Developing a Regional

Nonmotorized Transportation
Network
Northeast Michigan
Council of
Governments
September 29, 2009
What Are Complete Streets?
“Complete Streets are designed and
operated so they are safe, comfortable, and
convenient for all users – pedestrians,
bicyclists, motorists and transit riders
of all ages and abilities.”
 Incomplete Street

TOO NARROW TO SHARE WITH BIKES

 Incomplete Street

TOO DANGEROUS TO CROSS ON FOOT

Incomplete Street

UNINVITING FOR BUS RIDERS

 Incomplete Street

INACCESSIBLE FOR WHEELCHAIR USERS

 Incomplete Street

NO ROOM FOR PEOPLE, NO SIDEWALKS

 Complete Streets
on the National Front
Complete Streets Act of 2009
• S. 584 - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA)
• H.R. 1443 - Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D, CA-5)

Surface Transportation Authorization Act of 2009

(STAA)
• Passed by House Transportation and Infrastructure Com.
• 18 month extension of SAFETEA-LU

National Complete Streets Coalition

• www.completestreets.org
 Complete Streets
on the National Front
Healthy Kids, Healthy Michigan (HKHM) Complete
Streets Task Force
• Resolution
• Currently drafting technical guidance

Background: In 2007, the National Governors Association

awarded Governor Granholm a one-year grant through the
Healthy Kids, Healthy America program to help the nation’s
governors combat childhood obesity in their states’ schools
and communities. This led to the formation of HKHM, which
identified Complete Streets as one of greatest opportunities
to combat childhood obesity.
 Complete Streets
in Michigan (statewide)
House Transportation Funding bill
• Rep. Jon Switalski introduced CS language
• House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation
added Section 399 stating, “The department [Michigan
Department of Transportation] and local road agencies
that receive appropriations under this act shall adopt
complete street policies” to its Transportation Bill.
 Complete Streets
in Michigan (statewide)
Michigan Complete Streets Coalition
• Partnership between Michigan Environmental Council
(MEC) and the League of Michigan Bicyclists
• Seeking additional partners
• www.MICompleteStreets.org
• Follow us on Twitter at: WalkBikeRollMI
Lansing City Council votes unanimously
to adopt Complete Streets Ordinance
and Non-motorized Plan
• On August 17, 2009, Lansing became the first
municipality in the State of Michigan to pass a Complete
Streets ordinance, and joins a host of other communities
across the state in committing to develop a non-
motorized plan.

• www.walkbikelansing.com
 Lansing’s Complete Streets Ordinance
• Requires the City of Lansing to adopt a Non- Motorized Network Plan.
• The Non-Motorized Network Plan will include, at a minimum,
accommodations for accessibility, sidewalks, curb ramps and cuts, trails and
pathways, signage, and bike lanes, and shall incorporate the principles
of Complete Streets and maximize walkable and bikeable streets within
the City.
• To the extent financially feasible, future construction or reconstruction of
City rights-of- way or any parts thereof shall be in conformity with the
Non-Motorized Network Plan.
• Sets a goal to adequately fund walk- and bike-friendly infrastructure. (The
City of Lansing currently spends 2% to 3% for non-motorized facilities. The
ordinance sets a goal of 5% for future budget years).
• Require an update of the Non-Motorized Network Plan every five years
from the date of adoption.
The Need for Complete Streets /
Nonmotorized Plan in Lansing
• On average, every three days someone is hit while walking or biking in Lansing.

• 120 annual accidents involving pedestrians or bicyclists in Lansing,

including 1-3 fatal crashes.
(Lansing Police Department Traffic Crash Reporting System Data)
Lansing Walking & Bicycling Task Force
formed in October 2006:

Initiated by:

Funded by:
Driving Motivations:
Promoting “Smart Commuting” since 2005, but lack of safe,
convenient networks for walking and bicycling is a barrier for
many people. Desire to increase “green transportation” for
environmental and health benefits.

Difficulty installing bicycle lanes due to resident opposition, mainly

stemming from lack of education & information about bicycle lanes.
Also issues with sidewalk assessments and other NM
enhancements.

Working to improve health outcomes of Ingham County residents.

“Active living by design” offers opportunities to increase physical
activity.

Working to improve cardiovascular health and nutrition, in order to

health prevent heart disease. “Active living by design” offer
opportunities for increase physical activity.
Began with a facilitated
discussion in 2006:

“What do we need to do to
make Lansing a walk
and bike friendly
community?”
 How Do We Make Lansing Walk
and Bike Friendly?
One strategy*: Create a network of walkways and bikeways based on
what residents, businesses, and stakeholders want:
– Sidewalks – need new
– Sidewalks – need repair
– Crosswalks – need new
– Crosswalks – need modification
– Curb Cuts – need one or need improvement
– Bike Routes: signed routes on good biking streets
– Bike Lanes: 4’-6’ special lane, striped and signed
– Trails: off-road, for walking, biking, rollerblading, etc
* Note: several other strategies related to education and health promotion have also been
outlined in the Walk and Bike Lansing! strategy document.
 Lansing Walking & Bicycling
Task Force
40+ members started by fleshing out broad
categories for making Lansing walk & bike
friendly, initiated small projects, then created a
76-point strategy document – Walk and Bike
Lansing!
 Lansing Walking & Bicycling
Task Force
1. Double the percentage of trips made
by bicycle or foot in the City of Lansing
by 2013.
2. Eliminate pedestrian and bicyclist
deaths from motor vehicle crashes in
Lansing by 2018.
3. Reduce pedestrian and bicyclist
injuries from motor vehicle crashes in
Lansing by 20% each year for the next
ten years.
 2007 Walking & Bicycling Task Force Projects
INVENTORY & PLANNING: Worked with LPD to learn more about NM crash stats,
and with MSU Urban Practicum Team to learn more about areas of Lansing needing
NM facility improvements according to demographics and existing facilities.
 2007 Walking & Bicycling Task Force Projects
SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL: Worked with Bingham Elementary School to host
their first-ever Walk and Bike to School Day event, including special safety
sessions and helmet distributions before and after the event.
 2007 Walking & Bicycling Task Force Projects
MARKETING AND MEDIA CAMPAIGNS: Launched a bicycle lane education
campaign in May 2007, and distributed flyers at events throughout 2007 and online
through electronic newsletters and partners communication channels. Created a
bicycle lane supporter database for supporters to “log their support” online and in
person at events. Now up to more than 500 supporters.
 08/09 Walking & Bicycling Task Force Projects
• Realized that the only way a comprehensive NM plan could be adopted would
be with enormous public buy-in, support, and grassroots interaction and input.
• Held non-motorized network planning sessions in March 2009 attended by
200+ people.
 Hitting the Streets - Ballot Initiative
Historic:
• First citizen driven ballot initiative in Lansing in 20 years

Rational:
• Local Politics
• City Council Track Record
• Vocal Minority

Target:
• 30 days to collect signature from 10% of
registered voters (aprox. 5000)
 Hitting the Streets - Ballot Initiative
Strategy:
• Organized our base (Facebook / Email)
• 4 volunteer team captains based on wards

Signature Collection:
• Events & door to door
• Partnered with Clean Water Action canvas
• Hired guns
5000 Signatures Collected –
Now What?
Next Steps:
• Two options for City Council:
• November ballot (let people vote on it directly)
• Pass it themselves without modification
Strategy:
• GOTV
• 100 or so emails sent to Council
• Letters to editor / earned media
• 60+ testified before Council
• Complete Streets Photo Project
(www.lmb.org/lansingcompletestreets.html)
 Next Steps
• Finish & implement Nonmotorized plan
• Low hanging fruit (road diets)
• Bike parking ordinance
• Support other regional, statewide and national efforts
John Lindenmayer
Associate Director
League of Michigan Bicyclists
john@LMB.org
www.LMB.org
1-888-642-4537

www.MICompleteStreets.org