The city of Sterling Heights recently cut the ribbon on the newly launched Plumbrook Road bike lane in a continued effort to enhance the community’s sustainable transportation infrastructure as well as advance the city’s expanding interconnected trail system. The bike lane runs along Plumbrook Road from Utica Road to 17 Mile Road.
The Plumbrook Road bike lane is the first for Sterling Heights and is a pilot project designed to promote eco-friendly modes of transportation as well as a healthier lifestyle for residents. The bike lane was one part of a $4.84 million redevelopment of Plumbrook Road that included a new asphalt surface, tree plantings, new mast arm traffic signals at 17 Mile/Plumbrook, sidewalk gap completion, streetlight enhancements and creation of the bike lane.
Sterling Heights invested in the development of this dedicated bike lane to make cycling as convenient, environmentally responsible and safe as possible for all. By integrating biking facilities into the existing road network, cyclists of all ages and skill levels can benefit from enhanced connectivity, as the bike lane connects into the Clinton River Trail and the Iron Belle Trail.
Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor expressed enthusiasm about the introduction of the bike lane.
“We’re thrilled to unveil this new bike lane pilot project on Plumbrook. This project reflects our city’s Vision 2024 guiding principles of creating a community that maintains safe streets for all, focuses on inclusive mobility, connects people to key destinations through an expanding network of interconnected trails and is committed to sustainability by reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. We’re not just painting lanes; we’re painting a greener, healthier and more equitable future.”
In addition to promoting cycling as a viable mode of transportation, the implementation of bike lanes contributes to a more pedestrian-friendly environment, can help to calm traffic and fosters a sense of safety and inclusivity for all road users. The project also improves pedestrian safety by reducing the number of lanes required to cross at midblock locations.
Sterling Heights remains dedicated to ongoing efforts to improve transportation options and create a city that’s not only livable, but also loveable. The launch of the Plumbrook bike lane recognizes Sterling Heights’ proactive approach to sustainable development and solidifies the city’s position as a leader in promoting environmentally friendly initiatives.
For more information on how to navigate the Plumbrook bike lane safely, whether in a car or on a bike, visit sterlingheights.gov/bikelanes.
Residents interested in staying up to date on city initiatives can visit sterlingheights.gov/getconnected or sign up for text updates related to specific projects at sterlingheights.gov/notifyme.