“Where are we now? And why is the trail ahead so rough?”

 

If you’ve ever set out to explore new terrain on a mountain bike, you’ve probably asked these questions at some point. At LMB, we’ve got a vision for where we’re going: a future where our streets and trails are safe and accessible, and bicycling makes life better for everyone.

 

But it’s not always easy to tell where we are on the long journey to get there, when it seems every week brings more trees down, trails blocked, and tussles over access. This week and next, we’re sharing five pieces of the map: five areas where we’re making a difference and the next step on the route is clear.

 

And – to be totally clear – we’re going to ask for your support to get us there. We rely on you – your energy, your ideas, your enthusiasm, and your dollars – to get us further down the trail and travel the next mile toward better bicycling.

 

 

 

 

Mile 2: Maintenance for Natural Surface Trails

Where we are: Many mountain bike trails in Michigan are on state-owned land, under the authority of the DNR. But the DNR has no dedicated money for fixing them and relies entirely on the good will and generosity of volunteers. After extensive conversations with trail groups around the state, we believe the DNR needs to establish a natural surface trails maintenance fund. 

 

Bridges and culverts are fixed with DNR funds, but when there’s a storm and a tree falls across a heavily-used dirt trail, there’s no emergency fund to get it open quickly. DNR staff have the financial tools to respond to emergency maintenance needs for campgrounds and roadways. Meanwhile, trail users feel like we’re on our own. With the increased frequency of severe weather, our state’s trail systems need more extensive clean-up and safety efforts, which often surpass the budget, specific knowledge base, equipment availability, and scope of our usual trail maintenance volunteers.

 

Where we’re going: Maintenance is for trails, not just parks, and Michigan needs a fund with the sole purpose of treating dirt as infrastructure. Even if it’s a relatively small line item – perhaps $1 million initially for mountain bike trails – a dedicated fund would be a starting point and destination for dedicated revenue. With the signing of next year’s budget, the DNR is about to start developing their plan for the next budget cycle. We’re sending an open letter to Director Scott Bowen, head of the DNR, and collecting signatures through Aug. 15. Will you sign on to our open letter to Director Bowen?

 

SIGN THE OPEN LETTER

 

This request is just a starting point for the maintenance needs of our state’s mountain bike trails, and there are many other aspects of mountain biking we’re working to address: skills development, e-bike policy, trail access, and support through our Trailblazing Grants (the first round of winners will be announced in early August.) As the components of a bicycle work together for a smooth ride, so do the parts of our strategy to make Michigan bicycling better.

 

This year, we’re seeing that strategy come together in so many ways. LMB is leading the way toward a state that embraces bicycling as a key element of transportation and recreation, and as a joyful way to live. If you share that vision – if that sounds like a journey that’s worth taking – we need you for the next mile.

 

Whether you can give $50, $5, $150, or $500, we need your gift.

 

Sincerely,

 

Matt Penniman
Communications and Advocacy Director