educational work-
www.LMB.org shops and networking
opportunities.
Andy Clarke, Executive Director of the League
of American Bicyclists, kicked things off as the 2010
keynote speaker.
Fresh from the recent National Bike Summit in Wash-
ington D.C., Andy talked about what it will take to make
cycling more prevalent in American society. He shared encouraging
examples of communities across the country that have made great
strides toward being bicycle-friendly.
He spoke of the sea change in federal policy on bicycling, citing
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood’s recent statement that,
“This is the end of favoring motorized transportation at the expense of
non-motorized.” (see page 12) Andy built on the Secretary’s remarks
with his own words of encouragement, stating, “There’s no better place
than Michigan to show by example that things are changing.”

“How many cars crossed the river

er & Gary L Howe

before you built the bridge?”
— Andy Clarke, when asked how to respond to critics
who ask why governments should build bicycling facilities

Photos by John Lindenmay

where people don’t currently ride bicycles.

Andy Clarke was certainly not the only draw at this year’s Summit.
Twelve diverse workshops filled the balance of the day.
Ride of Silence founder Chris Phelan and Michigan Ride of Silence
organizers Mark Hagar and Tim Potter presented the history and
importance of the Ride of Silence, which is held each year across the
globe on the third Wednesday of May to honor bicyclists who have
been injured or killed.
Other highlights included a standing-room-only panel discussion on
the Michigan Complete Streets movement, a high-energy presentation
of the 11 Commandments of Cycling Advocacy by lobbyist Jean Doss,
and A Bike Shop’s Role in Advocacy presented by Michael Reuter
of American Cycle & Fitness and Randy Martin of Continental Bike
Shop. Our friends at the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance
and Michigan Mountain Biking Association also gave organizational
update. John Waterman of Programs to Educate All Cyclists along with
Josh Britton and Justin Walworth of Peckham Industries presented a
Top to bottom:
1) Ride of Silence founder Chris Phelan recounts
organizing the first Ride of Silence in Dallas in 2003 after
a passing bus killed endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz on
an empty road.
2) Lansing City Council Member Jessica Yorko explains the
community organizing efforts that led to Lansing recently
passing the first Complete Streets ordinance in Michigan.
3) Keynote speaker Andy Clarke, Executive Director of the
League of American Bicyclists, shares inspiring examples
of communities across America leading the charge for
bicycle friendliness.
4) Jean Doss of J. Doss Consulting, giving a high-energy
primer on how to improve your advocacy skills.

3 MICHIGAN BICYCLIST | Spring 2010

workshop on How to Make Your Tour Accessible.
Additionally, Summit-goers heard about Liability Issues of
On-Road Bike Facilities from Josh DeBruyn of the Michigan
Department of Transportation and Adventure Cycling Association
volunteers Scott Anderson and Paul VandenBosch gave an update
on Michigan’s part of the new U.S. Bike Route System.
Rounding out our breakout sessions were Andy Kilpatrick,
Transportation Engineer for the City of Lansing, who presented
A Planners View in Making Bicycle-Friendly Streets and
Roadways, and Sarah Colegrove, of Briggs Colegrove, P.C., who
discussed Michigan’s No-Fault Law and how it affects bicyclists.
The Summit also marked the unveiling of LMB’s new online
Education and Advocacy Toolkits. LMB Associate Director
John Lindenmayer introduced the toolkits, demonstrating the
new section of LMB’s website which helps bicyclists effectively
promote and advocate for better bicycling conditions throughout
Michigan. LMB Executive Director Rich Moeller detailed the
Community Bikeability Assessment, just one of many great new
resources in the toolkits.
A number of cyclists took part in a 20-mile post-Summit ride
through Lansing’s countryside. You will find additional photos
and Summit presentations posted on our website at: www.LMB.
org/index.php/Events/michigan-bicycle-summit-2010.html.
We are extremely grateful to our hosts, Peckham Industries, who
went out of their way to make our Summit a resounding success.

2009 LMB Award

Recipients
At LMB’s Awards Reception held Friday night before the Summit,
League of American Bicyclists Executive Director Andy Clarke,
Ride of Silence Founder Chris Phelan, and LMB Executive
Director Rich Moeller presented a panel discussion on bicycling.
An audience of over 50 asked questions ranging from “How
will England fare in the World Cup without David Beckham”
to “Which is more effective, a Three-Foot Passing Law or a
Vulnerable User Law?” For many, this was the highlight of the
weekend as the discussion was frank and the panelists did not
always agree with each other, but everyone had a great time.
From top to bottom, left to right:
1) Andy Clarke – League of American Bicyclists Executive Director,
Rich Moeller – LMB Executive Director, Chris Phelan – Ride of
Silence Founder, and John Lindenmayer – LMB Associate Director.
2) Jessica Yorko – Bicycle Advocate Award 3) Mike Egan – LMB
Volunteer Award 4) Nancy Keener & Marylynn Balewski of West
Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Commission with Claudia &
Michael Aughenbaugh – Community Support for Bicycling Award
5) Joyce Halstead – LMB Distinguished Service Award 6) Michael
and Claudia Aughenbaugh – Bicycle Educator Award.

Visit: http://bit.ly/cW7jMm for more details on award recipients.

4
2009 Annual Report
MEMBERSHIP Appeal.
In 2009, we had a 2% increase in the number of paid members. Our increase in individual donations in 2009 offset a decrease in
Our membership renewal rate for the year was 66%. receipts from the $1 per Rider Program.
We want to thank all who supported our efforts through their
Membership Totals 2009 2008
(individual members) donations in 2009.
Individual Members 1095 1077
TOURS
Lifetime Members 104 102 LMB annually conducts bicycle tours. The purpose of these
Shop Members 35 31 tours to:
Organization Members 41 40
• Showcase bicycle tourism opportunities in Michigan;
Club Members 35 33
• Demonstrate that bicyclists are responsible road users;
Total Members: 1310 1283 • Provide funding for the overall operation of LMB.

FINANCIAL PnP Sunrise MUP West Totals
2009 was a challenging year for LMB. The downturn in the Total Riders - 2009 61 129 129 417 736
economy was a major factor. We decided early in the year not to - 2008 103 162 126 445 836
cut any services or publications and to use our operating reserves to
- 2007 104 167 148 499 918
carry us through this difficult time.
Oldest 68 82 80 86 79
Financial Trends (in 000’s)
Youngest 3 7 18 5 8
Year End of Year Tours Administration &
Cash Balance Net Program Net Average Age 43.54 54.64 56.64 53.26 52.02
2006 $165 $80 -$93 MI % of Riders 97% 89% 33% 38% 51%
2007 $189 $108 -$84
2008 $194 $88 -$83 We want to thank our Tour Volunteer Leaders for their outstand-
ing efforts: Anne Belanger (Rogers City) — Sunrise Adventure, Jim
2009 $181 $92 -$105*
and Mary Dougherty (Lansing) — Shoreline West and Fred Dore
*2009 is unaudited (Commerce Township) — Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. They were
A copy of the 2008 Audit is available online at www.LMB.org. assisted by 40 other volunteers. A special thank you to all of the
wonderful folks who make our tours a wonderful experience for all.
FUNDRAISING
To ensure that LMB continues to provide bicycle education and RESOURCES
to advocate for bicycling we encourage contributions from our sup- We provide many different resources to bicyclists in Michigan and
porters. In 2009 we identified the following projects as needs for those coming to vacation in Michigan. Through our web site, emails
contributed dollars: and telephone calls we provide a valuable service to bicyclists seeking
information from where to ride to what are the laws in Michigan.
• Reprinting our What Every Michigan Bicyclist Must Know
We answered more than 6,500 inquiries in 2009.
booklets (Because of demand, we actually printed it twice
In addition, we work with the Michigan Department of Trans-
in 2009, for a total of 55,000 copies);
portation to distribute the “new” bicycle suitability maps for the 12
• Supporting the Lucinda Means Advocacy Day and our
regions in Michigan. Last year we distributed 509 maps.
advocacy work;
We also work with MDOT in distributing Tourism Packets to
• Developing a youth version of the “What Every Bicyclist
people who want to learn more about bicycling in Michigan. In 2009
Must Know” booklets.
we mailed out 1,100 Tourism Packets.
Our two major fund raising efforts are the $1 per Rider Program Through our online store, we sold 72 route maps of our various
and our Annual Year-end Appeal. Nineteen rides participated in tours.
the Program. These rides had a combined ridership of 6,539, raising Thanks to Ralph and Janet Emmons, we completed our first “cross-
$5,539 for the above-mentioned projects. state bicycle route” and published maps for all to enjoy. This route
143 donors contributed a total of $8,008 to our Annual Year-end goes through Monroe, Lenawee, Hillsdale, Branch, St. Joseph, Cass

5 MICHIGAN BICYCLIST | Spring 2010

and Berrien Counties. The route information includes maps, a list
of services along the route and a tourism description of each county.
We began work in 2009 on a bicycle route from Detroit to Lansing
to Grand Rapids to Muskegon. We expect the route to be ready for
field testing this summer and hope to publish it in the fall.
ADVOCACY
We monitor the state legislature and serve as advocates to our state
legislators on behalf of bicyclists statewide. We provide resource
information to bicyclists on local issues. We represent bicyclists
to MDOT on issues related to bicycling. For example, we serve on
MDOT’s Context Sensitive Solution Steering Committee. We also
serve on the Governor’s Bike/Pedestrian Safety Task Force. We are
member of the Michigan Safe Routes to School Network Committee.
We had 67 participants at the Michigan Bicycle Summit held in
March, 2009. Topics covered included Complete Streets, Advocacy
101, Bicycling and the Law, and View of Planners. We received a
100% positive feedback concerning the content and what the partici-
pants received from the Summit.
Our Annual Lucinda Means Advocacy Day was held in May.
Seventy bicyclists from around Michigan joined us. We met with
legislators to discuss LMB’s legislative priorities:
• Give Michigan Road Cyclists a Brake
• Driver Training Bicycle Safety Component
• Cell Phone/Texting While Driving Ban
• Complete Streets
• Stop the Raid on Act 51
LMB continued to provide leadership on the issue of Complete
Streets, an effort to ensure all future road projects are designed,
built and maintained to accommodate all roadway users. The
League was actively involved in a successful grassroots Complete
Streets Campaign in Lansing, making the state’s Capitol the first
city in Michigan to adopt a Complete Streets ordinance. LMB also
played a vital role in the introduction of House Concurrent Resolu-
tion 0034 by Representative Pam Byrnes (D-Ann Arbor), as well as
the successful inclusion of Complete Streets language in the House
Transportation budget. 2009 also saw the launch of the Michigan
Complete Streets Coalition, which LMB continues to co-chair. We
maintain the Coalition’s website.
2009 was a busy year on the advocacy front for LMB. The League
was a vocal advocate for making texting while driving a primary
offense. LMB submitted testimony to the House Transportation Com-
mittee supporting such a ban. We thank the many LMB members
who responded to our call for action and contacted their legislators
in support of the ban. (See update on next page)
LMB’s vulnerable user legislation was reintroduced in 2009. In
May, Representatives Gabe Leland (D-Detroit) and Marty Knollen-
berg (R-Troy) introduced House Bills 4958 and 4959 respectively,
which would enhance penalties for moving violations causing physi-
cal injury or death to bicyclists or other vulnerable roadway users.
Senator Tom George (R-Kalamazoo) introduced companion Senate
Bills (529 and 530) with the same language. Senator George and
Representative Leland also introduced bills on LMB’s behalf that
would require a bicycle curriculum in the Driver’s Education program
(Senate Bill 531 and House Bill 4960 respectively). In June, LMB
testified before the House Transportation Committee in support of
these bills.
LMB was quick to respond in August, when Greater Media’s
Detroit radio station WCSX aired deplorable remarks encouraging
violence against bicyclists. LMB demanded a retraction and apology
from radio hosts Jeff Deminiski and Bill Doyle. When they neither
apologized or retracted the remarks, LMB launched a boycott of
Greater Media, which soon collected nearly 700 signatures. LMB
is pleased to report that Deminiski and Doyle were relieved of their
on-air duties in January of this year.
LMB also advocated at the federal level in 2009 for the America
Bikes agenda, which included support for the Complete Streets Act
of 2009 (S. 584, introduced by Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), and H.R.
1443, introduced by Representative Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento,
CA)), CLEAN-TEA: The Clean, Low-Emission Affordable, New
Transportation Efficiency Act (S. 575, introduced by Senators Tom
Carper (D-DE) and Arlen Specter (D-PA), and H.R. 1329, introduced
by Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-Portland, OR), Ellen Tauscher
(D-Pleasanton, CA) and Steven LaTourette (R-Bainbridge Township,
OH)), to develop and implement plans to reduce greenhouse gas emis-
sions from the transportation sector.
EDUCATION
LMB printed a new completely revised edition of our “What Every
Michigan Bicyclist Must Know” booklet. Because of the increased
demand, we had two printings in 2009, totaling 55,000 copies. We
distributed 35,000 in 2009 to bike shops, individuals and other groups
requesting them.
The youth version of the “What Every Bicyclist Must Know”
booklet was started in 2009. The content has been completed. We
hired an illustrator to begin illustrating the booklet. We anticipate
having it completed by the fall of 2010.
We began work in the fall of 2009 on two “Toolkits,” one for
Bicycle Education and one for Bicycle Advocacy. The toolkits were
introduced at the 2010 Michigan Bicycle Summit.
See Annual Report, continued on page 14
6
Texting While Driving Ban Passes; LMB Celebrates Victory!
New law will crack down on distracted drivers, save lives Michigan Texting Ban Signed
On April 28th, The Michigan House pashed a the package of bills to
protect motorists and pedestrians by banning texting while driving on Into Law Live on Oprah Show
all Michigan roadways. The League of Michigan Bicyclists lobbied for
the ban, which could save countless lives, including those of bicyclists
and other vulnerable roadway users. The ban will take effect July 1.
LMB submitted testimony in favor of banning texting while driv-
ing and organized bicyclists from across the state to support the effort
during their annual statewide Bicycle Advocacy Day last May. “This
is a monumental step toward protecting bicyclists and other roadway
users,” said John Lindenmayer, LMB Associate Director, “A 200-pound
bicyclist is no match for a 5,000-pound vehicle being driven by a dis-
tracted driver. Driving is a privilege, not a right, and there is absolutely
no excuse for texting while driving.”
Under the new law, drivers will be prohibited from reading, manu-
ally typing or sending text messages while driving, except to report
accidents, crimes, emergencies or similar situations in which a person
feels his or her safety is in danger. The law makes texting while driving
a ‘primary’ offense, which allows police to pull over and ticket drivers
solely for texting. Drivers will receive $100 fine for a first offense and
$200 fine for subsequent violations. However, no points will be added
to their driving records.
LMB lobbied for making texting while driving a primary offense.
The original bill language would have made it a secondary offense,
requiring police to pull the driver over for another infraction before Michigan made history on April 30th as Governor
ticketing him or her for texting while driving. Granholm signed Michigan's texting while driving
ban into law live on the Oprah Winfrey Show
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, twenty- (bottom photo). The live bill signing was part of
three states and the District of Columbia already have some sort of ban Winfrey's first National "No Phone Zone" Day.
on texting while driving. While LMB is extremely pleased to have Winfrey launched the campaign against
distracted driving in January and has sponsored a
played a role in making Michigan the 24th state to ban texting while
pledge on her website asking motorists to commit
driving, we remain concerned about the larger issue of distracted driv- to not texting or talking on phones while driving.
ing. The U.S. Department of Transportation says nearly 6,000 people "Today is a call to action to stop the madness of
are killed each year because of driving while distracted. distracted driving," Winfrey said on her show.
Winfrey orchestrated the "No Phone Zone"
“Using cell phones while driving has become an accepted part of
rallies live via satellite from her Chicago studio.
our culture, despite the fact that countless lives are put at risk every Ali Wentworth hosted the Detroit event held at
day by those who are simply too busy to pull over to text,” said State General Motors’ Renaissance Center headquarters.
Representative Lee Gonzales (D-Flint Twp.), a sponsor of the texting Rallies were also held in Atlanta, Boston, Los
Angeles and Washington D.C.
ban. “Texting while driving is a clear and present danger to others and
"We're proud to be the 24th state now to be
I’m glad that Michigan has finally decided to put a stop to it. Making able to ban texting while driving," Granholm said.
an excuse for texting behind the wheel won’t save a life, but making it "While talking on the phone is a distraction, clearly,
against the law just might.” texting while driving on top of that — where you
don't have your eyes on the road or your hands on
Unfortunately, the Legislature has not yet addressed the similarly
the wheel or your mind on what you're doing — it
dangerous practice of using cell phones while driving. Recent studies is clearly a danger."
show that talking on a cell phone while driving, even “hands-free,” still The audience cheered as Granholm signed the
increases the risk of an accident. We believe the ban on texting while bill. Winfrey pronounced it "fantastic."
LMB's Associate Director John Lindenmayer
driving is a step in the right direction and will continue our efforts to attended the event as a guest of Representative
educate the public and the legislature about the dangers of all distracted Lee Gonzales (D-Flint Twp.), chief sponsor of the
driving. texting ban bills (top photo).

7 MICHIGAN BICYCLIST | Spring 2010

Bicycle Advocates
Join Forces for
2010 Lucinda Means
Bicycle Advocacy Day Bicyclists May 26, 2010
The three top cycling-advocacy groups in Michigan, the Unite Lansing, MI
Michigan Mountain Biking Association, League of Michi-
gan Bicyclists, and Michigan Trails and Greenway Alli-
ance, are teaming up their efforts and organizations for the
Lucinda Means Advocacy Day on Wednesday May 26th in
Lansing, MI. to meet with legislators and promote cycling
interests.
The Lucinda Means Advocacy Day is a day for all
cyclists across the state to join together with one voice to
promote cyclists’ needs to their local legislators. All attend-
ees will be scheduled to meet with their local Representa-
tives and Senators to talk about cycling concerns across the
state. The cost is $10, which includes lunch. The event is
open to anyone interested in getting involved in advocating
for pro bike policies in Michigan.
The day kicks off at MSU Bikes with a bike rally into
downtown Lansing. The North lawn of the State Capitol TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:
has been reserved and bike racks will be set up for the day.
8:30 am - Bike rally from MSU Bikes to State Capitol
Representatives from all three organizations, as well as a
9:15 am - Issue Briefings
lobbyist from Capitol Services, will be on hand to answer
10:15 am - Meetings with Representatives & Senators
any questions. 1:00 pm - Lunch on Capitol grounds
Two “webinars” will also be held prior to the event for 2:00 pm - Group photo on Capitol steps
interested participants (check website for details). 2:30 pm - Lansing by bicycle tour
Bicyclists will advocate for a statewide Complete Streets
law to insure that ALL roadway users, including bicyclists,
are routinely accommodated when roadwork is done in
Michigan. All bicyclists, on- and off-road, need safe routes
to their destinations, everywhere in Michigan. Many other
states already have mandated Complete Streets, and LMB,
MTGA, and MMBA all firmly believe it is overdue in
Michigan. In addition to Complete Streets, Advocacy Day
participants will ask their representatives in Lansing to
support a number of other initiatives to protect all Michigan
bicyclists, including our vulnerable-user bills to increase
penalties for striking or killing a bicyclist. We will also
continue to fight for stronger distracted driving legislation.
2009 Advocacy Day attendees on the Capitol steps.
Register today at www.LMB.org Photo by Kirt D. Livernois

8
How to Obtain Public Records Under the
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
By SARAH W. COLEGROVE & TODD E. BRIGGS
We were recently asked by a
League of Michigan Bicyclists mem-
ber how he could obtain copies of
public records under the Freedom
of Information Act. This Act is one
of the most important state laws in
Michigan, because it enables the public to gather practical informa-
tion as well as more esoteric data easily. As lawyers, we make FOIA
requests frequently to obtain specific government records for clients
and to evaluate potential litigation. Any individual, however, has the
right to request public information under the Act.
Practical Tips When Making Your FOIA Request:
Prior to submitting your request for information, we suggest contact-
ing the unit of government to find out the following: 1) the address to
which the request should be sent; (2) whether there is a required form
for the request; and (3) the fee, if any.
Essentially, that is all the practical knowledge you need to request
information. You should receive a response to your request within five
business days of its receipt. If you do not, we have outlined your rem-
edies below. For those of you that would like more details about the Act,
following is a legal outline of your rights and procedures under the Act.
The Freedom Of Information Act – In A Nutshell:
The Michigan FOIA Act, found at MCL 15.231, defines the purpose
of the law:
It is the public policy of this state that all persons, except those
persons incarcerated in state or local correctional facilities, are
entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs
of government and the official acts of those who represent them
as public officials and public employees, consistent with this act.
The people shall be informed so that they may fully participate
in the democratic process.
According to the Act, a person has a right to inspect, copy, or receive
copies of requested public records of a public body. An individual starts
the process by putting the request in writing (facsimiles, electronic mail
or other electronic means are acceptable), usually directed to the public
body’s FOIA coordinator, that describes a public record sufficiently to
enable the public body to find the requested record.
MCL 15.232 defines a “person” entitled to obtain records as an
individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, firm,
organization, association, governmental entity, or other legal entity. Pub-
lic records eligible for review are any writings prepared, owned, used,
in the possession of, or retained by a public body in the performance
9 MICHIGAN BICYCLIST | Spring 2010
of an official function, from the time it is
created. However, public records do not
include computer software. “Public body”
means, among other things, a state officer,
employee, agency, department, division, bureau, board, commission,
council, county, city, township, village, school district or municipal
corporation.
A public body may charge a fee for the public-record search – a copy
fee, mailing costs and the incremental cost of labor for the searching,
examination, review, deletion and separation of exempt from nonexempt
information. The public body must specifically respond to a request
for a public record within five (5) business days after the public body
receives the request (MCL 15.231). The public body may be exempt
from disclosing information of a personal nature if public disclosure
of the information would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
an individual’s privacy. It may also exempt records that interfere with
law-enforcement proceedings or constitute an unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy. To learn about other specific exemptions, see MCL
15.243.
What To Do If Your Request Is Denied:
If a public body makes a final determination to deny all or a portion
of a request, the requesting person may do one of the following at his
or her option: (a) submit to the head of the public body a written appeal
that specifically states the word “appeal” and identifies the reason or
reasons for reversal of the denial or (b) commence an action in circuit
court to compel the public body’s disclosure of the public records within
one hundred and eighty (180) days after a public body’s final determina-
tion to deny the request. If the appeal is denied, the requester can then
choose the litigation route. MCL 15.235.
Under MCL 15.240, the proper court to bring litigation is the circuit
court for the county in which the requester resides or has his or her
principal place of business or the circuit court for the county in which
the public record or an office of the public body is located. The court
shall determine the matter “de novo” (a legal “do-over”) and the burden
is on the public body to sustain its denial. If the requester prevails in
the action, the court shall award him or her reasonable attorney’s fees
and costs, which shall be assessed against the public body liable for
failure to disclose. If the court decides to grant the request in part and
deny it in part, the court may award all or an appropriate portion of the
reasonable attorney’s fee and costs against the public body. Addition-
ally, if the court determines that the denial was arbitrary and capricious,
the court must award $500.00 in punitive damages to the requester, in
addition to any actual or compensatory damages.
Typically the rules are simple and straightforward. A practical tip is
See FOIA, continued on next page
Spring has begun and you want to ride!
By SCOTT BENJAMIN, PT, DScPT
This spring, as Lance After you ride, you may feel some strain in
prepares for his 8th Tour de your lower back. To overcome this, do these Quick Release continued from page 1
France win, all of us will also exercises:
ticularly useful, as any councilperson
begin our season by getting Exercises Repetition can tell you. Anyone foolish enough
our bikes and ourselves ready
Trunk extensions 30 seconds to have fired a City Manager with
to go. Preparation is important
Slings on the table 3 sets of 20 each side less than a unanimous vote certainly
before, during and after you ride. I used to
regrets it.
bike train during my hockey days. When I Piriformis stretching 30 seconds each side
Your League of Michigan Bicyclists
was younger, my body did not hurt as badly, Hip abductions 3 sets of 20 each side
consists of dues-paying members, who
and after-ride aches did not happen. As we
Post-ride exercises keep your back and elect most of the board from geo-
get older, we need to prepare, we need to train
trunk strong and relieve any muscular or graphical “regions.” These representa-
and we need to work after we ride. This article
ligamentous soreness from your ride. tives may appoint another one to three
will teach you strengthening before your ride
If you feel back achiness during your rides, members. The board’s job is to set the
and after, so you can make your back, hip, and
make sure that your bike is lined up correctly League’s goals, but not in a vacuum.
trunk muscles stronger.
and that you are not stretching out your spine The LMB board has set one goal:
My patients enjoy both short and long rides.
too much. If you are leaning forward too “To promote bicycling and the safety of
Their training includes both getting their bod-
much, you will cause pain or a shutting down bicyclists on the roadways of Michi-
ies back in shape and strength work for their
of the lower back muscles. This will, or can gan.” It has let the Executive Director
spine, legs and trunk. When they are not in
over time, contribute to lower back pain, a choose what he wishes to do to achieve
the controlled environment of the clinic, they
bad way to start the biking season. If you do the goal — a Hamiltonian’s dream job.
must deal with the elements of land, wind,
not feel comfortable when you get on your Yet, the board’s job is both to set this
bugs, heat and cars. All affect their ability to
bike, or feel you are leaning too far forward overall goal and any more-detailed
train; wind has a stronger effect on your spine
to reach your handle bars, have a professional goals it chooses and to charge him with
than you know. When the wind is against you,
check your bike fit. Keep your spine in good achieving them.
you must work much more to overcome the
alignment and remember that your leg power Today, when most communication
elements, so your trunk, legs and belly muscles
comes from your spine; make sure your bike, seems one-way, “outreach,” “getting
must work harder. To help this, I recommend
foot-on-pedal placement and handlebar height the message out,” or “staying on-mes-
this series of exercises (on line at: http://bit.
are also all properly aligned. sage,” we cannot function effectively
ly/deBs60) before you ride:
If you have any questions, please contact without what I call “inreach.” The
Exercises Repetition me at DiscPT@gmail.com. Happy spring most important thing you can do is to
Slings on all fours 30 on each side and good riding, so that you can get ready for keep us continually aware of the goals
External rotation of 30 on each side your own tour! you want us to set for the League. You
the hips need to “reach in” and tell us what you
Squats against the wall 100 want LMB not just to do, but be.
Trunk extension 10

FOIA, continued from previous page

to keep copies of all requests and replies from the public body and keep Sarah W. Colegrove and Todd E. Briggs are lawyers in private practice. In addition to help-
ing athletes injured in bicycle and sports-related accidents, they concentrate in the areas of
proof and a record of all significant dates. When we have brought suit civil litigation, including personal injury, real estate, probate and corporate law. Todd and
Sarah are competitive cyclists, triathletes and adventure racers. Each has competed in many
against public bodies for denying a FOIA request, courts have usually state and national running, biking and triathlon competitions, including the Hawaii Ironman
where Todd has gone sub-10 hours. You can read past articles from Sarah and Todd on our
been sympathetic. If you need assistance with a denial, we recommend web site at: www.LMB.org/pages/Resources/Legal_Info.htm. You can contact them at:
seeking assistance from an experienced attorney.
Briggs Colegrove, P.C.
660 Woodward Ave., Suite 1523
For more information see LMB’s new Advocacy Toolkit article on Detroit, MI 48226
Have a suggestion for a bicycle-related
legal topic for an upcoming Michigan
FOIA at: www.LMB.org (313) 964-2077
Bicyclist Magazine? Send suggestions
Fax: (313) 961-2345
briggscolegrove@aol.com to: john@LMB.org

10
2010 National Bike Summit
By Rory Neuner, LMB Region Six Representative
Michigan bike advocates descended on our nation’s capital in port for measures
March for the tenth annual League of American Bicyclists’ National bicycle advocates
Bike Summit. The event brought over 700 attendees, including 13 hope to wrap into
Michganders, to Washington, DC for a fun-filled and action-packed the reauthorization
three days of networking, lobbying on the Hill, and learning about bill. These marker
the latest and greatest in bicycle advocacy and policy. bills included Com-
In a refreshing repeat of the 2009 Summit, Michigan’s delegation plete Streets, a set
was a diverse group, including representatives from local and state- of Safe Routes to
wide advocacy groups, trail groups, disability advocates, a handful School bills, and the
of shop owners, one University bike shop, and representatives from Active Community
at least one bicycle touring organization. In addition to the usual Transportation Act.
suspects, this year’s Michigan delegation included 20% of the town Here are the details:

Photos by John Lindenmayer, Tim Potter Randy Martin & Todd Scott
of Copper Harbor. Two leaders of the Copper Harbor Trails Club, an
advocacy group that builds trails
in Michigan’s northernmost town,
joined the Michigan delegation.
Yes, you read that correctly, two
citizens constitutes 20% of the
town. But what’s even cooler is the
message they were there to send
our elected officials: bicycling is
a key part of Michigan’s
economic recovery. In fact,
thanks to its breathtaking,
pristine trails and robust
mountain biking culture,
Copper Harbor is pinning
its economic future in part
on the bicycle.
With reauthorization of
the federal transportation
bill on hold until sometime
after this fall’s mid-term elec-
tions, our key “asks” on the
Hill were a group of “marker
bills” designed to build sup-
Top to Bottom:
1) LMB Associate Director John Lindenmayer gives a
“thumbs-up” at the Congressional Reception with Gary Fisher,
one of the inventors of the modern mountain bike.
2) The Michigan delegation with Allison Pascal of Senator
Carl Levin’s office. 3) Michael Reuter of American Cycle and
Fitness, John Waterman of Program to Educate All Cyclists,
Congresswoman Candice Miller (R -10th District) with Todd
Scott, Detroit Greenways Coordinator for the Michigan Trails and
Greenways Alliance. 4) Lindenmayer receiving LMB’s Bicycle
Friendly Business award from Andy Clarke, Executive Director of
the League of American Bicyclists. 5) Lindenmayer with USDOT
Secretary Ray LaHood and Sarah Schillio, Legislative Director
for Michigan State Representative Lee Gonzales.

11 MICHIGAN BICYCLIST | Spring 2010

• S. 584/H.R. 1443 — The Complete Streets Act of 2009. More
than 100 state and local government entities have adopted Complete
Streets policies, an approach to planning that the Federal Highway
Administration has endorsed since 1999. However, federal leadership
and oversight is necessary to ensure it is implemented effectively. S.
584, the Complete Streets Act of 2009, was introduced by Senator Tom
Harkin (D-IA) and currently has 12 co-sponsors, including Senator
Carl Levin. On the House side, H.R. 1443, the Complete Streets Act
of 2009, was introduced by Representative Doris Matsui (D-CA) and
currently has 43 co-sponsors.
The companion bills would require states and metropolitan planning
organizations to adopt complete streets policies for federally funded
projects within two years, or a portion of the state’s flexible Surface
Transportation funding will be directed to safety improvements.
However, the bills would also ensure that policies are flexible and cost-
effective, allowing exemptions when costs are demonstrably prohibitive.
• H.R. 4021 — The Safe Routes to High School Act and S. 1156 — The
Safe Routes to School Program Reauthorization Act. Safe Routes to
School (SRTS) is a proven national program to create safe, convenient
and enjoyable ways for children to walk and bike to school. In 2005,
the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity
Act – A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) provided $600 million over
five years to enable states and local agencies to implement construction,
education and encouragement programs for kindergarten to eighth
grade schools. Michigan, an early adopter of the concept, continues
to be recognized as a national leader in innovation and successful
implementation of Safe Routes programs.
The SRTS program is part of the larger pending federal trans-
portation reauthorization bill. We asked members of Congress to
co-sponsor bills that would further expand the scope and funding of
the program. S. 1156, the Safe Routes to School Program Reauthori-
zation Act, was introduced by Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA), Bernie
Sanders (I-VT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Susan Collins (R-ME)
and currently has 21 co-sponsors. The bill would increase funding
to $600 million annually (triple the FY 2009 level of $183 million),
improve project delivery by reducing paperwork and unnecessary
regulations, and expand eligibility to high schools. It would also allow
funds to be used for bus-stop safety and rural access programs, and
add a research and evaluation component. On the House side, H.R.
4021, the Safe Routes to High School Act, was introduced by Rep-
resentative Earl Blumenauer (D-Portland, OR) and currently has 21
co-sponsors. The bill would expand SRTS eligibility to high schools.
• Active Community Transportation Act, H.R.4722. Representative
Blumenauer also introduced the easy-to-remember ACT Act in early
March. This groundbreaking bill creates a competitive grant program
funded with $2 billion to help communities build bicycling and walk-
ing networks.
Aside from these legislative asks, there were plenty of big, news-
worthy events announced at this year’s Summit:
• Google announced a new feature for its popular mapping tools,
biking directions and extensive bike trail data for the U.S.! In other
words, when you need directions, you can now select a “bicycle”
routing option, in addition to current tools for driving, walking, or
using transit. Google software engineers were on hand at the Summit
showing off the new tool in the exhibitors’ hall, and the lead engineers
gave a keynote speech to announce the tool, which is currently in a
beta version. (That means they want your feedback!) See more here:
http://maps.google.com/biking
• The Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance was awarded a $15,000
grant from REI and Bikes Belong to help the Motor City earn a League
of American Bicyclists Bike Friendly City designation. Congratula-
tions to MTGA and to the City of Detroit; we can’t wait to hear more!
• The League of Michigan Bicyclists was designated a bicycle friendly
business by LAB, as was The HUB of Detroit.
• Perhaps the most exciting moment of the Summit came when U.S.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood gave an impassioned speech
from atop a table dur-
ing a reception fol-
lowing our long day
of lobbying on the
Hill. In what is now
dubbed his “table-
top speech” (view it
here: http://fastlane.
dot.gov/2010/03/
my-view-from-atop-
the-table-at-the-
national-bike-sum-
mit.html), LaHood
announced the end
of an era “favoring
motorized transporta-
tion at the expense of A malfunctioning microphone did not
non-motorized.” The stop US Secretary of Transportation Ray
LaHood from thanking a packed crowd
U.S. DOT is work- and expressing his support for bicycling
ing to integrate the from atop a tabletop at the closing
needs of bicyclists in reception for the 2010 National Bicycle
Summit.
all federally funded
See National Bike Summit, continued on next page
12
May 21 is Bike
to Work Day
With spring in the air, the
League of Michigan Bicyclists
(LMB), Michigan Trails and
Greenways Alliance (MTGA)
and Michigan Mountain Biking
Association (MMBA) announce
that May is Bike Month, May 17-21
is Bike to Work Week, and Friday,
May 21 is Bike to Work Day.
Representative Jon Switalski (D-Warren) who introduced H.R.
273 declaring May Bike Month in Michigan, said, “Biking to work
is an efficient and fun way to get the exercise you need, without
having to find extra time to work out. And this year, with gasoline
prices as high as they are, biking to work makes more sense than
ever.”
Americans have been commemorating National Bike Month
each May for 54 years. Timed to coincide with the arrival of
warmer weather, the event has inspired countless bike rides, safety
inspections, commuter challenges, ribbon cuttings, "share the road"
promotions, and other celebrations of bicycling in communities
across the nation.
One of the most popular activities in Bike Month is encourag-
ing people to bicycle to work and forsake their motor vehicles for
at least one day and bicycle to work. Friday, May 21 is designated
as National Bike to Work Day, although many communities pick
other dates for the event.
“Commuting by bicycle is rewarding on so many levels.
Whether it is improved health, helping the environment, saving on
soaring energy costs, or simply enjoying a ride, it is worth being
part of the solution,” said Rich Moeller, Executive Director of the
League of Michigan Bicyclists.
Bike Month will culminate on May 26th at the State Capitol
where all three organizations will co-host the Lucinda Means
Bicycle Advocacy Day. The event is an opportunity for all cyclists
across the state to join together with one voice to promote cyclists’
needs to their local legislators.
LMB, MTGA and MMBA reminds all roadway users that:
• Bicycles are vehicles, with the same rights, rules and
responsibilities of other road users.
• Motorists should only pass a bicycle when it’s safe to do so.
Slow down and give bicyclists at least three feet of passing
room.
13 MICHIGAN BICYCLIST | Spring 2010
MICHI
GREEN
PO Box
Lansing
(517) 4
nancy@
www.m
• Motorists should never “cut off” a bicyclist, but should
yield to bicycles as the do to any other vehicle.
• Bicyclists must obey all traffic laws, stop signs, and traffic
lights, and ride in the right-most lane, with the direction of
traffic.
• State law requires bicycles to have lights at night, and
common sense dictates that cyclists wear helmets and be
visible.
Whether you ride a bike or drive an automobile, please share
the road!
Contact your local city officials or bike shop to get involved
with Bike Month activities in your area.
To request a free Michigan bicycle information packet, which
includes a Ride Calendar, Trail Directory and a safety handbook
titled “What Every Michigan Bicyclist Must Know,” please visit
www.LMB.org.
National Bike Summit, continued from previous page
road projects, discouraging transportation investments that
negatively affect cyclists and pedestrians, and encouraging
investments that go beyond the minimum requirements and
provide facilities for bicyclists and pedestrians of all ages and
abilities. To move this forward, the DOT has since released
recommendations for state DOTs and communities to treat
walking and bicycling as equals with other transportation
modes.
In addition to LMB’s Blog, you can read additional coverage
from other Michigan bike advocates at:
• m-bike: http://bit.ly/agjaU9
• Wheelhouse Detroit: http://bit.ly/daZaam

Annual Report, continued from page 6
MICHIGAN RIDE CALENDAR
LMB’s signature publication, our annual “Michigan Ride
Calendar,” continues to be an essential resource for bicycle enthu-
siasts in Michigan and beyond. With support from MDOT, the
League published and distributed 50,000 Ride Calendars, listing
150+ bicycling events in Michigan for 2009. The Ride Calendar
is the primary means of promotion for most of these events,
distributed extensively throughout the state at MDOT Welcome
LMB Membership Application
Annual Memberships q  New q  Renewal
q  Individual/Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$25
q  Organization/Club/Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$50
q  Life-Individual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$450 (3-Pay Plan - $170/yr)
q  Life-Organization/Club/Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..$1000 (3-Pay Plan - $350/yr)
Donations (tax deductible)
q  Yellow Jersey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$500 and up

Centers, Convention & Visitors Bureaus, all known bicycle clubs

and shops, and numerous bicycle-related events. Ride Calendars
are distributed to all LMB members and to individuals request-
ing Michigan biking and tourism information. The League also
delivers copies of this publication to all Michigan legislators, who
distribute them to constituents.
q  Rainbow Jersey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$250 - $499
q  Polka Dot Jersey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125 - $249
q  Green Jersey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$50 - $124
q  White Jersey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .up to $49
Name

SPECIAL EVENTS Address

LMB assisted in two statewide special events, the annual Ride
of Silence and the Bike to Work (Smart Commute) activities in City State Zip
many communities across Michigan. With LMB’s promotion
assistance these events continue to grow each year. Home Phone

COMMUNICATION
E-mail
We completed a major revision to our website in 2009 and
launched the new site in the fall. The site is helping us use the
County LMB Region
latest cutting-edge tools to communicate efficiently and effectively
with bicyclists across Michigan.
We continue to publish the Michigan Bicyclist Magazine four Join, renew, or donate by check or credit card today!
times a year. To supplement this, a Monthly E-newsletter is sent
to all LMB members. q  Visa Please make checks payable to:
Regional e-mail groups are being used to communicate more
q  MasterCard League of Michigan Bicyclists
q  Discover
effectively with cyclists on regional issues. q  American Express
In 2009 we also embraced Facebook, Twitter, You Tube and
other social networking tools to communicate with bicyclists all
Name on Card
over Michigan.

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HEADLINES Expiration Date (mm/yy)

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Signature
blog yet? Here’s what you are missing:
• Bicyclists Celebrate Smoke Free Michigan
• On Road Bicycle Facility Design Training Membership Total Subtotal  $
• Anti Bicycling Sentiments Have Michigan Roots Additional Tax Deductible
• Google Maps Adds Directions for Cyclists Donation to the LMB Subtotal  $
• Michigan Receives $55,000,000 in Tiger Grants
Subscirbe today at www.LMB.org
Grand Total $

14
 MICHIGAN NON-PROFIT ORG

BICYCLIST
US POSTAGE PAID
LANSING MI
PERMIT #686
416 S. Cedar St. Suite A, Lansing, MI 48912
Dated Material May, 2010

Michigan Goes Bicycle Friendly - Lansing Celebrates

The League of American Bicyclists (LAB)
recently announced 16 new Bicycle Friendly Com-
munity (BFC) awards, three of which are in Michi-
gan: Lansing, Marquette and Portage.
All three Michigan communities earned the
entry-level Bronze status for Engineering, while
Lansing also received a Bronze in the Education
category. These communities now join the ranks
of Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids and Traverse City,
communities previously designated as BFC's in
Michigan. The Cities of Saline and Midland also
received honorable mention during this latest round
of awards
A joint press conference between the City of
Lansing and Walk Bike Lansing! was held on May
From L to R: Kathie Dunbar — Lansing Councilmember; John Lindenmayer —
3rd to publicly announce the Bronze level designa- LMB/Walk Bike Lansing! Co-chair; Virg Bernero — Lansing Mayor; Jessica Yorko
tion. Speakers included Virg Bernero - Lansing — Councilmember; Lyndon Babcock — LMB member/Walk Bike Lansing! Member;
and Andy Kilpatrick — Lansing Traffic Engineer/Walk Bike Lansing! Co-chair.
Mayor, Chad Gamble - Public Service Director,
John Lindenmayer - LMB/Walk Bike Lansing! Co- in less than three months last year to help pass the first Complete
chair, Jessica Yorko - Councilmember, Kathie Dunbar - Coun- Streets ordinance in Michigan.
cilmember and Lyndon Babcock - LMB member/Walk Bike "I am confident that passing the first Complete Streets ordi-
Lansing! member. nance in the state weighed heavily in LAB's decision to rec-
"The BFC Bronze award showcases the Lansing community ognize Lansing as a BFC," said LMB Associate Director John
for its bicycle-friendly initiatives and recognizes its progress to Lindenmayer.
accommodate and encourage a bicycling culture," said Jessica The BFC application process was spearheaded this winter
Yorko, 4th Ward Lansing Councilmember. "Plus, Lansing is by Walk Bike Lansing! in cooperation with the City of Lansing.
joining an elite group of communities that have been recognized Lyndon Babcock with the help of other Walk Bike Lansing! vol-
not only as bicycle-friendly communities, but as desirable places unteers organized the collection of data needed before submit-
to live." ting the 28 page application to LAB.
This designation comes three and a half years after Mayor "Today's designation is really just a springboard...an oppor-
Virg Bernero formed the Task Force on Walking and Bicycling, tunity as a community to live up to a higher standard. For years
a collaboration that has since transformed into Walk and Bike we have built roads to move automobiles, not people. Times have
Lansing!, a partnership of city government, citizens, and over 30 changed and Lansing is helping to lead the way towards a more
agencies working toward a more walkable, bikeable, and livable bicycle friendly Michigan," said Lindenmayer.
Lansing. LMB will report further on the Bronze level designations for
Dozens of Lansing volunteers collected over 5000 signatures both Marquette and Portage as more information is available.

15