Michigan Supreme Court Rejects Bike Trail Injury Claim

August 3, 2011

The Michigan Supreme Court says the state has no obligation to maintain a northern Michigan trail, dismissing a lawsuit by a woman who sued after suffering serious back injuries when her off-road vehicle hit a partially buried board.

In a 4-3 decision, the court’s conservative majority said that the unpaved Little Manistee Trail in Lake County is not a road or highway, a designation that would require the state to maintain it. The court says it reached that conclusion with “little difficulty.”

The three dissenting justices, led by Marilyn Kelly, accused the majority of botching a simple case of statutory interpretation. They noted that the trail has many signs that qualify it as a highway, including stop signs, weight limits and curve warnings.

Topics Michigan

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Latest Comments

  • August 5, 2011 at 11:31 am
    Water Bug says:
    It is so refreshing to see commentary from thoughtful adults. As Mikey says, sometimes stuff happens. I hope you recovered fully.
  • August 3, 2011 at 2:13 pm
    Compman says:
    Let's see, it is called Little Manistee Trail, not road, not highway, not street. Time to recall the three dissenting justices for being incompetent. Good ruling by the maj... read more
  • August 3, 2011 at 10:05 am
    Mikey says:
    Speaking as someone who broke a collarbone, two wrists, and disclocated a shoulder while riding my ATV on a trail, I never sued anyone. It was my fault....no one elses. The co... read more

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