Todd Scott is a well-known advocate for active transportation and pedestrian safety in Detroit, Michigan. He is the Executive Director of the Detroit Greenways Coalition, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to creating safe and accessible non-motorized transportation routes in the city. In this article, we will explore Todd Scott’s background, his connection to the Detroit Greenways Coalition, and the impact that he and the organization have had on the city of Detroit.

Todd Scott grew up in Michigan and has always had a passion for biking and walking. He started his career in transportation advocacy as a bike messenger in Washington, DC, where he became involved in the local bicycle advocacy scene. He later moved to Detroit and worked as a planner for the city’s Department of Transportation, where he focused on bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. He also worked for the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance, where he helped to develop the Great Lakes-to-Lake Trail, a 275-mile route that connects Lake Michigan to Lake Huron.

In 2016, Scott became the Executive Director of the Detroit Greenways Coalition. The organization had been founded in 2008 with the goal of creating a network of safe and accessible non-motorized transportation routes in Detroit. At the time, there were very few dedicated bike lanes or pedestrian infrastructure in the city, and many streets were dangerous for people who were not in cars. The Detroit Greenways Coalition saw the potential for creating a more livable and sustainable city by improving non-motorized transportation options, and they enlisted Scott to lead the charge.

Under Scott’s leadership, the Detroit Greenways Coalition has become a powerful force for change in the city. The organization has successfully advocated for the creation of new bike lanes and pedestrian infrastructure, as well as the expansion of existing routes. They have also worked to connect these routes into a cohesive network that can be used for commuting, recreation, and tourism.

One of the Detroit Greenways Coalition’s most notable successes has been the creation of the Dequindre Cut, a 1.8-mile rail-trail that runs through the heart of Detroit. The Dequindre Cut was once a derelict rail line that was overgrown with weeds and littered with trash. However, with the support of the Detroit Greenways Coalition, the city was able to transform it into a beautiful greenway that is now a popular destination for bikers, walkers, and joggers.

Another major project that the Detroit Greenways Coalition has worked on is the Inner Circle Greenway, a 26-mile route that will eventually circle the entire city of Detroit. The Inner Circle Greenway is still in the planning stages, but it has the potential to be a game-changer for non-motorized transportation in the city. Once completed, the route will provide a safe and accessible way for people to travel throughout Detroit without needing a car.

The Detroit Greenways Coalition has also been a vocal advocate for pedestrian safety in the city. Scott and the organization have called for changes to traffic laws and infrastructure that would make streets safer for pedestrians. They have also worked to raise awareness of pedestrian safety issues through public events and educational campaigns.

Overall, Todd Scott’s connection to the Detroit Greenways Coalition has been instrumental in the organization’s success. Scott’s expertise in transportation planning and advocacy, combined with his passion for biking and walking, have made him a powerful advocate for non-motorized transportation in Detroit. Under his leadership, the Detroit Greenways Coalition has become a force for positive change in the city, working to create a more livable and sustainable urban environment.