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Receiving an Alliance Advocacy Award in recognition of their tireless efforts for the Michigan Complete Streets Coalition has only increased the momentum of the League of Michigan Bicyclists.

Last week, the City of Ann Arbor and Burt Township adopted Complete Street Policies, increasing the count of Complete Street ordinances and resolutions in Michigan to 32. As noted on the Michigan Complete Street Coalition’s website, according to census data, Michigan’s 32 Complete Streets policies means that 24 percent of Michigan’s population will be living in a community that aims to be easily accessible by all modes of transportation. This number will surely continue to increase with LMB’s hard work. Just yesterday, Lathrup Village launched a Complete Streets program, with the ultimate goal of adopting a Complete Streets ordinance.

Shortly after the City of Ann Arbor’s adoption of its Complete Streets Policy, the city’s transportation program manager Eli Cooper explained the adoption of the policyamidst Ann Arbor’s on-going recognition from the state and national organizations for its biking and walking programs. “Ann Arbor has a ways to go to realize its vision of providing comfortable travel for all users regardless of age or ability level,” says Cooper.

Acknowledging this need for change just might help Michigan transform its current image as the automobile capital of the world to the active transportation capital of the world, and will certainly create an example for other communities looking to make a positive change for bike-ped transportation.

Photo: John Lindenmayer and Rory Neuner accepted the Alliance’s Winning Campaign of the Year award for their work with the Michigan Complete Streets Coalition.