The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is sponsoring “Training Wheels” courses around the state designed to educate communities interested in providing on-road bicycle facilities for their residents and visitors. The five-hour course includes both classroom and outdoor instruction.
The courses will be offered in the following areas:
- Sept. 12 in Three Rivers
- Sept. 13 in Dewitt Township
- Sept. 14 in Big Rapids
- Sept. 15 in Park Township/Holland
- Sept. 26 in Dearborn
- Sept. 27 in Berkley
- Sept. 28 in Rochester and
- Sept. 29 in Lapeer.
“Training Wheels” is designed to show communities how to integrate bike facilities into existing infrastructure to make bicycling safe and convenient, providing alternate transportation that make roads more complete for everyone. Classroom instruction using a guide produced by the American Association for State Highway Officials (AASHTO) is followed by an on-road, on-bike portion. The outdoor segment provides participants a firsthand look at the benefits of providing an alternative mode of travel that does not require expensive facilities for communities to build or maintain.
The “Training Wheels” courses are intended for city, township and county managers; council members; engineers; and related design and planning staff. Registration is required. A bicycle and helmet also are required and may be rented; bicycles and helmets must be ordered in advance. Registration deadlines vary with locations. For details, contact Cynthia Krupp at (517) 335-2923, or by e-mail at kruppc@michigan.gov.
Source: News release from Michigan Department of Transportation
