The Marquette City Commission announced Monday that the city has applied to secure a one-time, $200,000 appropriation from the Michigan Department of Transportation which will be used to make improvements on bike lanes and paths around the area.

The funding comes from the MDOT Shared Streets and Spaces grant program, which aims to make cities around the state more walkable, bikable and transit friendly.

One of the major aspects of the project which made it so appealing to the city is that the grant required no matching funds. The commission approved the resolution 6-0.

According to the MDOT website, “The SSSG program is designed to help incorporated cities and transit authorities reconceive their streets not only as thoroughfares for vehicles, but also as civic spaces with a range of uses for all of us, no matter our age, ability or preferred ways of getting around.”

Marquette serves as a perfect example of an ideal recipient of this funding, as the thriving downtown district is constantly adding new businesses and attractions and this emphasis on biking and walking in the area can only help continue that trend.

The city joins many others around the country that aim to make cities easier for pedestrians and bikers. The benefits of these programs are many. For the bikers and walkers, more time outdoors, cardiovascular exercise and saving money on gas are definite highlights. For everyone else, less traffic and and easier time finding parking spots.

We applaud the city of Marquette for taking this initiative.