Michigan Trails & Greenways Alliance

State Senator Says Michigander is “Perfect for Families”
By Gretchen Mensing, Michigan Fitness Foundation

Senator George and his son Matt at the 2009 Michigander

Bicycling to work is one way that Senator Tom George works physical activity into his daily routine. He often rides to Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo where he is a physician, and once a year he bikes from his home district in Kalamazoo to the State Capitol in Lansing.
Senator George has reintroduced three bills to the Senate regarding bicycle safety.  It is important to him to ensure that there are safe opportunities for Michigan’s citizens to be active, and recognizes that health care costs can be reduced if each Michigander takes responsibility for his or her own health by being physically active.
For the second year, Senator George is riding the Michigander Bicycle Tour with his 15-year-old son, Matt.  He says the ride is a good way for them to spend time together.
“We aren’t taking a vacation this year, we are taking bike trips!” says Matt.
Senator George chose to ride the Michigander for many reasons, including its name.
“I really like the word ‘Michigander,’ there is quite a lot of history behind it,” he says. “The term was first used by Abraham Lincoln, who called Lewis Cass a Michigander. There is tradition behind the name.”
But Senator George also chose the Michigander Bicycle Tour because it supports and showcases Michigan’s trails.
“I enjoy riding the trailways – the trails are scenic and it is nice to be out of the traffic,” he says.

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