Share Your Voice: Help Shape the Future of University Region Transportation with MDOT!

Amanda Forrester / news@whmi.com

Help shape the future of biking and walking in Michigan’s University Region! This area includes Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Monroe, and Washtenaw Counties.

The MDOT University Region Active Transportation Plan aims to improve biking and walking options. Its focus is on making these modes of transport safe, accessible, and connected. According to MDOT, this plan is designed to boost safety for non-drivers, creating a framework for better nonmotorized pathways.

The plan is divided into two parts: current and proposed conditions. The MDOT University Region Road and Trail Bicycling Guide is a handy resource for identifying easy cycling routes, both on roads and trails.

Proposed corridors were chosen based on in-depth analyses. These included crash data, demographics, demand, and traffic stress. This research helps pinpoint where investments in active transportation could lead to the most significant benefits.

In recent years, discussions around public transport and safe nonmotorized trails have intensified in Michigan, especially around Metro Detroit. Communities are responding by investing in bike lanes and safer crosswalks, aiming to make their areas more pedestrian-friendly.

The public can weigh in on the draft starting Wednesday, with comments accepted until August 13. To view the drafts and share your thoughts, visit the link below. Comments can also be sent to MDOT-Contact-UniversityRegion@Michigan.gov or mailed to Mike Davis Jr., MDOT University Region Planner, 4701 W. Michigan Ave., Jackson, MI 49201.

For reference, a 2023 survey found that 45% of Michiganders would use public transit more if it were safer and more accessible. This highlights the pressing need for improved infrastructure for active transportation.

Explore the concepts of urban mobility, sustainability, and community investment by keeping track of discussions in your area. The small steps we take today can lead to safer, more connected communities tomorrow.

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