Happy Thursday TARTans,
Smart(er) Commute Week is back! And it's been a ton of fun. It feels so good to meet up again with smiling faces at lots of great local places this week. We've missed the comradery that comes with the week and the visible reminder that there's a lot of us interested in active transportation. A common refrain we're hearing from many after this past year is, "I'm working from home now. I don't commute." But pick at that a little more and you quickly realize that's not really true. A walk to the post office, biking to pick up some midweek groceries, a bike date to dinner, or a walk to the beach. That's all smart commuting. And we love working with our local governments to keep making these commutes better, easier, more comfortable - smarter, if you will. Trails are expanding, neighborhoods are seeking calmer, slower streets for all to enjoy, and new sidewalks abound. It's the collective efforts of your voices, votes, and support that make our region a better place to get around by bike and foot. And that effort pays off in healthier people, economies, and climate. So let's keep the tradition going and let the week kick off a season of smart commute. You may just find it's a habit you don't want to kick.
With gratitude,
Julie Clark, Executive Director |
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 Almost There...The new Boardman Lake Loop Trail will connect at 14th St. and take you right to NMC's University Center. We know it's so tempting to explore the soon-to-be-open extension but patience is needed. The final touches are being applied and project completion is anticipated by early next month. While the trail looks usable, landscaping and fencing still need to be completed. Construction will soon begin on the next leg to Medalie. We can't wait to celebrate soon! Learn more about the project and partners that make this trail possible here. Stay tuned for more good news to come. |
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 Tour de TART
It's the return of your favorite, family-friendly, Friday evening bike ride on the Leelanau Trail! We're stoked to once again be hosting the annual Tour de TART presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network on Friday, July 16, 2021! Registration is now open and volunteer sign up is live. This year we'll be capping the event at 300 people to allow for a little more social distancing so be sure to register early. Among other things, we'll be featuring a new menu this year, but don't worry, we're keeping the pie and the root beer floats! More information and registration here. |
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 New SBHT Gear is In!The Cyclery, a long-time trail supporter, has designed some super fun SBHT merchandise including hats, tees, and water bottles - just in time for summer on the trails. 10% of all proceeds are generously donated back to the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. Shop online or in-person at The Cyclery in Glen Arbor! And learn more about the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail here. |
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SPECIAL THANKS
The 10th Annual Recycle-A-Bicycle Bike Swap this past Saturday was a smashing success! The annual bike swap is truly an event by the community, for the community. Just look at those smiles! Many thanks to the 33 volunteers who contributed 185.5 hours to ensure this event went off without a hitch. Kudos to Don Cunkle and his hearty crew for all of their tireless dedication to the R-A-B program.
Watch out invasives - this crew is coming for you. Our Leelanau Trail Invasive Species Ambassadors are back at it for year 4 of removal along the trail. That wild parsnip didn't stand a chance. Many thanks to Jerry West, Matt Frye and Pat O'Connor for all their time and expertise!
The trail improvements just keep on coming. Special thanks to Paul Deyo, Dave Hunter and Tony Burley for assembling and installing these beautiful new benches at the new and improved 10th St Trailhead. Next up be on the look out for donor recognition and a public art installation.
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Welcome to the newest members of our Sustainers Circle of Donors!
Carl and Sally Benner
Thank you for making happy, healthy, connected communities happen!
Learn more about our Sustainers Circle here. |
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SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT
The 27th Annual Smart Commute Week is made possible by our incredible event sponsors. Please join us in celebrating the following businesses who helped bring the event to life!
Hagerty, Toms Food Market, the Werner Family, 9&10 News, Olson, Bzdok & Howard PC, Networks Northwest, Bubba's Burgers and Bar, Oryana Community Coop, North Peak Brewing Company, Higher Grounds Coffee, Grant Traverse Pavilions, BATA, The Kitchen, Northwestern Michigan College, Wild Card Cycle Works and Bay Area Recycling for Charities.
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There's still plenty of time to participate in SCW! Don't miss breakfast at GT Pavilions today and tomorrow at Oryana for the final Awards Ceremony (brekky from 7-9am, trophies and prize drawings begin at 7:45, must be present to win).
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Connect with your community at a Juneteenth event presented by Northern Michigan E3, Saturday, June 19 from 2-6 pm at F&M Park. The event will begin with educational programming, followed by a block party-style celebration with food trucks and local artisans. TART will be there talking trails and sharing resources on how to engage in outdoor spaces in a safe, informed, and empowered way.
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SMART COMMUTE BENEFITS
You're not really in it just for the free breakfast, right? Check out some of the associated benefits and smart commute stats to keep you going all summer long!
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