Categories
Greenways

Five most impactful Detroit bike and trail projects for 2016

With all that’s going on — not to mention Slow Roll, the expanding diverse bike club culture, Tour-de-Troit, and bike manufacturing — Detroit deserves greater national attention as a great biking and trails city.

To help prove that, we’ve made this list of major projects that are really going to make a great impact this year. These are not in any specific order.

Link Detroit: Dequindre Cut, Eastern Market, Midtown Connector

20150921_180244Yes, this was on our 2015 list, too, but it’ll officially open this spring. $20+ million projects certainly deserve being mentioned twice. While most of the construction is complete, the security boxes and cameras won’t be operational until spring. There’s also continued work happening on those private properties along the Dequindre Cut.

The bike lanes along Wilkins, Brush, Mack, and St. Aubin are complete. There’s also much new bike parking in and around Eastern Market.

A grand opening ceremony will be announced for the spring as well.

Cass Ave Bike Lanes & Midtown Loop

Cass Avenue Bike RouteThis Midtown Detroit project began last year but will finish this year. The bike lanes start at W. Grand Boulevard and continue south to Lafayette. The route gets sharrows and proceeds a east one block to Washington before continuing south Cobo Center. Here,  the route transitions to an an off-road path heading east along the south side of Jefferson to Bates Street, which connects to the RiverWalk.

When you’re going downhill (and fast) on Bates, you get sharrows on the road. When going uphill (and slower), you’ll have a protected bike lane.

This project also includes:

  • The final section of the Midtown Loop streetscaping between Kirby and Canfield
  • Three public bike repair stations
  • Multiple in-ground, automated bike counters with two kiosks displaying real-time counts

This project was largely funded by MDOT to help make Cass a more desireable bike corridor than Woodward since the M1 Rails are causing safety issues with bicyclists’ tires.

While not part of this project, the underpass at Cass is now a public art display.

We’ve also been working with City Council and Olympia Development to upgrade a portion of these bike lanes as part of the new hockey arena construction. And in the long term, we hope to extend this Cass Avenue bike route to the Detroit Zoo using both Second and Woodward Avenues.

Automated counters

Mobile bike counter on Cass AvenueWe know more people are biking and walking but we don’t have numbers. That’s about to change as automated counters start operating 24/7 on Cass with real-time data uplinks. The Dequindre Cut extension is also getting three counters which will tally bicycles as well as pedestrians. While this data won’t tell us the total number of people on bikes or foot, it will show trends.

The Detroit Greenways Coalition will also be using our mobile bike counters again this year. In 2015 we took counts on Cass Avenue and E. Jefferson before any bike lanes were installed. We want to have before and after counts so we can measure the impacts these projects are having — and justify continued non-motorized investment.

Public Bike Share and Street improvements

The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) is still hopeful about launching this year. The anticipated footprint is from Clark Park to Belle Isle, and from the River to W. Grand Boulevard. Phase I calls for 35 stations and 350 bikes. The great news is Henry Ford Health System/Health Alliance Plan have signed on as the title sponsor. We’ve been working with the DDP and others to insure this bike share access is inclusive and serves a diverse audience.

With all these new bikes will increase demand for more bike lanes in the Downtown and the DDP is working to address that through road diets and one-to-two way conversions in the near future.

Livernois Bike Lanes

The City of Detroit installing bike lanes on four miles of Livernois from Grand River to W. Vernor. Eventually we expect to continue this route to Historic Fort Wayne and the Detroit River as part of the Gordie Howe Bridge U.S. Plaza project.

Detroit Planning Director Maurice Cox has also announced intentions for pop-up (i.e. short-term prototype) bike lanes on Livernois in the Avenue of Fashion between McNichols and Eight Mile. There’s not enough width between the outside curbs for four vehicle travel lanes, two parking lanes, and bike lanes. Would the street work with two vehicle lanes? This is one way to find out and it’s a technique that could be applied on other roads.

Having better biking facilities on this portion of Livernois would be very welcomed as they could connect with Ferndale’s bike lanes (and their downtown) to the north and the river/Fort Wayne/Canada via the Gordie Howe Bridge to the south.

Honorable Mentions

Some of these projects are super exciting as well. Some are not yet ripe and we can’t provide specific details yet but we wanted to note that they’re moving forward.

  • 20151105_173047E. Jefferson Protected Bike Lanes — Jefferson East got the city’s first protected bike lanes installed last year just west of Alter Road. The city’s plan is to extend that same design all the way to E. Grand Boulevard/Belle Isle. The timing and scope of this project is not clear. When complete, this will be one of the longest protected bike lane projects in the U.S.
  • RiverWalk section — A new section of East RiverWalk is under construction between Jos Campau and East Chene Park. It’ll also include a bridge over an old boat slip.
  • Inner Circle Greenway — The $10 million TIGER grant was not funded last year which would have built about six  miles of the Inner Circle Greenway. We now developing a revised funding plan, which may include another TIGER grant request. In the meantime, the rail corridor land acquisition is progressing.
  • Beltline Greenway — We helped get significant Iron Belle Trail funding to acquire land for the proposed Beltline Greenway from the RiverWalk (at Mt. Elliott Park) to Gleaner’s Food Bank. Progress is being made in a collaborative effort with the DNR, city of Detroit, DECC, and the Coalition.
  • Elmwood Greenway — We partnered with Elmwood Cemetery on a grant request to further plan an off road trail from Gleaners/the Beltline Greenway to the Dequindre Cut near Gratiot. We expect the greenway would connect into the historic cemetery as well.
  • International Greenway Vision Map — We are working with a large number of parties on both sides of the Detroit River produce a map that highlights the greenways and bike routes adjacent to our international border. We want to show the value in building connections between the U.S. and Canada so bicyclists can enjoys both countries without needing a car. That could mean ferry service between downtown Detroit and Windsor, as well as bike lanes on the Gordie Howe Bridge.
  • Open Streets — We’ve been working with the DDP, DTE, City of Detroit, Wayne State, and others to bring one or two Open Streets events to Detroit in 2016.
  • Indoor Velodrome — There’s nothing official to report yet, but the project is moving forward.

 

Categories
Complete Streets Greenways In the Media Newsletter

Coalition Updates – December 2015

Bike Trails & Cocktails Event

Welcome to December!

#GivingTuesday is nearly over, but there’s still an opportunity to make a tax-deductible contribution to the Coalition. By donating through the PayPal fund, service fees are waived and they’ll add an additional 1%.

We were recently featured in an NBC News article and video, Motor City to Bike City: Inside Detroit’s Bicycle Renaissance. It was a great opportunity to highlight all the work being done in Detroit and the impact it’s having in making the city more bike-friendly.

Digging Detroit also published a video, Rails-to-Tales: Detroit’s Inner CIrcle Greenway. It includes footage from the abandoned rail corridor as well as historic photos.

While much progress has been made on the Inner Circle Greenway recently, there has been some unfortunate news. Detroit’s $10.4 million federal TIGER grant was not selected. The TIGER program is hyper-competitive, so that’s not too much of a surprise. The Coalition is working with the city on alternative funding plans which may include another shot at TIGER.

We recently biked with Detroit’s Planning Director Maurice Cox and MDOT’s projects managers for the I-94 widening project. We rode along the I-94 corridor and discussed mostly negative impacts MDOT’s project will have on biking and walking. We’ve been highlighting these concerns for years now so having Maurice involved and being equally concerned is very welcomed. We can’t afford to lose pedestrian bridges and other key community connections across the freeways.

 

2016 Events
We are making plans for next year and expanding upon our successful Bike Trails & Cocktails event. Initial plans are to host these events quarterly. Some will include bike tours, guest speakers, and more.

Stay tuned as we expect to announce more details in the coming months.

​
Categories
History Policy

Among many things, Ron Scott was a bike advocate

Ron Scott talks about bikes in DetroitI met Ron Scott on the stairsteps of the old Detroit Police Department (DPD) headquarters on Beaubien in 2008. I didn’t know much about him except that he was interested in helping organize a bicycle ride against the police department’s suddenly announced enforcement of mandatory bicycle registration ordinances.

Along with fellow advocate Tawanna Simpson, we organized a bike protest ride while simultaneously working to make the bike registration ordinances voluntary.

From my limited policy perspective as the MTGA Detroit Greenways Coordinator, the ordinances were archaic and and burdensome. For Ron, it wasn’t a coincidence that DPD starting enforcing the ordinances. It was a tool for targeting certain types of people who happened to be on bikes. Unlicensed bikes were an easy way to write $75 tickets. This was an issue of fairness and equity.

Along the way, Ron bought a bike and was rapidly absorbed in the fun and health aspects of bicycling. He spoke of bicycling’s ability to build inclusive community, perhaps foretelling Slow Roll. He certainly brought a more broad perspective to the discussion.

At the Detroit City Council hearing on the registration ordinances, I was taken aback by the respect and admiration each council member gave Ron as they entered the room. Still not knowing his past, it gave me a great deal of confidence. Council called Ron and I to the table where he spoke elegantly and introduced the need to remove the city’s unnecessary bicycling restrictions. He then introduced me as his brother, which elicited some chuckles. While we’re both Scotts, we don’t look much like siblings. I proceeded to outline the specifics of why mandatory licensing didn’t make sense from a policy perspective.

Detroit Police Chief Ella Bully-CummingsMore people spoke against the ordinances with only DPD speaking in support of them. City council not only moved to make the mandatory bicycle registrations voluntary, they thanked us for bringing this issue before them. Our protest bike ride was then turned into a bike ride celebration that even saw the Detroit Police Chief Ella Bully-Cummings riding with us.

Seizing on this political momentum, we decided to bring the Department of Public Work’s non-motorized master plan before council for their approval. Council passed it unanimously before we could finish our presentation. More success!

In the end, DPD gave us a gift that not only led to Ron’s involvement, it fostered a relationship with Council that made Detroit more bike- and trail-friendly. Our positive relationship with Council continues to this day.

Belle Isle State Park

Another issue dear to Ron was the lease of Belle Isle to the State of Michigan. With that lease came an increased state enforcement that made many long time park users feel unwelcomed. This included many Detroit’s bike clubs that no longer felt comfortable holding their events on the island.

We worked with Ron and the bike club presidents to have DNR State Parks Director Ron Olson and the DNR Chief of Southern Field Operations Scott Pratt ride together for the 2014 fireworks. It was an opportunity to make introductions and an initial attempt at changing conditions and perceptions.

The following month, Ron and I spoke before the Michigan State Parks Advisory Committee. Per the meeting minutes:

Scott Pratt, Ron Scott, Ron OlsonRon Scott, applauds the state for what they have accomplished so far with Belle Isle and the increase in Recreation Passport sales just in the Detroit area. However, he encouraged the DNR Parks and Recreation Division to reach out to other stakeholders in the City (i.e. businesses, organizations, the districts, and the general public) and the surrounding areas. For whatever reason, some groups or individuals have not felt comfortable or welcome on the island. He feels that if the department were to reach out to these groups (i.e. have public meetings, discussion or interaction), regarding what would encourage them to visit and enjoy the island, it would not only benefit the island with increased revenue, but it would also help the city and local businesses. He also recommended reaching out to surrounding communities to encourage interest in Belle Isle and point out what it has to offer on a more localized level. Organizations like the Detroit Greenways Coalition, the state, and others would benefit by meeting, having these discussions and figuring out ways to attract more visitors to the area. He also reminded the committee that the state needs to be sensitive to the way enforcement is handled on the island.

 At an event just last month Ron reiterated the need to resolve this issue. We’re still working on it.

Certainly Ron contributed much more to Detroit than bicycling advocacy. Others will write much more about that. I just feel so fortunate that our causes overlapped, to have worked with him and be inspired by him, and to be called his brother.

Thank you, Ron.

On November 30th, 2015, Ron Scott passed after a battle with cancer at age 68. 

[More about Ron Scott]

Categories
Policy

At a glance: Michigan Road Funding bills

1280px-Michigan_state_capitolThe Detroit Free Press has a story today on the package of Michigan road funding bills headed to the governor.

While state road funding is one of many used in Detroit, it’s typically not the primary source for trail and bike lane projects. Those projects rely more often on federal grants and philanthropy. Still, this funding is important and does affect our work.

The good news is that unlike legislation introduced in earlier sessions, these do not affect the road funding formulas much. Prior changes included registration and fuel tax increases while effectively shifting funding from cities to the counties. Detroit was set up to lose millions. Other bills bypassed the formula altogether which shortchanged public transit funding and the 1% for non-motorized requirement. Those changes aren’t happening with these bills.

However, one change does give Detroit the flexibility to shift up to 20% of its state road funding to DDOT.

These bills also transfer substantial general fund money to the transportation funding. It’s a major shift from motor vehicle user fees (e.g. vehicle registration and fuel taxes) to general funds that everyone pays through state income and sales taxes. While these transfers have been done in recent years — especially at the federal level — they haven’t been done to this extent in Michigan.

Having more general funding for roads only reinforces the justification for Complete Streets. We’re all paying for the roads so they should be designed for all of us.

Categories
Policy Safety & Education

Restrictive youth bicycle ordinances repealed

Photo from Council member Castaneda-Lopez's Facebook photo album
Photo from Council member Castaneda-Lopez’s Facebook photo album

Moments ago, Detroit City Council unanimously repealed three city ordinances that restricted youth bicycling within the city. In brief, these ordinances prohibited bicyclists under age 12 from riding in the street even if they were with a parent or guardian. Bicyclists between ages 12 and 17 needed to carry a permission note with them. The penalty for violating either ordinance was the Detroit Police Department could ask parents that they withhold bicycling privileges for up to six months.

We sought to remove these as we outlined in a prior post.

Yesterday we testified at a public hearing that these ordinances were archaic, unique to Detroit, and not best practices. They also did not seem to be enforced, which made youth safety education more challenging. Should we tell youth to ignore them?

Also at the public hearing was Heather Nugen, Executive Director for Back Alley Bikes. Nugen brought her wealth of experience in youth cycling to the table. Council member Scott Benson recognized Back Alley Bikes for all the great work they do in the city.

Next up were two third-graders who road their bikes to school and knew how to safely ride in the road. They clearly had the most impact. Thanks to BikeVON for bringing these kids to the hearing.

At the conclusion of the public hearing, Council member Raquel Castaneda-Lopez and Benson posed with them. Member Castaneda-Lopez wrote on Facebook:

I love when youth come to speak at City Council- it can be intimidating even for adults. Today these two 9 and 10yr olds, respectively, came to support repealing archaic restrictions around youth riding bicycles. They ride their bikes to school. I hope that someday soon everyone in the city feels safe & comfortable riding bikes and using this as a viable means of transportation. #detroitcycles #nonmotorizedtransportation#youthempowered #district6

We share that hope!

Also, we do want to thank People for Bikes in helping spread the word on this with an Action Alert.

Categories
Policy

Repealing Detroit’s Restrictive Youth Bicycling Ordinances

A public hearing to repeal these youth biking ordinances was held on Monday, October 26th at 10:30AM at Detroit City Council. The repeal was successfully voted out of committee and is on the Tuesday Council agenda for an expected final vote.

 

Last May, Detroit made a massive overhaul of its traffic ordinances. City Council repealed most of Detroit’s traffic ordinances and adopted the Michigan Motor Vehicle Code and Uniform Traffic Code in their place.

We supported this change as it makes Detroit’s traffic ordinances more consistent with other Michigan cities.

It also meant bicycles no longer required bells. We’re not anti-bike bell, we think they’re a great idea. We just don’t think bicyclists should get a ticket for not having one.

Three ordinances that didn’t get removed involved youth bicycling.

Sec. 55-4-11. – Operation of bicycles—Persons under twelve years of age.
No person under the age of 12 years shall operate a bicycle upon any street, highway or alley of the City, provided, that such person under twelve 12 years of age may operate a bicycle on the sidewalks of the city. (Ord. No. 09-14, § 1, 5-19-14)

Sec. 55-4-12. – Same—Persons twelve to seventeen years of age.
Any person over the age of 12 years and under the age of 17 years may operate a bicycle upon the streets, highways, and alleys of the City, provided, that such person has in his possession the written consent of the parent or guardian to do so. (Ord. No. 09-14, § 1, 5-19-14)

Sec. 55-4-13. – Same—Police to notify parents of violations.
If there is any violation of section 55-4-21 or section 55-4-22 of this Code, the Police Department shall notify the parent or guardian of the violation, giving the details of the violation, and shall recommend the confiscation of the bicycle by the parent or guardian for a period of not more than six months. (Ord. No. 09-14, § 1, 5-19-14)

These ordinances are archaic and unduly restrictive. To the best of our knowledge, they are not enforced.

We asked members of the Association for Pedestrian and Bicycle Planners if they were aware of another U.S. city with similar restrictions. The answer was “no”.

Repealing 55-4-11 does not mean all Detroit youth are prepared to ride safely in the streets, but certainly some are. Many youth under age 12 ride in the streets with their parents/guardians or with organized groups such as the Back Alley Bikes Youth Rides and the Safe Routes to School program. This happens safely across the city and should not be prohibited.

Also, Council adopted the Michigan Uniform Traffic Code by reference in May 2014. That includes a rule that holds parents/guardians responsible for their children:

R 28.1201 Rule 201. Required obedience to traffic ordinances; parental responsibility; violation as civil infraction. (1) It is a violation of this code for any person to do any act that is forbidden, or to fail to perform any act that is required, by the act or this code. (2) The parent of any child and the guardian of any ward shall not authorize or knowingly permit this child or ward to violate any of the provisions of the act or this code. (3) Unless otherwise specified, violation of any rule of this code is a civil infraction.

We met with Council member Scott Benson this summer to discuss their repeal. The repeal amendment went before the City Council Public Health and Safety Committee today and was moved to tomorrow’s City Council of Whole.