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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.

This on-the-ground, up-to-the-minute story was written by John Lindenmayer, Associate Director of the League of Michigan Bicyclists, and is posted in conjunction with our partners at the National Complete Streets Coalition.

It’s hard to think of Michigan without thinking of the automobile. But we’re doing our best to change that.

For far too long, local and statewide car-centric transportation policies focused on accommodating motorists alone and failed to address the needs of non-motorized roadway users – including pedestrians, bicyclists, older citizens and persons with disabilities.

This outdated mode of thinking must change.

Now, Michigan has the chance to join 13 other states in passing Complete Streets legislation. Today, the House Transportation Committee is scheduled to vote on two bills — HB 6151 and HB 6152 — that require planners and engineers design roads to accommodate all users, regardless of age or ability. Such legislation, by creating safer, healthier and more livable communities, will make Michigan a place where people want to settle. It will attract both tourists and new residents. It will boost the economy and spur economic revitalization. It will help Michigan regain its rightful place as a leader in transportation – all modes of transportation.

Many communities – including Lansing, Flint, Jackson and Midland – have already adopted local complete streets ordinances/resolutions or have drafted non-motorized transportation plans. Additionally, more than 70 diverse organizations, nonprofits and businesses have partnered with the Michigan Complete Streets Coalition to voice their concerted support for statewide complete streets policies.

The coalition is led by the League of Michigan Bicyclists, the Michigan Environmental Council, and AARP. Coalition members represent health and fitness groups, such as the Michigan Fitness Foundation and the American Heart Association; the disability and aging community, like the Michigan Development Disabilities Council; environmental groups such as the Michigan League of Conservation Voters and the Michigan Land Use Institute; bicycling organizations, such as the Program to Educate All Cyclists; and the transit community, such as Transportation Riders United.

This growing coalition exemplifies the strong grassroots support for complete streets policies throughout the state, especially on the statewide level. The past two hearings on the Complete Streets bills have had a great turnout, with standing-room-only space at each meeting. Additionally, more than 30 organizations and businesses – some aligned with the coalition, others independently – have submitted written or verbal testimony in support of the legislation.

They believe, as we do, that passing statewide Complete Streets legislation will make Michigan a safer, healthier and stronger place to live.

UPDATE from Michigan advocates: “The House Transportation Committee passed both bills out of committee, with substitute language (H-2 6151 and H-2 6152). They both passed unanimously, with a pass by Representative Paul Opsommer.”