Bikes Belong, a national organization that promotes more bicycling, is accepting applications until May 24 for Community Partnership Grants, which are designed to foster and support partnerships between local governments, nonprofit organizations, and local businesses working to improve the environment for bicycling.

Grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded to fund the construction or expansion of bicycle facilities such as bike lanes trails, and paths. The grants committee also will consider advocacy projects that promote bicycling as a safe and accessible mode of transportation.

To be eligible for a grant, a partnership must include collaboration between at least one city/county government office or department; one nonprofit organization with a mission specific to bicycling, trails, or recreation; and one local business.

Luke Forrest is a Project Coordinator for the Michigan Municipal League. Contact him via email or Twitter. 

This afternoon at the League's Capital Convention, representatives of the cities of Ferndale, Midland and Mount Pleasant shared experiences from the front lines of efforts to complete their communities' streets. The three cities are in different stages of implementation, showing the diversity of approaches available to Michigan communities under Michigan's Complete Streets legislation. 

Ferndale Councilwoman Melanie Piana shared her perspective as an elected official who spearheaded the successful efforts to adopt a Complete Streets ordinance. She stressed the importance of building a support team, educating stakeholder groups and strengthening partnerships. She encouraged local government staff and officials to bike their communities to see first-hand the strengths and weaknesses of the network. Complete Streets policy discussions can be a catalyst to coalesce disparate resolutions, policies and processes already in existence within the local government. Ferndale adopted an ordinance but has not yet created a non-motorized transportation plan.

Keith Baker, Midland's Planning Director, shared a different story about the challenges creating political will for a Complete Streets ordinance. He advocated working incrementally if necessary, starting with a local task force and then building a non-motorized plan. Midland recently adopted a non-binding resolution that is advisory in nature but requires review of all new construction projects.

Jeff Gray and Rich Morrison from Mount Pleasant's Planning and Economic Development departments showcased examples of innovative projects completed in their city to reduce traffic speeds and increase pedestrian safety without a formal Complete Streets policy in place. They also provided recommendations for dealing with the challenges of redeveloping a state trunkline running through a downtown.

The League's Complete Streets page provides example resolutions, policies and other background information.

Luke Forrest is Project Coordinator with the Center for 21st Century Communities. Contact him at 734-669-6323 or lforrest@mml.org.

The Michigan Department of Transportation's Bicycle and Pedestrian Program will be visiting select communities this summer and fall to perform walkability audits and/or bike facility development trainings. These trainings will help community leaders, residents and staff understand specific ways to improve local streets, sidewalks and trails to make them more accessible for bikers and walkers. Encouraging non-motorized transportation is a key tenet of the Complete Streets movement and an economic asset identified by the League's Center for 21st Century Communities. If you want your community to host one of these trainings, fill out a brief application by March 26. Extensions may be available if this deadline is impractical. To request an extension or ask questions about the program, contact Cynthia Krupp.

Luke Forrest is Project Coordinator for the Center for 21st Century Communities. Contact him at 734-669-6323 or lforrest@mml.org.