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Non-Motorized Transportation

The Kent County Road Commission supports and recognizes the value of walking, biking and other non-motorized transport as means of commuting, recreation and fitness. In support of these types of non-motorized travel, KCRC shares the following region-specific resources.

Kent County Parks Departments
The Kent County Parks Department provides excellent resources regarding the region’s trails maintained by both the Parks Department and other local, county and state agencies and organizations. Together, these trails create an interconnected network of diverse landscape, ranging from converted railways to rustic extended hiking trails. https://www.kentcountyparks.org/trails/index.php

Michigan Department of Transportation
The Michigan Department of Transportation provides road and trail biking maps by region and other information regarding safe bicycling. Those interested will also find guidance on how to transport bicycles on ferries and major bridges.
www.michigan.gov/mdot-biking

Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance (MTGA)
The Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance is the statewide voice for non-motorized trail users, helping people build, connect and promote trails for a healthier and more prosperous Michigan.
https://michigantrails.org

Greater Grand Rapids Bike Coalition
The Greater Grand Rapids Bicycle Coalition (GGRBC) was created in 2009 as the result of a collective vision by members of the Grand Rapids Bike Summit planning committee to serve as a single voice advocating for safer and more accessible bicycling of all kinds in the Greater Grand Rapids area. It is GGRBC's goal to get Grand Rapids out of their cars and onto bikes for the health of it.
https://www.bikegr.org/

The League of Michigan Bicyclists (LMB) 
The mission of the League of Michigan Bicyclists (LMB) is to promote bicycling and the safety of bicyclists on the roadways of Michigan.
http://www.lmb.org/

Grand Valley Metro Council Non-Motorized Committee
The Grand Valley Metro Council (GVMC) is responsible for planning for all modes of transportation in the Grand Rapids metropolitan region including pedestrian and bicycle traffic. The GVMC Non-Motorized Committee, which includes Kent County Road Commission representatives, meets periodically to discuss pedestrian and bicycle issues. The committee is responsible for identifying projects and priorities in the region that improve the non-motorized transportation network. GVMC works with local agencies, MDOT, public transit, environmental advocates, bicycle groups, and the general public to maintain a Non-motorized Plan that is used to guide policy and project decisions related to pedestrian and bicycle issues.
https://www.gvmc.org/nonmotorized/

Bicycle Safety Rules and Traffic Laws
Kent County Sheriff’s Department provides safety rules and traffic laws for bicyclists.
https://www.accesskent.com/Sheriff/bicyclesafety.htm

Trail Construction
The Kent County Road Commission (KCRC) has established strong collaborative partnerships with the state, county and townships for the construction of non-motorized facilities owned and maintained by these agencies. KCRC may assist with the grant application, planning, design, and/or construction oversight.

To date, KCRC has collaborated on the construction of

  • Over 50 miles of non-motorized trails adjacent to the right-of-way
  • Over 30 miles outside the right-of-way

Paved Shoulders
KCRC continually pursues opportunities to expand paved-shouldered corridors along its road and bridge network because of the paved shoulder’s multi-purpose benefits, which include:

  • providing recovery space for errant vehicles
  • reducing maintenance costs
  • extending road life
  • providing facility for non-motorized travel

KCRC currently has over 300 miles of four-to-six-foot paved shoulders along its primary road network.

When designing major primary road construction or reconstruction projects, KCRC strives to incorporate paved shoulders into the improvement, where possible. For local road improvements, KCRC collaborates directly with the township, who shares the cost of the project, to explore whether paved shoulders are both possible and desired.

Complete Streets
“Complete Streets” are corridors designed and operated within a community context to support the safe mobility for all users regardless of age or ability or whether they are traveling as drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, or public transportation riders.

In 2015, the Kent County Road Commission adopted a Complete Streets policy in accordance with Michigan Public Acts 134 and 135. 

Articulated in the policy is KCRC’s commitment to:

  • Collaborate with townships and local municipalities to place transportation facilities where the need justifies the investment
  • Explore context sensitive solutions to preserve the character, environment, and historical aspects of the areas in which work takes place
  • Consider all appropriate modes of transportation as part of project analysis

Public Input
The public is encouraged to provide input regarding KCRC’s proposed improvements via one or more of the following avenues:

  • Attend a public information meeting and/or public hearing regarding the proposed project
  • Write a letter or email sharing your suggestions, support, questions and/or concerns
  • Call 616-242-6900 and request to speak with someone regarding the proposed project
  • Engage with KCRC on one of its Social Media platforms (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)