Advocacy was present and rolling in Lansing on March 10 as more than 100 bicyclists and advocates from across Michigan gathered for the League of Michigan Bicyclists’ 2026 Bicycle & Trail Advocacy Day at the State Capitol. This year marked our strongest turnout in recent years and a powerful reminder that when Michigan’s bike community shows up, lawmakers listen.
Advocacy attendees gather in the Senate Gallery for recognition.
This year we changed things up a bit. Instead of gathering on the Capitol lawn as we have in the past, Advocacy Day was headquartered indoors in the Mackinac Room of the House Office Building, which served as our home base throughout the day as attendees checked in, connected with one another, and prepared for meetings with legislators.
The morning began with welcoming remarks from State Representative Julie Rogers, a longtime bike safety champion, who helped kick off the day by speaking about the role advocacy plays in shaping safer, more accessible transportation in Michigan. After a brief orientation from LMB staff, advocates headed out to begin meeting with legislators and their staff.
Throughout the day, attendees shared their experiences riding in their communities and discussed with lawmakers three key policy priorities aimed at making Michigan a better, safer place to ride, including:
🚲 Vulnerable Roadway User protections
🚲 E-Moto Legislation (Protecting E-Bike Access)
🚲 Stop-as-Yield legislation
From hallway conversations to in-office sit-downs, we made meaningful connections and found common ground across party lines. It’s clear: better bicycling isn’t a partisan issue, it’s a Michigan issue.
Advocates also gathered in both the Michigan House and Senate galleries at different points during the day, where legislators recognized the group and acknowledged the importance of bicycle and trail advocacy across the state.
Midday, attendees reconvened in the Mackinac Room for a catered taco lunch and a series of remarks from partners and lawmakers. We were grateful to hear from John Waterman, Executive Director and Founder of PEAC, and Erica Briggs, Midwest Policy Manager at Rails to Trails Conservancy, who spoke about the broader regional and national efforts underway to support active transportation and trail connectivity. We were also honored to hear from State Representative Bradley Slagh, who joined us to talk about the importance of civic engagement and continued collaboration between advocates and policymakers.
Celebrating Champions of Cycling
LMB also honored our 2026 Annual Awardees, recognizing some of the amazing individuals, organizations, and businesses making a meaningful impact on bicycling across Michigan.
Representative Julie Rogers helps us kick off Advocacy Day.
Tara Gluski Changemaker of the Year – Grand Traverse Safe Streets Alliance (GTSSA) Ralph Finneren Encouragement Award – Jenny White
Bob Gibbs Passion for Pedaling Award – Sarah Hubbard Event Director of the Year – Mark Tillman Bike Shop of the Year – Jack’s Bicycle Shop Outstanding Infrastructure Award – Michael Bosanac, Monroe County Business Champion of the Year – Dawn Fresh Catering (Dawn and Mark Ebels) Bike Club of the Year – Pachyderm Pedalers & Guinness Bikers (a well-deserved tie!) Trailblazer of the Year – EPIC Mountain Bike LMB Volunteer of the Year – John Calvert
These awardees represent the many ways people are contributing to stronger bicycling communities across Michigan. From advocacy and infrastructure to events, clubs, businesses, and volunteer leadership, their work continues to move bicycling forward across the state.
Following the awards, attendees returned to the Capitol to continue meetings with legislators and their staff throughout the afternoon.
Advocacy Day remains one of the most important opportunities each year for Michigan bicyclists to connect directly with the people shaping policy at the Capitol. When advocates show up, share their stories, and build relationships with lawmakers, it strengthens the voice of our entire community.
Thank you to everyone who made the trip to Lansing, participated in meetings, and helped represent Michigan’s bicycling community. Your presence made an impact and your continued support keeps the wheels turning and truly makes what we do possible. We will keep pushing forward, steadily and with intent. Advocacy doesn’t stop at the Capitol steps, it starts there.
We snapped some photos throughout the day, view them below:
Congratulations, 2026 Awardees!
Categorised in: Advocacy, Annual Awards