Downtown Pontiac Adds Bike Friendly Features
(Healthy Pontiac Press Release, Oct. 21, 2015)
Downtown Pontiac just became a more accessible destination for cyclists, County Executive L. Brooks Patterson and Pontiac Mayor Deirdre Waterman announced today. The Healthy Pontiac, We Can! (HPWC) coalition and Friends of the Clinton River Trail have installed new bicycle loops, fix-it stations, and wayfinding signage in downtown Pontiac to enable cyclists to access the public library, city parks, and trendy businesses from the Clinton River Trail.
“This is a major quality of life improvement for residents in the Pontiac area,” Patterson said. “Residents can take advantage of this easier access by riding their bicycles to some of the popular spots downtown or follow the trail to other locations in the county.”
The bike stations, which were installed last month, include tools and an air pump necessary to perform basic bike repairs and maintenance such as changing a flat tire or adjusting brakes. These bicycle-friendly stops near the Clinton River Trail will encourage residents to use the trail to connect them to destinations throughout Pontiac.
“The installation of these bike stations is a perfect synergy with our other infrastructure that promotes recreational opportunities and healthy lifestyles,” Waterman said. “Our residents will now have easier access to downtown by bicycle which is healthy for the economy.”
Fred Phillips, president of the Friends of the Clinton River Trail agreed.
“The Friends of the Clinton River Trail are striving to safely connect people and destinations on foot or bike,” Phillips said. “These additions are a step towards improving non-motorized planning for the city of Pontiac and finalizing a key link in the county’s trail network.”
The HPWC has made other enhancements to the Clinton River Trail over the past couple years which include road crossing signs that provide walkers and bikers with a Clinton River Trail map at entry points and nearby destinations.
About Healthy Pontiac, We Can Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson supports and promotes initiatives, organizations and events that improve quality of life through healthier and more active lifestyles. The county’s Health Division formed the Healthy Pontiac, We Can! coalition in 2011 to help Pontiac residents gain access to healthy food, become active, and live tobacco free. The coalition includes a diverse group of primary and preventative healthcare professionals, mental health experts, human service agency specialists, educators, clergy, government leaders, and local residents.
About Friends of the Clinton River Trail – The Friends of the Clinton River Trail is a volunteer, non-profit citizen group with a membership of over 450 people from communities on, or near, the Clinton River Trail. They are committed to promoting the CRT as a safe and enjoyable recreational destination. For more information, visit www.clintonrivertrail.org.
For more information, visit the Healthy Pontiac, We Can! website at healthypontiac.org or find them on Facebook.
Look for other stories and resources on bicycling at http://oaklandcounty115.com/?s=bicycling.