As March unfolds, I find myself thinking about shamrocks and luck.
My grandmother used to gently correct us when we described something good as “lucky.” “You’re not lucky,” she would say. “You’re fortunate.” To her, luck implied chance. Fortune suggested something deeper, intention, effort, gratitude.
As the snow begins to melt, the daylight stretches a little longer, and we collectively cross our fingers for sunshine, I feel fortunate to live in a place that prioritizes accessible spaces, welcoming pathways, parks, roads, and bike lanes. This month, our region has one more reason to feel that way.
Traverse City was recently designated a Silver Level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists. On the surface, it might feel like a stroke of good luck, a shiny recognition arriving just as we anticipate spring riding season.
But this award was not the result of luck.
It reflects years of long term planning, steady collaboration, and a shared commitment to ensuring that people who live in and visit our region can move through it safely and confidently.
It recognizes not only bike lanes and trails, but thoughtful policies, infrastructure investments, education efforts, and community partnerships.
Perhaps most importantly, it acknowledges that multimodal transportation matters to our community.
Multimodal transportation is simply the idea that our streets and public spaces should work for everyone, whether you are in a car, on a bicycle, pushing a stroller, using a wheelchair, riding a scooter, or walking to school. It is about designing a community that allows people of all ages and abilities to move in ways that fit their lives.
Here in Traverse City, that commitment is visible in both big and small ways. Grand Traverse County welcomes residents and visitors to 10 community parks that provide gathering spaces and trail access. The City of Traverse City Parks and Recreation Division oversees more than 30 parks throughout the city. Many people are familiar with beloved destinations like Clinch Park, Hickory Hills Ski Area, and Brown Bridge Quiet Area.
You may not realize that the city also stewards nearly 60 acres of natural area with approximately 50 miles of trails in the southwest corner of town, known as Silverbrook Acres.
Although my role with Norte Youth Cycling brings me, along with the more than one million visitors who pass through annually, to the Grand Traverse County Civic Center nearly every day, I also find myself drawn to other corners of our community. The VASA Pathway off Bartlett Road is a favorite for many Norte riders and families. In the summer, time spent on Power Island reminds me how fortunate we are to have natural spaces accessible by water as well as land. And like many local families, I have cheered from the sidelines at the Keystone Soccer Complex during lacrosse and soccer tournaments.
None of this happens in isolation.
The Silver designation reflects the collective work of partners like TART Trails, whose trail network forms the backbone of safe, connected movement throughout our region. It reflects the advocacy and thoughtful input from the Grand Traverse Safe Streets Alliance, insights from the Cherry Capitol Cycling Club, The Groundwork Center, the important perspective of those at the Disability Network Northern Michigan, ensuring that infrastructure decisions account for accessibility and safety for all. The City of Traverse City spearheaded the application and the collaboration that made this designation possible.
This award publicly affirms that investing in infrastructure is not ornamental. It is instrumental.
Safe routes, separated trails, accessible sidewalks, and connected parks do more than move people from point A to point B. They reduce isolation, support local businesses, improve public health, and strengthen our sense of belonging.
We did not arrive here by chance.
We arrived here because planners planned, advocates advocated, leaders listened, and neighbors showed up. Although our work is not done, there is much to celebrate.
As we move into spring, I encourage you to explore a new city or county park. Wander a trail you have never taken. Visit a small neighborhood green space. Pause for a moment and notice what makes it work, the pathways, signage, access points, maintenance, and design.
Public places are the product of intentional infrastructure and steady collaboration. They are not the result of luck.
But when the sun is shining, the snow is melting, and our community is moving safely together, it is hard not to smile and think, boy, are we lucky.
And fortunate.