AS WE APPROACH the season of summer, which we love, it’s fitting to recall the words of The Lovin’ Spoonful from their hit, Summer in the City…
Hot town, summer in the city
The city’s multi-use paths are going to be severely tested this summer when residents and visitors alike hit the trails incorporating a number of different modes of transportation.
The paths, according to information culled from the Marquette Regional History Center website, got their start back in the late 1800’s when a group of cyclists raised money to construct a narrow path of compact clay to ride out to Presque Isle.
As cycling became more popular, Marquette resident, and our first female mayor, Holly Greer, spearheaded an effort to build a more suitable path, which extended from Fair Avenue to Presque Isle. That was in 1971, and since then our network of paths has grown exponentially. And so has their use.
Which brings us to today, when the term “bike path” falls far short of describing what’s actually happening on our non-motorized tracks. And what’s happening is not always what’s permitted.
Naturally, walkers, runners, and traditional bikers make up the bulk of users. And when using the paths appropriately, with courtesy and consideration for others, those folks present little problem.
Multi-Use Indeed
Now add scooters, skateboards, and eBikes to the mix and suddenly what was once a safe and relaxing physical activity becomes a head-on-a-swivel obstacle course.
Marquette Police Patrol Captain Jim Finkbeiner outlined concerns when he addressed the most recent meeting of the city’s Parks & Rec Advisory Board. Citing the “huge increase” in eBikes, Captain Finkbeiner suggested speed and abuse of the rules as the primary problem on the paths.
Believe it or not, they don’t like writing tickets, so, through education, they want people know what’s allowed and what isn’t. “We want to be proactive,” Finkbeiner told the board.
Signs are one way to do that, but who wants more signs? And since a fair number of abusers are young people, the police department regularly reaches out to them with programs at our schools. Teach ‘em when they’re young and first beginning to experience life off the leash, and you end up with folks who understand the expectations.
With that in mind, Finkbeiner was asked about the Bike Rodeo the department used to hold and was able to share the good news that it’s back! It’ll be held on Saturday, May 31st at City Hall. It’s for kids ages 5-12 and will be something both kids and parents will appreciate. Pre-registration here is required.
Other than that, how do we keep the paths safe? For a start, eBike users need to know that only Class 1 bikes are permitted. Unfortunately, the more powerful Class 2 and 3 bikes are seen on the paths all too frequently.
One board member suggested heavy fines for those found violating the e-Bike restrictions. I initially thought that was a little extreme, but after more consideration I decided it might be what it takes. When word gets around about hundred dollar plus fines, people might think twice before challenging our officers’ ability to identify abusers.
While wider pathways, or fewer users, likely aren’t in the offing, it’s up to all of us to follow the rules and make our multi-use paths safe and enjoyable for all, in the summer, in the city.
Cool town, evening in the city
Next time you head out to Presque Isle, whether on a bike or not, take a good last look at the existing band shell… if it’s still there. It’s being dismantled this month to make room for the new Peg Hirvonen Bandshell, expected to be finished before the end of the year.
The old structure, seen above, served the community for almost 100 years, before it was decommissioned in 2022. Since then, the City Band has performed their concerts in front of the condemned stage, while working behind the scenes raising money for the new one.
Yes, it’s the City Band directing the fundraiser for this community asset. According to band leader Steve Grugin, “We are grateful for the initial generous grant from the Ray and Peg Hirvonen Foundation and we are reaching out to local businesses and other foundations for additional support.”
You Can Help
And what about the rest of us? If you’ve ever hauled your lawn chair out to Presque Isle for a City Band concert… in this cool town, evening in the city, it might be time to show a little appreciation, if you know what I mean.
Mike Stucko, President of the City Band, points out the value of this unique venue… “We’ve all been out to graduation parties, weddings, or reunions at the bandshell. This is often used by others besides just the City Band, Orchestra, Choral Society, and Symphony. Who knows what kind of acts, shows, and events can be attracted by this kind of structure!”
I guess I’m not sure why the fundraising has fallen squarely on the shoulders of our talented musicians, but that’s the deal. If you’d like to help, you can find out how by visiting the MQT Compass website. You’ll also see the plan, which looks pretty cool.
A large chunk of the 2.1 million needed for the project has already been raised, but there’s more to be done, and it would be nice for the band to know the community cares as much as they do. Your donation would strike just the right note.
Hot town… cool town. We can be both.