Monday’s Port Huron City Council meeting revolved heavily around biking in the area. The main topic of discussion that led to public comment addressed funding the “Bridge to Bay” Bicycle Trail. The council approved authorization of a $300,000 DNR grant application to fund the gaps in the “Bridge to Bay” bike trail. If awarded, the offer would be accepted and local match funding would be provided. The matching funds would come from private funding, according to City Manager James Freed at the meeting.
During the public hearing regarding the issue, resident James Soto, an SC4 philosophy professor and cyclist, addressed the non-recreational bike paths in the city, or lack thereof. He said that the “plan does not address real and serious cycling deficiencies…in the city,” including Gratiot Avenue, which he called “staggeringly dangerous.” He was concerned with the safety of riders getting to the “Bridge to Bay” trail. Soto also addressed 10th Street, where bicyclists are not necessarily biking for recreation, but for transportation.
Freed said that the city has implemented a “whole host of remedies to address the issue” with cooperation from multiple agencies and the cycling community. At the end of the meeting, Councilmember Anita Ashford requested a future SEMCOG presentation to address the bike safety questions.
