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Michigan
Environmental Report
Volume 20 . Number 1
February 2002
PURPOSE
Founded in 1980,
MEC is a coalition of over 50 environmental, public health, and based
base organizations with nearly 200,000 individual members. For
20 years, MEC has provided a voice at the State Capitol. In addition
to serving as a clearinghouse of environmental information, MEC develops
public policy, educates elected officials and the public, and provides
training and support to member organizations.
The Michigan
Environmental Report is an official publication of the Michigan Environmental
Council. Copyright 2002.
SUBSCRIBE
OFFICERS
Chairperson
Chris Graham,
Michigan Natural Areas Council
Vice
Chair
Elliot Levinsohn,
American Lung Association
Vice Chair
Kathryn Savoie, Ph.D.,
ACCESS
Treasurer
Tanya Cabala,
Lake Michigan Federation
Secretary
Brian Imus,
PIRGIM
OFFICERS
President
Lana Pollack
Policy Director
James Clift
Associate Director
Patrick Diehl
Land Programs Director
Conan Smith
Land Programs Asst.
Brad Garmon
Office Manager
Judy Bearup
Member Services Director
Michele Scarborough
Policy Specialist
Isaac Elnecave
Development Specialist
Natalia Petraszczuk
Policy Specialist
Dusty Fancher
Policy Advisor
Dave Dempsey
Environmental Campaign Coordinator
Wendi Tilden
Project Assistant
Kristin Brooks
Computer Services Assistant
Ben Holcomb
MER Design & Layout
Rose Homa
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Hey,
Michigan, Bike to Work!
By Dusty Fancher,
Policy Specialist
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Tired
of sitting in traffic? Boggled by the question of how
to fit your gym workout into your schedule? Why not
bike to work? Trails are often thought of as ideal recreation
spots for a variety of activities, and Michigan is blessed
with 1,734 miles of open trails for hiking, biking,
rollerblading and overall outdoor recreation. While
these trails provide several benefits, including environmental
value, historic preservation and economic development,
they are also the backbone for non-motorized transportation
corridors.
Biking
to work has several benefits associated with promoting
a healthy lifestyle. Daily activity reduces the chances
of obesity, which is related to high blood pressure
and heart attacks. Further, the probability of traffic
accidents declines due to the removal of bicycle and
pedestrian traffic away from the roadway. Mental health
can also improve, since the stress related to driving
is greatly reduced. Non-motorized transportation enhances
our natural environment by improving air and water quality.
Choosing to use a trail for commuting reduces the number
of vehicles on the roadway, minimizing exhaust fumes.
Trails also provide a natural environment of plants
that create oxygen to filter out air pollutants like
ozone and carbon monoxide. This natural environment
also creates a buffer zone protecting streams, rivers
and lakes from runoff pollutants such as fertilizers
and pesticides used on farms and yards.
Many
local governments are working hard to provide non-motorized
corridors. For example, the Ingham County Parks system
is working hard to provide residents with an 18-mile
greenway connecting several parks, Michigan State University
and passing General Motors, the largest employer in
Ingham County. This corridor has the tremendous potential
of providing an alternative transportation mode to driving.
It will connect the Lansing River Trail with Michigan
State's Greenway and extend the network through Lake
Lansing running beside the Red Cedar River and the Canadian
National Railroad. The ultimate goal is to provide connectors
to Williamston and Mason.
Many
organizations are working to promote non-motorized transportation
in Michigan. For more information or to find a trail
near you, here is a list of organizations that can point
you in the right direction!
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