MI Complete Streets bill likely to see committee vote

By Laura Weber, Michigan Public Radio Network

LANSING, MI –

Cities in Michigan may need to include bike paths and other pedestrian-friendly design elements in their future roadway plans. A package of bills calling for "Complete Streets" design is before a state House panel.

Democratic state Representative Jon Switalski says the state needs to attract and maintain a younger workforce. And he says to do that, Michigan cities need to consider bicyclists and pedestrians, and not just cars.

Switalski says other states are dealing with "Complete Streets" legislation.

"Virginia passed it. Two weeks ago Minnesota passed it," he says. "So there are more and more states who are trying to understand that one way of thinking just isn't applicable anymore. And it's because of economics."

The House panel is expected to vote on the measure this week.