Saginaw Charter Township Building Department

Walk, Bike and Be Active in Saginaw Township

In 2005 Township Supervisor Timothy Braun appointed a small group of residents to work with the Planning Commission and the planning consultants of Spicer Group to draft a pathway plan for the Township. You can view a copy of the adopted plan here.

Now, a pedestrian committee meets quarterly to review progress on the implementation of the plan, to assist in the Township prioritizing pedestrian improvements and to encourage and educate the general public about the availability of walking and biking in the Township.

Benefits of Walking and Biking

The benefits of walking and biking, or non-motorized transportation, can be significant to both individuals and the community. Individually, people who exercise have lower risks of heart disease and stroke, and an increased chance of remaining independent as they age. According to the American Medical Association, 60% of Americans lead a completely sedentary life. One of the reasons for the sedentary lifestyle is walking and cycling have been replaced by automobile travel for all but the shortest distances. A good bicycling and walking environment also increases our alternatives for travel. The transportation benefits of bicycling and walking include the increase in our overall mobility and reduction in traffic congestion. And finally, there are economic benefits to both the Township and residents. According to AAA, the annual cost of operating a car is about $5,000. And the League of American Bicyclists has demonstrated the average cost of bicycling is about $120 per year.

Find A Walking Route in Saginaw Township This website allows you to enter an address and map a proposed route. It also lets you calculate calories burned. You are not required to register to use the site. It will also display saved routes and distances within the Township that other walkers/runners/bikers have contributed.

Saginaw Township's Walk Score. Walk Score helps people find walkable places to live. Walk Score calculates the walkability of an address by locating nearby stores, restaurants, schools, parks, etc. Walk Score measures how easy it is to live a car-lite lifestyle—not how pretty the area is for walking. You can look at the walk score for Saginaw Township Hall below, or visit www.walkscore.org to calculate the walk score for your particular neighborhood.

Your Walk Score is a number between 0 and 100. Here are general guidelines for interpreting your score:

90–100 = Walkers' Paradise: Most errands can be accomplished on foot and many people get by without owning a car.
70–89 = Very Walkable: It's possible to get by without owning a car.
50–69 = Somewhat Walkable: Some stores and amenities are within walking distance, but many everyday trips still require a bike, public transportation, or car.
25–49 = Car-Dependent: Only a few destinations are within easy walking range. For most errands, driving or public transportation is a must.
0–24 = Car-Dependent (Driving Only): Virtually no neighborhood destinations within walking range. You can walk from your house to your car!

Step Up Saginaw is a broad community partnership mobilized by the Saginaw County Department of Public Health. It includes representatives from Saginaw YMCA, Saginaw Community Foundation, Saginaw County Board of Commissions, Saginaw County Parks and Recreation, Saginaw Charter Township Planning, City of Saginaw, Powerhouse Gym and the Saginaw County Medical Society all working to create healthy lifestyles in Saginaw's communities. The website provides information on activities throughout the area, tips for healthy eating, wellness and tobacco cessation.

Walk, Bike and Be Active in Saginaw Township

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