Detroit lost an amazing, inspiring role model supporter of biking, walking, trails and much more in February -- and we lost a board member. If you biked or walked in Detroit then you probably knew Gloria Durfield-Mitchell. We wrote about her and included some of the many photos she was in.

Gloria was very active in GirlTrek Detroit, a walking group dedicated to improving women's health. They kicked off their walking season this month and dedicated it to her. She made the sun come out for us!

There are plans for a memorial bike ride on Gloria's birthday, May 12th. Details are forthcoming.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation that appropriates federal American Rescue Plan funding. That appropriation includes $60 million for the Joe Louis Greenway. This should ensure the construction of additional phases.

The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is breaking ground on the Southwest Greenway, formerly called the May Creek Greenway. This new trail will be like a shorter Dequindre Cut and connect the West Riverfront Park (future Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park) to Bagley Street in Corktown. The City of Detroit is improving 15th Street and connect the greenway to Roosevelt Park.

Speaking of Roosevelt Park, it will also be under construction this year. The portions of West Vernor that divide the park will be replaced with a pathway. There will be better walkways, lighting, landscaping and green stormwater infrastructure. 

The City of Detroit has started constuction of a new park along the Joe Louis Greenway: The Warren Gateway Trailhead Park off Warren Avenue, west of Livernois. This 4-acre park should be accessible by Fall and completed by Spring. 

Another project that will be under construction this year is just north of Hamtramck: the Meade Cut-Thru. This is a short three block neighborhood connector to the Joe Louis Greenway at Meade and Joseph Campau. 

Daily Detroit recently spoke with us about some of these projects and many others that are happening in 2022. This rapid progress and momentum is the new normal -- and we embrace it. 

The Federal Highway Administration just approved MDOT's plans for replacing I-375 with more of a street-level grid. We've been involved in this project for years since we saw this as an opportunity to improve non-motorized connections, especially between Downtown and Eastern Market.

A recent roundtable discussion was held with the Governor, Mayor Mike Duggan, MDOT Director Paul Ajegba, and others. We shared our thoughts on these new connections but also the need to address safety. One benefit of the existing below-grade freeway is there are fewer motor vehicles at street-level. With the new design, bicyclist and pedestrian safety must be prioritized. We cannot have motorists bringing a fast freeway driving perspective onto this new urban boulevard. This is something we'll stay on top of as the project design moves forward.

Construction funding is not scheduled until 2027. However, that may move forward if the project receives federal grants from new programs created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation, e.g. Reconnecting Communities.

Connecting the Rouge is a community greenway planning effort initiated by Wayne County Parks and funded through a grant from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. This effort seeks to improve access to the Hines Drive trail system, the Lower Rouge River Greenway, and the Rouge River Gateway Greenway. This effort identified linkages between neighborhoods, communities, jobs, commercial areas, and destinations throughout the Rouge River valley. Ultimately, the planning process is a chance to take stock of current facilities and position county government, local municipal partners, and other agencies to pursue and implement critical non-motorized connections in Wayne County.

Please take a minute to review the draft report at www.connectingtherouge.org where you can also find a brief overview of the project and a survey to provide feedback.

Detroit City Council began the year with six of nine new members. Given so many new faces, the Detroit Green Task Force decided to present on what we do. Myra Tetteh, who co-chairs the Task Force's Transportation and Mobility committee presented on the need for Complete Streets+. The presentation was very well received. This really makes us optimistic about continuing our work with Council to make the city a safe place for walking and biking. 

This photo was taken after the presentation, which happened to be International Women's Day.

The Transportation and Mobility committee meets online the third Tuesday of each month at 4pm. Our next meeting is April 19th and will feature a presentation on the Regional Transit Authority.