On May 30^th, 80 bicyclists from across Michigan converged at Michigan State University’s MSU Bikes Service Center, after an optional 20-mile farm-country ride through beautiful surrounding the campus, for the 3^rd annual Lucinda Means Bicycle Advocacy Day.

The cyclists “paraded” five miles down Michigan Avenue to the State Capitol, escorted by police from MSU, Lansing Community College, East Lansing and Lansing and led by LMB member Thomas Harpstead, who pulled a bike-trailer billboard sporting “Same Roads, Same Rights, Same Rules” banners.

Bicycles filled the Capitol lawn where riders and legislators enjoyed lunch and listened attentively to Representative Gabe Leland, who presented LMB with the House Resolution, which designated May as Bike Month in Michigan. In addition to Representative Leland, Representatives Andy Coulouris, Lee Gonzales, Bill Huizenga, Kathleen Law, and Aldo Vagnozzi and Senator Tom George visited the LMB tent to offer support to Michigan bicycling.

After Board Chair Mike Boersma shared a brief history of the LMB and the Lucinda Means Bicycle Advocacy Day, Associate Director John Lindenmayer offered some “Advocacy 101” tips, before ten teams of lycra-clad participants, as ambassadors for all Michigan bicyclists, visited 148 offices in three buildings to deliver Michigan bicycling information to all State Senators and Representatives. Volunteers reported warm receptions from lawmakers and their staffs and many met personally with their elected officials.

In addition to leaving LMB Ride Calendars, “What Every Michigan Bicyclist Must Know” booklets, and other publications, the volunteers asked each lawmaker to complete a bicycling survey and return it to LMB. First results look extremely promising, with most respondents indicating that they personally ride a bike and many expressing interest in a Michigan Legislative Bicycling Caucus. LMB will report on the survey results on our website and in the next issue of the Michigan Bicyclist Magazine.

LMB would like to extend a heart-felt “thank you” to all who participated in this year’s Lucinda Means Bicycle Advocacy Day. LMB will continue to build on the success of this annual event and foster a strong relationship between the Michigan Legislature and Michigan bicyclists. LMB is already busy following up with our legislative visits and planning next year’s event. We look forward to riding and advocating with all of you again next May!