“Where are we, anyway? And… where are we going?”
If you’ve ever been on a long ride through unfamiliar territory, 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 tragic crashes on Michigan roads. Over the next week or so, we’re going to share 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 road and travel the next mile toward better bicycling.
I’ll be honest: revenue at nonprofits like LMB isn’t always stable or predictable. This year, it’s changed pretty significantly, and falling short of our projections. We’re making some adjustments, but it’s not an overstatement to say that your donation is truly more impactful than ever! We’re launching The Next Mile, a special appeal with a goal of raising $15,000 in donations before Labor Day. Your special gift will ensure LMB’s advocacy work to improve bicycling in Michigan can continue.
Mile 1: Vulnerable Roadway User (VRU) Bills
Where we are: LMB supports a bipartisan, bicameral group of bills: SB 617 (McCann), SB 618 (Klinefelt), HB 5223 (Rogers) and HB 5224 (Schuette). These will create enhanced penalties for drivers who injure or kill a vulnerable roadway user (VRU), including people who bike, walk, or use wheelchairs. Many Michigan drivers who kill a bicyclist in a crash are only charged with a misdemeanor, “Moving Violation Causing Death.” With the current state of Michigan law, prosecutors are faced with incredibly difficult decisions on appropriate charges when a motorist injures or kills a bicyclist.
LMB has worked on this issue since 2009, and these bills are closer to final passage than ever before. All four bills have passed their house of origin with healthy majorities, but the Senate bills still need to pass the House, and the House bills still need to pass the Senate.
Where we’re going: There are some differences between the House-passed bills and the Senate-passed bills that need to be ironed out. Notably, the House-passed bills set a maximum penalty of 10 years for killing a vulnerable roadway user, while the Senate-passed bills kept a maximum penalty of 15 years. With an amendment in the House, the bills will be in alignment. When the Michigan legislature returns to session this fall, either before or after the Nov. 5 election, we need them to make these bills a priority. Will you ask your legislator for their support?
To be clear, these bills are valuable for changing the culture and helping survivors get justice, but on their own, they will not grow the community of bicyclists or lead to safer places to ride. 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.
Will you do your part?
Sincerely,
Matt Penniman
Communications and Advocacy Director
Communications and Advocacy Director
Categorised in: Advocacy