Michigan Healthy Climate Corps member, Joanie Towarnicky and bike audit group gather to conduct one of the 11 bike audits they completed around the state.
As the service term for MI Healthy Climate Corps (MHCC) members comes to an end on November 15, we’re proud to share the meaningful work accomplished by our MHCC member, Joanie Towarnicky, here at the League of Michigan Bicyclists (LMB). Joanie has conducted 11 bike audits in seven Michigan communities—Saginaw, Brighton, Berkley, Flint, Kalamazoo, Lansing, and Grand Rapids. These audits have not only highlighted areas for improvement in bikeability but have also encouraged local communities to actively engage in implementing positive audit changes.
We’re seeing real improvements in our audit areas. Completed actions include updated pavement markings, trimmed vegetation, and cleaned bike lanes. Upcoming plans involve timing adjustments for crossing signals, redesigned bike lanes for enhanced safety, expanded school zones, and traffic-calming studies. With safer, more bikeable streets, more people are encouraged to choose biking as a transportation option.
While improving bikeability was the primary goal, Joanie noted that one of the most gratifying outcomes was the relationships that developed throughout the audit process. Every audit brought together community members, law enforcement, transportation professionals, and local government representatives with a shared commitment to enhancing bikeability. Many of these individuals met for the first time during the audits and have since formed connections that will support ongoing progress. Thanks to these collaborations, more people now know who to reach out to for future audits or changes in their communities.
Joanie wishes to express her gratitude to the MI Healthy Climate Corps, the League of Michigan Bicyclists, audit team members, and everyone who has taken part in bringing these changes to life. Michigan bicycling is becoming better.
We’re grateful for Joanie’s hard work, dedication, and the impact she’s had on our team and Michigan’s cycling community since joining. Her contributions have been instrumental in fostering stronger communities and safer streets for Michigan cyclists.
From improved bike lanes to building local connections, Joanie’s work has already made a powerful impact—and the good news doesn’t end here!
We’re thrilled to share that Joanie will be stepping into LMB’s Data Analyst role when her MHCC term concludes in mid-November. With her extensive background in business and commitment to community service in addition to her MHCC experience, we can’t wait to see all she’ll accomplish next and are thrilled that she’ll remain a part of Team LMB.
Categorised in: Advocacy, Uncategorized