Michigan Trails & Greenways Alliance

The Michigan Department of Transportation is hosting an open house-style meeting to provide an overview on the 2011 construction work on the I-275 Metro Trail in Wayne County. The project includes reconstruction of the bike path between US-12 (Michigan Ave.) and I-94. Interested stakeholders will have the opportunity to learn details and provide feedback regarding this project.

Who: MDOT staff, residents and interested stakeholders

When: Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2010

Where: Fellows Creek Golf Club, 2936 South Lotz Rd.

Special accommodations: 734-728-1300

Background: Scheduled to begin in spring 2011, MDOT will reconstruct approximately 5.5 miles of the Metro Trail, rehabilitate six bridges and two boardwalks, install a pedestrian signal at Ecorse Rd. and upgrade signs.

by Gretchen Mensing
Michigan Fitness Foundation

I had been looking forward to participating in my second Michigander Bicycle Tour for quite a while. My husband and I were set to ride the two-day tour, with day one taking us from Indian River to Cheboygan and back, and day two riding south to Vanderbilt and back (six and seven day riders ventured on to Gaylord on day two). While riding the Michigander, I marveled at the beauty that is Michigan outdoors.

Day one of the Michigander started in Indian River, nestled along the Sturgeon River in between Burt Lake and Mullett Lake.

After setting up camp, we started off on our Michigander adventure. It was a beautiful, sunny day, with just enough breeze and shade along the trail to keep us comfortable. The crushed limestone trail rode comfortably and followed along the western edge of Mullett Lake. The sunshine sparkled on the lake as we pedaled along briskly.

After 20 miles, we arrived in Cheboygan, for a much-needed lunch break. People walking down the street actually called “Welcome to Cheboygan!” to us as we rode toward a restaurant. Michigander riders were able to paint on a community mural at the park. After a delicious lunch, my husband and I rode down the street to the beach at Lake Huron. Off to the west we could see the Mackinac Bridge in the distance.

The morning of day two, a little tired and sore, we hopped on our bikes and headed for Vanderbilt. As a light rain fell, we rode down the trail surrounded by trees. To my right I could see the Sturgeon River, which we followed all the way down the trail.

The Michigander affords us an opportunity to see Michigan in a unique way. In such close proximity to lakes, rivers and woods, I gained a new appreciation for living in this state. Each year, the Michigander shows riders the beauty of Michigan and the importance of the trails they ride on. If you haven’t seen Michigan this way, you should!

Top of Michigan Trails Council has announced a number of exciting things happening on northern Michigan trails:

1. The bids on the Cheboygan trailhead have come in and construction should start this summer and be completed by this fall. This facility will be located at Western Ave and Lincoln. It will include restroom facilities, lighted parking and attractive landscaping. The bids have went out and should receive final approval in June.
2. The bid documents for the 70 mile Cheboygan to Alpena trail are almost finished, expected to go out for bid this fall with construction to begin in 2011.
3. The improvements to the Mackinaw City trailhead are scheduled for this summer (2010), again bids went out and came back in and are awaiting final approval.

Wednesday, May 26,2010

Lansing,  Michigan

Hosted by MTGA,  LMB & MMBA

Great Day Great Event!!! About 80 Bicyclists and trail advocates attended the Lucinda Means Bicycle Advocacy Day. Many meetings were held with legislators to discuss complete streets and other issues of importance to bicycling and walking

Thanks for the great event! It was a busy day with lots of meetings, but well worth it!      Missy Luyk, TART Trails

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm on Wednesday signed into law the “Recreation Passport” legislation, which creates a new funding source for Michigan’s state parks, state recreation areas, state forest campgrounds, non-motorized trails and pathways and local parks

The new law takes effect Oct. 1, 2010, meaning citizens who want to visit state parks this year will still need a 2010 Motor Vehicle Permit.

Recreation Passport FAQS

Recreation Passport OVERVIEW

The I-275 bike path  repairs are getting under way for the summer. Work on both the middle section (Hines to Michigan Ave) and the Northern section (above Hines) will start the week of April 12. The Northern section should be completed by the beginning of July  while the work on the middle section will be going on all summer long. Please refrain from using the path,  especially the middle section during the time of construction.

Smart Commute is a program that encourages biking, walking, and public transit so that you can save money, get fit, and be green. There are no standard Smart Commute events; they can range from commuting demonstrations to challenges where local worksites encourage employees to Smart Commute by walking, biking, carpooling or using public transit. Events can take place any time of the year but often take place during May in conjunction with “Bike to Work Week.” Smart Commute is catching on statewide; join other communities that are encouraging their residents to turn in their car keys for alternative modes of transportation. To help you get started, visit the MI Smart Commute Web site for resources that will take you step-by-step through how to implement a successful smart commute event in your community.