Over 100 bicyclists from all over Michigan were a force to be reckoned with as they descended upon the State Capitol for the 9th annual Lucinda Means Bicycle Advocacy Day.  Participants held 100 meetings and gave legislative packets to every legislative office in the House of Representatives and the Senate.  The bike parade down Michigan Avenue was intermittently damp, but not soggy.

Even if you can’t attend Advocacy Day in person, you can still be a part of the action by participating in our Virtual Lobby Day! Please urge your Representative to cosponsor our vulnerable user legislation. This legislation will create enhanced penalties for drivers who injure or kill bicyclists! With over 80 locally adopted Complete Streets ordinances, Michigan is leading the nation with these policies. As communities continue to implement Complete Streets, more and more individuals are choosing active transportation like walking and biking. Improved infrastructure alone; however, does not guarantee safety. “Share the Road” principles must be stressed and stiffer penalties should be implemented for drivers who fail to safely coexist with other legal users of the roadway.

Make a difference! Contact your representative TODAY and ask them to cosponsor the Vulnerable User Bill.

Find out all about the Michigander this Sunday at the Michigander Expo, happening at Maybury State Park in Northville from 10 am to 3 pm.

We will have  seminars on bikes from several area bike shops that are joining us (American Cycle & Fitness, Performance Bikes and South Lyon Cycle)  as well as a seminar on  camping equipment from Moosejaw.  Barry Culham, Michigander Coordinator, will talk all about this year’s ride and answer your questions.  Nancy Krupiarz, Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance Executive Director, will talk about new trail connections  and respond to inquiries about Michigan’s trails.  A light lunch is included.  The admission is free of charge, but you will need a Recreation Passport ($12 for the year)  to get in the park, which you can purchase at the gate to the park.  Bring your bike and you can access 4 miles of paved trails or 11 miles of singletrack for your riding pleasure.

Please use the 8 Mile entrance to find your way to the Expo location, and follow the Michigander Expo signs to the Walnut Shelter. Map . . .

See you there!!

The event starts with an optional bike parade down Michigan Avenue, Michigan’s “Main Street”,  from Michigan State University to the State Capitol, follows with an update on the latest policy issues and the important opportunity to meet with legislators, and then ends with a nutritious and delicious lunch.  There is even a post-event bike ride around the Capitol area for those who can stay a little longer to enjoy the day.

Nothing helps more to make positive policy changes than having bicyclists show up from across the state to show how much they care about these issues.    Talking to legislators is easier than you think, you will be paired with others for your visits, and the result is you will feel inspired from being engaged in the Michigan democratic process by giving input on issues that are near and dear to your heart.  It is an enjoyable day, and you will receive abundant gratitude from your Michigan bicycling organizations for playing an ESSENTIAL role in shaping bicycle policy.  For more information and to register see the attached flier.

Angela J. Cesere | AnnArbor.com file photo

The city of Ypsilanti has been awarded a $300,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund grant program to go toward the Border to Border Trail project that will run through the city’s Water Street property.

Ypsilanti is the only community in Washtenaw County to receive a grant for the 2012 round.

Gov. Rick Snyder signed legislation on March 27, approving $23,348,700 in trust fund grant appropriations, funding 76 recreation development projects and land acquisitions in 43 Michigan counties.

Ypsilanti’s funding will be used to construct a multi-use trail, plaza, fishing pier, Huron River overlook, signage and site amenities. The city believes the enhancements will attract bikers, walkers, strollers and joggers to the area.

The entire project is estimated to cost about $592,000. The city already received a $289,400 trust grant that also will go toward the Border to Border Trail project.

The pedestrian bridge will cross from Riverside Park to a corner of the Fischer Honda dealership parcel on the east side of the Huron River. The city recently approved a $31,500 purchase of access easement with the dealership, allowing them access to a piece of property.

The city, who is working with the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation on this project, met on Tuesday, March 12 to approve funding to cover the cost of the easement.

City Planner Teresa Gillotti previously told AnnArbor.com it was looking at a 2013 construction date. Linking Frog Island Park, Riverside Park, Water Street and Water Works Park continues to be a priority for the city, Gillotti said.

State Sen. Rebekah Warren, D-Ann Arbor, applauded the city receiving the grant.

“Washtenaw County has long been a leader in preserving our beautiful parks and green spaces, and I am honored to represent constituents who understand the important role these special places play in our quality of life,” Warren said in a statement. “I commend the Natural Resources Trust Fund for supporting this critical project, which will make a number of recreational activities more accessible to our residents, while improving the local economy and encouraging tourism in the area.”