Help LMB Hold MDOT Accountable for Safety: Sign On by Nov. 30
Dear friends, Part of our vision at LMB is for a state where "our streets and trails are safe and accessible" to all. We have a generally good working relationship with MDOT in pursuing that goal. We asked last year that the new MDOT director put people first, and this year, the department has set a new mission statement: "Serving and connecting people, communities, and the economy through transportation." I appeared on MDOT's Talking Michigan Transportation podcast to talk about the new distracted driving laws. We commented on MDOT's Five-Year Transportation Program, and MDOT gave an official response. However, MDOT has also fallen short of its own goals for safety in every year since 2012, and of full compliance with laws and policies that LMB advocated for, especially Complete Streets. Since 2009, more than 16% of deaths on Michigan roads have been people walking or biking. We need to hold MDOT accountable for safety, to push against its own inertia and make changes – radical changes if necessary – that move us toward zero deaths. We know that MDOT can do more to protect the safety of low-impact travelers on foot or bike. We've got ideas and evidence. And to make sure these also get attention, we'd like your help. Please take a few minutes to read our open letter to MDOT director Brad Wieferich, and if you agree, add your name by Nov. 30 (and ask your friends to do the same!) We'll present the letter and signatures at the beginning of December.
MDOT's stated vision is "to provide people with a safe, future-driven, interconnected multimodal transportation network that ensures equitable options." We know Michigan is capable of getting there. Will you join me on the journey? Sincerely yours, Matt Penniman
Communications and Advocacy Director, LMB |
