Michigan

DNR proposal seeks to allow e-bikes on more Michigan biking trails

Published

2 weeks ago

June 12, 2024

DNR proposal seeks to allow e-bikes on more Michigan biking trails

LANSING, MICH. — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is seeking to allow electric bicycles on more Michigan trails.

The DNR has released a proposal that supports expanding e-bike rules, 9&10 News reports. This would allow motor-assisted bicycles on state-managed trails and bike paths, including mountain bike trails.

E-bikes come in several classifications that are generally either pedal-assisted or operated by a throttle.

The proposal seeks to permit Class-1 electric bicycles, which are bikes with pedal-assisted electric motors that can go up to 20 miles per hour, on DNR-managed bicycle trails and pathways, including natural surface mountain biking trails.

The expansion would also authorize Class-2 electric bicycles, which are both throttle- and pedal-assisted and can travel up to 20 miles per hour, for individuals with mobility disabilities by an annual permit.

The proposal notes that e-bikes can help with barriers to cycling, such as hilly topography and long distances to destinations, and expand recreation opportunities to people with physical limitations.

The DNR conducted a survey in March to gather public feedback on the proposed changes.

“While some comments have voiced concerns with expanding electric bicycle use, the majority of comments received have been in support of expansion,” the DNR stated in the proposal.

The expansion could be approved on July 11.

The full proposal is online here.

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Michigan

Morning 4: Missing Fenton man believed to have drowned in SE Michigan lake — and more news

Published

5 hours ago

June 28, 2024

Press Room

Morning 4: Missing Fenton man believed to have drowned in SE Michigan lake — and more news

Morning 4 is a quick roundup of stories we think you should know about to start your day. So, let’s get to the news.

Body pulled from SE Michigan lake belongs to missing Genesee County man

The body of a missing Genesee County man was found Thursday in a private lake at the edge of Livingston County.

See the story here.

Popular chicken restaurant opens new location in Macomb County

A popular chicken restaurant chain has opened its newest location in Macomb County.

Twin girls hurt after lighting powerful firework in bathroom of Metro Detroit home

Twin 11-year-old girls were injured Thursday after they brought a powerful firework into a bathroom in their River Rouge home and lit it.

See more here.

Biden’s debate performance spurs Democratic panic about his ability to lead party against Trump

Above all, Joe Biden’s allies wanted him to demonstrate strength and energy on the debate stage to help put to rest questions about the 81-year-old Democrat’s physical and mental acuity.

But on the biggest stage in U.S. politics on Thursday night, Biden did not meet their modest expectations.

Read the report here.

Weather: Storms this weekend in Metro Detroit: What to expect

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Michigan

Michigan voters react to debate | CNN Politics

Published

12 hours ago

June 28, 2024

Press Room

Michigan voters react to debate | CNN Politics

Here’s how a panel of swing state voters thought Biden and Trump performed

CNN’s Laura Coates speaks with a panel of Michigan voters to get their reactions to President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump’s performances during CNN’s presidential debate.

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Michigan

Black bear sightings on the rise in mid-Michigan

Published

19 hours ago

June 27, 2024

Press Room

Black bear sightings on the rise in mid-Michigan

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Experts say that the bear population has recently increased in Michigan’s lower peninsula, leading to a similar rise in close encounters—including those here in mid-Michigan.

Last Sunday, on Ruess Rd in Owosso, a road she drives on almost every day, Emalee Harmon saw something she never expected.

“We were absolutely shocked,” said Harmon. “We were just kinda speechless and couldn’t get over the fact that we just saw a bear.”

She was on her way back from getting ice cream with her family when she and her husband noticed a bear. They pulled over and took photos.

(Emalee Harmon)

“We had never seen a bear in the wild, and we knew that it was not normal to see them this far in the south,” said Harmon.

Just a few days later, another bear was spotted in Bath Township. Ron Jackson posted a photo of the bear on Facebook.

While it is unlikely, seeing a bear in mid-Michigan is not as rare as you might think. According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, there are around 12,000 bears in the state: 10,000 in the Upper Peninsula and 2000 in the northern Lower Peninsula.

Black bears are the only bears in Michigan, and because they fear humans, they don’t pose a major safety risk. However, experts say there are things to keep in mind if you do run into one. The DNR created the acronym “SMART” to help people understand what to do in this situation.