Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
MICHIGAN
In this issue:
LMB Tours Round-Up.
Find Out How to Help LMB Further Its
Mission in 2017.
CycleSavvy Breaks Down Different
Page 3 Page 5 Page 7
Behaviors in Cycling Spaces. Message from LMBs New LMB Bicycle Legislations LMBs Tour Directors Road to
And More! Board Chair. Journey So Far. Recovery.
Urgency and Opportunity: More Than Ever, the Time to Ride is Now.
Lindsey DesArmo - LMB Board Chair
The League of Michigan Bicyclists, or LMB, is
a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization devoted For bicyclists, and those danger when they get on their bicycle. We
exclusively to the advancement of bicycling. who know and love people need your help. A narrow window of oppor-
Our mission is to promote bicycling and increase
the safety of bicyclists on Michigan roadways.
who ride, the summer tunity is upon us to pass a 5-foot passing
of 2016 in Michigan law, establish vulnerable roadway user
Michigan Bicyclist Magazine is a LMB member has been difficult and protections, and increase drivers education
benefit. It is published as part of our efforts to alarming. After so many time spent on bicycle safety. NOW is the time
educate Michigan cyclists, law enforcement,
policy makers, engineering and planning
recent cycling tragedies, to TAKE ACTION to contact your legislators and
communities, and others on issues affecting LMB is working harder the Governor and urge them to swiftly move
bicycling in Michigan. than ever to further its mission to promote this legislation. Ask your family members and
Michigan Bicyclist Copyright 2016 the safety of bicyclists on our roadways, and fellow Michiganders to do the same to help
On the Cover: LMBs Tour Director, Scott Elliotts to ensure that the increasingly clear need for protect their loved ones and cyclists in their
daughters, Evelyn and Lydia, take a break from real change in our legislature is heard loud communities. LMB staff and volunteers are
their ride on this summers Sunrise Adventure and clear. I am honored to serve as the new working tirelessly to make this message heard,
Tour.
Chair for LMBs Board of Directors during this but we rely on your continued support to get
Photo courtesy: Scott Elliott
pivotal time. Riding on the road is not only an it done. Please visit and share our action alert
Editor, Art & Design: ANETA KIERSNOWSKI enjoyable opportunity to experience our (www.LMB.org/takeaction) to connect with
Letters/Comments/Advertisements may be state in a unique way, to take in fresh air and your legislators. Additionally, please keep us
directed to: aneta@LMB.org breathtaking views. Bicycling also provides many in mind as you start to look forward to your
Michiganders the means to travel: to work, back year-end charitable contributions. Your
LMB Directors: home, to shopping centers, and even to schools. year-end donations help to ensure that our
MEREDITH BEGIN staff can continue this very important work.
DAVE BOURGEAULT This summer, my husband Joe and I ventured
JIM CARPENTER to new territories for us across the state,
LINDSEY DESARMO, Chair including to the crystal clear waters of Torch
NORMAN COX Lake in northern Michigan. Though it was a
DAVID JONES, Treasurer beautiful experience, our hearts were heavy as
MICHEAEL REUTER we rode around the lake. As this outing came
STEVEN ROACH on the heels of Kalamazoos tragic crash, where
YVONNE RUCKER Printed with
recycled content
a motorist struck nine experienced cyclists
MICHAEL SHEEAN, Secretary resulting in serious injuries for four and loss of
BRYAN WALDMAN life for five, we couldnt help but be hypervigi-
BRYAN WILKINSON lant. This tragedy was, unfortunately, only one
of too many motorist vs bicycle crashes over
Staff the summer, and the feeling of unease we felt
JOHN LINDENMAYER was echoed by fellow cyclists in later conversa-
Executive Director tions.
john@LMB.org
There is a need to change the tide and
ANETA KIERSNOWSKI keep bicyclists from feeling that they are in
Development & Communications
Director
aneta@LMB.org
BEN SAINT-ONGE
Administrative Assistant
ben@LMB.org
SCOTT ELLIOTT
Tour Director
scott@LMB.org
We found comfort in the inspiring stories of leadership, generosity, Thank you for your support during our Annual Campaign!
and compassion that emerged, however. Amazing volunteers selflessly
stepped up to help host Shoreline West during Scotts recovery. LMB
2
The long process of physical
and mental recovery is arduous,
especially when it involves
something you love dearly.
Dmitriy Shapiro
Originally reported in Adrians The Daily logical impact on him and his
Telegram, Oct. 10, 2016. family was worse.
For avid cyclist Scott Elliott, associate professor I cant ride very long without
in the Department of Philosophy and Religion the shoulder being severely sore
at Adrian College, surviving a potentially and fatigued. But theres also
life-threatening crash is not keeping him off a lot of psychological issues,
his bike. Elliott said. Im anxious about
being on the road. My wife is
On July 23, while finishing a 93-mile ride terribly anxious about me being
Scott Elliott, LMB Tour Director and passionate cyclist, survived a near fatal
hit-and-run crash this summer and has since gotten back on his bicycle.
from Coldwater, through Indiana and Ohio, on the road.
Elliott was the victim in a hit-and-run crash
all the time. So now for my life to be short
involving an alleged drunken driver. While he In the early stages of his recovery, Elliott
weekend rides is really quite different.
considers himself lucky to be alive, his injuries volunteered at Re-Bicycle Lenawee an
were extensive. Adrian-based nonprofit co-op that repairs Getting back on the bicycle was important
bicycles for community members and for Elliott. He said he did not want the drivers
Elliott suffered fractures to his collarbone, works to provide bicycles to low-income irresponsible actions to take away something
shoulder blade, eight ribs, two vertebrae, residents. Elliott is a board member with that is so dear and so central to his life. Yet, he
his pelvis and femur. Worst of all was the the organization. According to Elliott, the didnt realize how much anxiety he would face
damage to his cheekbone, for which he volunteer work gave him a way to be involved when he began riding on open roads again.
underwent extensive surgery that included in his hobby without forcing himself to get
the installation of metal plates. back on a bike too soon. He waited, as he put Bicycling began in 2008 for Elliott. Feeling
it, for the desire to ride to emerge naturally. overweight and unhealthy, he took it up as
The hit knocked Elliott unconscious. Luckily his
a way to get healthy and avoid going to the
riding partners were there to help him, and to After months of recovery, Elliott, who is the gym. Before long, it came to be much more.
witness the incident. Tour Director for the League of Michigan
Bicyclists a nonprofit organization There was just something fulfilling about it
Elliott was released from the hospital four
dedicated to educating and advocating for and the kind of quality of life that came from
days after the incident. Because of the nature
cyclists in the state felt the pull to get back being alive, he said. Feeling good, being
of his injuries, he spent weeks sleeping in a
to riding. healthy, seeing people, seeing my community,
hospital bed for three hours at a time. While the
not wasting money on gas and my car and all
physical injuries were extensive, the psycho- He wanted to participate in the Tour de Troit, a those sorts of things. It became about a way
Sept. 17 cycling event in downtown Detroit. He I could see the place I live in from a different
got on a bicycle again just prior to the event. light. I could experience my environment in a
way that was very intimate and personal and
Its an amazing event, but it worked well
meaningful. I was in my environment, not just
because they shut down the streets, so its all
passing by it.
bicycles, Elliott said. It was a good way to
kind of ease back into it. For now, going for rides on public roads takes
extensive planning and mental preparation
Its great if you think in terms of recovery, but
from Elliott and his wife.
its pretty horrifying if you think about what I
was doing prior to being hit by this person. I Still, for all the challenges, he considers
mean, at the time I was hit, I had 4,000 miles himself fortunate to be alive. As a member of
under my belt for the year and was riding
The helmet Scott was wearing at the time of his hit-and-run
crash saved his life. Long Process continued on page 10
4
Summer of Tragedy, Summer of Progress
Aneta Kiersnowski
The bicycling world in Michigan was shaken to protections for bicyclists, pedestrians, and
its core this summer. The Kalamazoo cycling wheelchair users. These protections would
tragedy, when nine experienced cyclists were increase the penalty for motorists who injure
mowed down by an allegedly intoxicated or kill non-motorized users. With the rise of
driver leaving five dead and serious injuries to distracted and intoxicated driving, these
the surviving four, was on a level Michiganders penalties would serve as an additional deterrent
had never seen before. This tragedy dominated for these actions. This summers crash in
the news in the weeks that followed, bringing Kalamazoo, though a tragedy in every sense
attention to the dangers cyclists sometimes of the word, brought attention to the urgency
face on our roadways. The attention eventually of these needs, and was a catalyst for change.
reached the State legislature, quickening the State Senator Margaret OBrien, from Kalamazoo,
movement of some of LMBs most important heard the call of her community as it mourned
policy issues. the loss of the five neighbors and friends who
were killed doing what they loved. She, along
While the Kalamazoo tragedy may not have
with Senator Knezek of Dearborn Heights,
been necessarily prevented by new laws, the
took the opportunity this fall to introduce a
tragedy spread awareness of the alarming
package of bicycle safety bills. They introduced
number of bicycle crashes in Michigan. In 2015, LMBs five-foot safe passing (SB 1076 and 1077)
bicycle crashes rose a staggering 57% from and vulnerable roadway user protection
the year before. To date, there have been 23 (SB 1029 and 1030) bills. To round out the During the Senate session, votes on our bills were displayed
bicyclist fatalities in 2016 in Michigan. digitally, showing green for a yea vote, red for a nay vote, and
package, they also introduced a bill that would
yellow for Senators who abstained or were excused from voting.
require increased time in drivers education
These tragic numbers are preventable. LMB
(SB 1078) to help new motorists learn how to the Senate Judiciary Committee. To ensure
has called for simple legislative measures that
safely share the road with bicyclists. that the hearing would be visibly full of cyclists
have been adopted by other states in order
and cycling supporters, LMB again reached
to keep cyclists safe. The most prominent is Once the bills were introduced, LMB and its
out to our members for their support. The
a statewide safe passing law. LMB is pushing members sprang into action. An Action Alert
day of the hearing, LMB and Senator OBrien
for a standard requirement of five feet of space was set up to allow Michiganders to contact
hosted a coffee hour for the supporters to
that a motorist must give a cyclist as they pass their local Senator and Representative, as well
as Governor Snyder, to urge their support. meet and share their stories ahead of the
them on the roadway. Michigan lags behind
To date, over 8,000 emails have been sent hearing. Many of the people who attended
the rest of the country in this protection,
through the Action Alert. lost loved ones who were cyclists. Others had
being one of only 11 states that do not specifi-
close calls of their own and were still recover-
cally require motorists to pass safely. LMB is
The bills were soon referred for a hearing in ing, both mentally and physically, from their
also advocating for vulnerable roadway user
experiences.
6
LMB Tours 2017 Season Wrap Up
Aneta Kiersnowski
Now and Then - Shoreline West is as much fun in 2016 as it was in the 80s and 90s.
provided a beautiful backdrop for the intimate performance. Riders who stuck
around after the encore even got a chance to chat with Davis and have their CDs
signed.
So, how did Shoreline West look 30 years ago? The route, some of the landmarks,
and the gear and equipment of the cyclists have changed quite a bit. However,
looking at the smiling bicyclists enjoying the beauty of Michigan with friends and
loved ones, most things look exactly the same.
LMB Tours
LMB Tours help fund our education and advocacy efforts and help grow our voice
to make Michigan bicycling better. LMB is extremely grateful to the volunteers,
host cities, and riders who join us each year to make these tours so special. Plan-
ning for LMBs 2017 Tours is underway and is shaping up to be even bigger and
better than this year! Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to contact
the LMB office. Registration for all tours opens January 1st, 2017. Visit LMB.org/tours
for more information.
8
Three Categories of Cycling Space
& How to Behave in Each of Them - By Sue Kropscott, Cycling Savvy
It is important as a cyclist to be extremely cyclists have the right of way but must also the potential of being in motorists blind spots,
aware of the world around you while you ride. follow any traffic signals. and being harder to be seen by motorists.
Think of the environment you are traveling
through as cycling space. Understanding Although it is legal in Michigan to ride on a Use moderate speeds. Be aware that shoulder
cycling spaces dictates how to behave in sidewalk, unless prohibited by local ordinances, traffic must yield to all other traffic. Obey all
order to have the best and safest ride. it is not recommended. Typical sidewalks traffic signs and signals. Use hand signals to
are not built to accommodate cyclists. They communicate with motorists so that they can
Cycling space can be divided into three are too narrow for normal operation, sight predict your movements and respond to them
categories: shared pedestrian space, roadways lines are inadequate, and uneven surfaces accordingly.
along the side of motor traffic, and the regular are common. If you must ride on a sidewalk,
travel lane of a roadway. Each category has always ride in the same direction of traffic and At intersections, move into the general travel
unique rules, hazards, and riding behaviors. ride with extreme caution. Do not assume that lane and position yourself according to your
motorists can see you and be extra careful destination. This generally means moving to
In shared pedestrian space, a cyclist is when crossing intersections and driveways. the left side of the lane or into the left- turn
separated from motor traffic, but encounters other lane if turning left, moving to the middle lane
non-motorized traffic, including pedestrians, Another category of cycling space is the if proceeding straight and a right-turn lane
joggers, etc. This type of space includes sidewalks, roadway along the side of motor traffic. Most exists, and moving to the right-turn lane or
shared use paths, and rail trails. bike lanes fall into this category. Bike lanes are, right side of the lane if turning right. Again, always
unfortunately, not a part of every roadway. As signal to motorists to make your intentions clear
There are a number of potential hazards in a result, the best place to cycle may not always before you change lanes.
shared pedestrian space. Pedestrians can be be clearly defined.
one of them. They move at different paces The third category of cycling space is the
and may stop or step to the side without Riding in bike lanes is not mandatory in regular travel lane of a roadway. In this space,
warning. Buildings, landscaping, parked cars, Michigan. A cyclist is not required to use them cyclists are part of the traffic flow.
and other objects can create blind intersections. when their design, condition, or other factors
Also, debris can easily collect in shared pedes- may actually make cycling more dangerous. Riding in this space means being part of all
trian space. The shoulders, the edge of the pavement, and traffic and following the same rules as motorists.
along the curb of a roadway are alternatives Follow all traffic controls. Cycling near the
These hazards dictate riding slowly and that fall under this category of cycling space. center of the lane can increase your visibility.
cautiously in shared pedestrian space. Yield Even though there are fewer surface hazards
to other users in the space. Always give an The biggest hazard when riding in this cycling in the regular travel lane, always remain alert.
audible signal, such as a horn, bell, or shout of space is motor vehicles. There are many
passing on your left, to warn others that you potential points of conflict with other traffic, The differences in the cycling spaces
are moving through. particularly at intersections and driveways. become easy to spot once you determine to
The edge of the road also collects debris, look out for them. No matter where you are
Dont lose awareness of nearby motor traffic can contain drainage grates, and is where traveling on your bicycle, your behavior is
because you will likely encounter it at inter- pavement first begins to break. Riding to the important in ensuring that you arrive at your
sections and driveways. When this happens, right of traffic also means shorter sight lines, destination safely.
10
Thank You to Our Donors!
LMB Benefactors - $1,000 + Clifford Miller* Lawrence & Deborah Dudek*
Dennis Pace & Anne Grofvert* George & Melanie Moses* Bill & Nancy Duemling*
Steven & Leslie Roach* Thomas Owens* Nick Durrie
Michael Sproul* Third Coast Cycling ** BikeMich **
Nathalie Winans *** Paul Rehkopf* Bill & Jeannette Erickson*
Cherry Capital Cycling Club ** Luisa Schumacher-Resto* Bradley Eshbaugh*
Kisscross Events ** Michael Sheean* Phillip Farber
AAA Michigan Michael Unsworth* Bill Frey*
Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society ** Steven & Connie Vorenkamp Kris Gaumer
Briggs Colegrove, P.C.* Ginger Virkler* Allen Gelderloos
Clinton River Riders Bicycle Club ** Al's Quick Release Bicycle Sales & Service* June Grabemeyer ***
Makulinski Family Foundation* Solarbos, Inc.* Judy Gruner*
The Mosaic Foundation* Cycle Safe, Inc.* Patrick Harrington*
Sinas Dramis Law Firm/Bryan Waldman* Rotary Club of Northville ** Thomas (TJ) Hill*
Tri-County Bicycle Association Heart Smart Events, LLC ** PEAC **
Rock 'n' Road Cycle* Marble Parent Council
Platinum Level - $500 to $999 Ultimate Cycle Challenge ** Ann Hunt*
Gary Berk Bell's Brewery, Inc. ** Kerry Irons*
Hugh Garton* Downriver Cycling Club ** Anne Johnson*
Dan Kent Marilyn Kamp*
PALM, Inc. ** Silver Level - $100-$249 David Kepler
John Lindenmayer* Dick Allen* Doug Kirk*
Vic Lukasavitz* Paula Anderson* Steve Kofflin*
Timothy Oberle* Doug Arenberg* Bob Kollar*
Lenny Provencher Debbie Bacal* James Kovacik
Anne Readett* Steve Barnaby Cynthia Krupp*
Paul Selden* David Barnas* Phillip Kurrle*
Jackie Young* Teri Batton* John Lark*
The Greenway Collaborative* Joan Bauer Al & Denise Lauland*
Genesee Wanderers Bicycle Club ** David Baute* Dan Lonowski*
American Cycle & Fitness *** Syd Baxter* Robert Madsen*
Climate Ride* Brian Beauchamp* Kevin Magin*
Primal Wear Karen Beauregard* Michael Marcincuk
Wayne State University ** John Begin* Gerard Martin
Meredith Begin* Colin Mayers*
Gold Level $250 to $499 Mark Bissell Suzy McCain ***
Carol Bray* Albert Bordine* Kevin & Cynthia McCurren*
Albert Cattell* Eric Bouwens* Brian McGrain*
Amy Duggan* Jim Carpenter* Paul Medley
Michael Ehr* Ed Carrigan* Thomas & Deborah Miller*
Karl Fava* Christine Causley* Kristi Miller
Judith Finneren* Riley Combs* Rich & Kristy Moeller*
Shannon Gleason* Loose Spokes, Inc. ** Wes Nichols*
Mark Hall* Don & Nancy Culbertson* Lisa Nuszkowski*
Slow Spokes Bicycle Club ** Sam Davis Bob Otwell*
Roger Hoffman* Barbara Derian* Sarah Panken*
Sue Kropscott* Ken & Becky DesArmo* Southern Lakes Parks & Recreation **
Richard & Julie Lapinski* Lindsey DesArmo* James Pfander
Mary & John Lindenmayer* Wendell Dilling* James Pike
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Robert Berard* Keith Hudson* Robert Schwarz
James Bergman Lori Huver Thomas Shuster
Ellie Bergman* Chuck Jager* Stan Simek
Pete Bosheff Owen & Jane Jansson* Dallas Simpson*
Steve Brostek Patricia Johns* Arthur Slabosky
Bob Bruttell* Cynthia Kadzban* Dawn Sloan*
Steve Brown* Karen Kalk* Susan Smith*
James Bruckbauer* Sue Karschnick Daniel Sommerville*
Nancy Burghardt Paul Kelly Doug Spence
Joseph Calcaterra Karen Kligman* Shelley Spivack*
Lisa Campbell* Gordon Knight Lisa Stack
Dennis Carlson* Philip Knowles Karen Stearns
Douglas Carvell* Wayne Koppa* Hillary Taylor
Roger Caylor Joseh Krier Anthony Thaxton*
David Chapin* Michael LaCharite John Thomas*
Patricia Cheal* Walter Lohmann John Torongo
Lori Childs* Patty Mackey Liz Treutel*
Brian Clark Joanne Mahoney Brooks Twist
Mary Clulo Rosalie Mancier* Karen Van Oss
Susan Cockerill Chuck May Nancy Vanderkolk*
John Crowe Michael McDaniel Auburn Williams Lions Club **
Allison Cummings David Medema J Walter
James Dake David Miller Jo Ann Wassenaar*
Bill Danly Michael Mironiuk* Philip Wells*
Jessica Deforest Renee Mitchell Arlene Willmann*
Margaret Doetsch* Ronald Mosher* Randy Winchester
Joseph Dragun Dean & Kat Musgrave* Michael Woizeschke*
George Dykstra* David Nall* John Wood*
Rod Ebrite David Naumes* William Wright*
Scott Edick Jack Noppe David Yonkovit
Edward Elliott James O'Donnell* Elias Zamaria
Scott Elliott* Kalamazoo Bicycle Club ** Joerg Zeller
David Fejedelem* James Paschal Assenmacher Cycles
Meg Finerty Brian Pawlik Bauer-Ford Reclamation
Dennis Francisco Joseph Pergande* Oscoda United Methodist Youth Group **
Caitlin Frederick John Person Boston Square Community Bikes*
Marilyn Freeman Phillip Peterson Camp Michawana **
Peggy Gerou-Betz Gerrit Pols* Chalfonte Foundation & Michigan Donor
Carl Gildner* Hank Post* Family Council **
Mike Goeddeke Christine Redmond Pedal Bicycles
Thom Goodyke Kate Remlinger* Shiawassee Arts Council **
Gaston Gosselin Debbie Richards Washtenaw Bicycling & Walking Coalition
Jennifer Grau* Christina Riddle* Capital Area United Way
Robert Greene* Curt Roelofs*
Tim Greenhoot Wilfredo Romero
Klaus Gross-Galindo Michael Roon LMB is thankful for every one of our generous
Kelly Guswiler Jim Rossow* donors and aims to make this list as complete
Mark Hagar Patti Ruggiero and accurate as possible. LMB also would like
Lisa Hebb* Tim Saari to thank the dozens of donors who collec-
Robert Herbst Gene Sawdon tively gave over $2,000 anonymously. If any
Nazih Hijaouy* Jacobus Schoonveld errors, omissions, or other corrections to this
Robert Howard Chad Schreur* list are needed, please contact the LMB office.
14
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