Space for cyclists and motorists: Lakeshore Drive Paved Shoulders Project complete

Ottawa County, Michigan sent this bulletin at 09/29/2021 03:16 PM EDT

Ottawa County Department of Strategic Impact

For Immediate Release | 9.29.2021
Press contact: Department of Strategic Impact| 616-738-4852

A map displaying the path of the newly completed Lakeshore Drive Paved Shoulders Widening Project.

A map displaying the path of the newly completed Lakeshore Drive Paved Shoulders Project.

Ottawa County, partners complete Lakeshore Drive Paved Shoulders Project

Four-foot paved shoulders provide ample room for road cyclists to explore County's scenic west coast

WEST OLIVE - A cool lake breeze, sunshine filtered through hemlocks and pine forests, and the soft hum of a bicycle chain in motion - Lakeshore Drive offers one of the finest cycling environments in west Michigan. Now, with the completion of four-foot paved shoulders along the entirety of Lakeshore Drive between Holland State Park and Robbins Road near Grand Haven, road cyclists and vehicles have ample room to travel the western shoreline of the county.

"The County has long recognized Lakeshore Drive as an important 'backbone' for the county's non-motorized path network."

Department of Strategic Impact Director Paul Sachs

The final segment, completed between Lakewood Boulevard and 168th Avenue in Park Township this past summer, bookends the County's nearly 20-year effort to improve facilities along the popular route.

"The County has long recognized Lakeshore Drive as an important 'backbone' for the county's non-motorized path network," said Department of Strategic Impact Director Paul Sachs. "These paved shoulders allow motorists to safely share the road with road cyclists."

The effort to construct four-foot-wide paved shoulders on Lakeshore Drive began in 2002 when the Ottawa County Non-Motorized Pathway Plan was created. This plan identified the route as an important regional corridor and sought to improve non-motorized facilities for cyclists of all ages and abilities. In addition to the separated Lakeshore Drive pathway, paved shoulder facilities allow for faster cycling, providing a resource for road cyclists and those training for competitive cycling events.

The project is the result of collaboration between public, private, and nonprofit organizations. The four-foot-wide paved shoulders have been constructed in various stages over the years in partnership with the Ottawa County Road Commission. The latest segments of these improvements would never have been possible without the generous donations of the following organizations:

• Ottawa County

• Haworth

• Ottawa County Parks Commission

• Shine Foundation

• Park Township Rock ‘n’ Road Cycle

• Macatawa Area Coordinating Council

• Velo City Cycles

With the recent completion of these paved shoulders, residents and tourists alike can enjoy the abundance of natural beauty and recreational opportunities along Ottawa County’s lakefront corridor.

To learn more about this project, please contact James Kilborn, Land Use Planning Specialist at jkilborn@miottawa.org.

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Images included with this press release may be reproduced for editorial use.

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Ottawa County is located on Lake Michigan’s spectacular freshwater coastline where nature is cherished and protected. More than the lakeshore, you’ll find the people of Ottawa County friendly yet driven, working hard to succeed in charming downtown small businesses, at manufacturing hubs with global impact and on acres passed down from generations. We embrace creativity and believe that diversity makes us stronger. We resolve that our public services must be high-quality and cost-effective. We are innovative and never wait for someone to solve our problems for us. We are friendly neighbors chipping in, lending a hand and making sure you know Ottawa County is where you belong.

The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners meets the second and fourth Tuesdays each month at 1:30PM. The public is welcome and encouraged to participate. Meetings are held in the Board Room located at 12220 Fillmore Street, West Olive, Michigan. Contact information and district information for the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners is available at miOttawa.org.

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