Me and my bike

With the return of warm weather, I have mostly given up on my morning walk to a neighbor’s house for morning coffee. Now-a-days, my preferred practice is to climb aboard my new bicycle and pedal to the coffee hour. It has several advantages; it is easier on my arthritic hip, it is faster, and I can out-race the neighborhood dogs who occasionally object to my passing.

I like bicycle riding – especially in the warm weather on our scenic roadways. Many other Michiganders seem to think likewise. Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reports that bicycling in our fair state is an activity that is becoming increasingly popular. The DNR says Michigan is “Nationally recognized as ‘The Trails State’, with more than 12,500 miles of state-designated trails and 2,600 miles of rail trails, more than any other state in the nation.” This, despite of the fact that we don’t have the attraction of a Naked Bicycle Ride like Philadelphia, PA.

Michigan has two types of trails, Linear Trails [trails that go from point to point that are generally made on old railroad beds] and Mountain Bike trails. The Mountain Bike trails are not for the faint of heart as they a feature a variety of obstacles including jumps, rocks, tree roots and other impediments that mountain biking aficionados seem to prefer.

The linear trails are much more sensible for biking. The DNR managed linear trails are 10-foot wide with mostly smooth surfaces that often meander along shaded scenic trails with access to rest stops and restrooms. They are just the ticket for oldsters like me.

New bike trails are springing up everywhere in Michigan with many being managed locally as Michigan communities become aware of the benefits of biking. These trails may not meet the same standards as those managed by the DNR, but most comply with standards set by Michigan and/or the US League of Bicyclists. Michigan State University has studied the benefits of bike trails on property values. They found that being within a half mile of one of these amenities increased property values by 6% or more. They report that “Due to the increasing popularity of trails as a desired ‘must-have’ amenity, trails have become a valuable tool for both community revitalization and place-making as towns and villages across the state update their master plans.”

Many drivers don’t realize that biking is permitted on Michigan highways across the state and in most places, bikers have equal legal rights as motorized vehicles. Based on considerations of safety, the State Transportation Department urges bike riders to use low volume back roads whenever possible. The Michigan Department of Transportation has a website that lists recommended biking roads as well as those roads to avoid.

One of the works in progress will soon become the jewel of Michigan’s bicycle trail network. When it is completed, Michigan's Iron Belle Trail will be the longest bicycle trail in the nation, running from its beginning in Detroit’s Belle Isle Park through the entire length of the state and ending at the city of Ironwood at the western end of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula – some 2,000 miles in length. Who wants to go?

I expect that biking will continue to grow and our towns and villages will become more bicycle friendly. Who can argue with a convenient mode of travel for shorter trips that saves cost, avoids pollution, provides health benefits and maybe will help avoid global warming? Not me.