I'm in WA state, but i know Oregon specifically addresses bike traffic on rural roads with facilities requirements.
This would be one way for michigan to better plan for bikes in rural counties.
here's a brief from oregon.gov
Originally Posted by oregon state goverment website
ORS 366.514, aka the bike bill, was passed by the Oregon Legislature in 1971. It requires the inclusion of facilities for pedestrians and bicyclists wherever a road, street or highway is built or rebuilt. It applies to ODOT, cities and counties. It also requires ODOT, cities and counties to spend reasonable amounts of their share of the state highway fund on facilities for pedestrians and bicyclists. These facilities must be located within the right-of-way of public roads, streets or highways open to motor vehicle traffic. The funds cannot be spent on trails in parks or other areas outside of a road, street or highway right-of-way.
from what i remember, michigan was a bit sloppy with the rec trails funding, they were doing some goofy stuff up around Marquette, don't know what became of that trend in MI trails planning....