a2nonmoto
Just in time for summer cycling, the City of Ann Arbor has installed a new bicycle “Fix-It Stand” at the city’s Municipal Center, 301 E. Huron. Located by the bike hoops in front of the Justice Center, the Fix-It Stand includes a hanger arm, air pump and a set of tools to help perform basic bike maintenance and repairs. The tools include screwdrivers and wrenches of different styles and sizes.
Community members are encouraged to test their breaks and tires before heading out for their first cycling trip of the season. Testing and tightening breaks and inflating tires—if needed—can help prevent accidents from occurring during a ride. Additional information on safe walking, bicycling and driving in Ann Arbor can be found at www.a2gov.org/walkbikedrive.
Pedal on down to City Hall on Friday, May 17thfrom 7-9 AM for some breakfast treats and refreshments and a chance to win one of 4 Novara commuting backpacks from REI Ann Arbor!
Also Eli Cooper, the City’s Transportation Manager, will be biking to City Hall from Gallup Park on Friday. Meet Eli at 7:20 AM at the one-lane wooden bridge, adjacent to the B2B trail.
More information about Bike Commuting Stations in Ann Arbor for National Bike to Work Day can be found at: http://commuter.getdowntown.org/~getdown/content/bike-work-day-events
Tips for Winter Biking
With the snow flying here in Ann Arbor it’s important to take extra time when biking to allow for changing road conditions. To increase your safety and enjoyment of winter bike rides keep in mind the 3 Be’s!
Be Visible, Be Predictable, Be Aware
- Be visible. Due to shorter days and longer nights you may not always be riding when the sun is out. The City requires that all cyclists use headlights and rear reflectors after sunset. Also, the addition of bright colors and retroreflective materials on yourself and your bike will increase your visibility and overall safety.
- Be predictable. When riding on the roadways be aware that drivers may not be looking out for bikers like they are during the summer (when more cyclists are out). By making complete stops, using proper hand signals, and staying as far to the right on roads as practicable you can make sharing the road easier and safer for all!.
- Testing out your brakes and looking for any loose parts before you take off will also make your bike more predictable!
- Putting winter tires on your bike will increase your “grip” on snow
- Be aware. Winter in Ann Arbor means constantly changing weather and road conditions. By being aware of your surroundings you’ll have a safer and more enjoyable ride.
- When it’s icy out, take your time on curves and try to ride as straight as possible.
- When it’s snowy out, try to take roads with bike lanes that have been plowed for easier riding. Also, keep in mind that there may be ice under the snow - so be sure to take your time and to take curves cautiously.
Biking during the winter is a great way to stay healthy and by taking a couple of extra precautions it can be a safe travel option too!
In conjunction with the Ann Arbor Safe Streets and Sidewalk task force and the city’s Transportation Program, the Ann Arbor Police Department is conducting a pedestrian crosswalk and safety targeted enforcement campaign at 14 crosswalks between Tuesday, Jan, 22nd and Saturday, Jan. 26th.
For more information on the targeted enforcement campaign and the 14 crosswalks please refer to the above link.
Some Quick Tips for Safe Travels:
If you are a motorist or bicyclist: be sure to stop for pedestrians IN or AT a Crosswalk, and to not overtake a vehicle stopping for a pedestrian at a crosswalk - it’s the law (R 28.1703 Rule 703).
If you are a pedestrian: do not suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into a path of a vehicle where it is impossible for the driver to yield.
Remember, OUR safety depends on YOU!
For additional information on walking, biking, and driving in Ann Arbor head on over to the City’s Walk.Bike.Drive webpage
Ever wonder just how visible you are at night?
The video above (produced by Al Stoll), demonstrates how hard it is for drivers to see a pedestrian at night when they are wearing dark clothing.
In order to increase your visibility at night, considering wearing retroflective materials (such as armbands and a vest), and wearing light colors - like neon!
The wearing of retroreflective materials at night has shown infact to double the visibility distance of a pedestrian at night (1984 study by David Shinar).
When at a crosswalk, Stop, Take a Moment, Look, and then Cross When Safe. Especially at night, be cautious - as drivers may not see you standing at the crosswalk.
Link to the video: here
How does texting impact your safety?
A recent study from the University of Washington suggests that distracted walking (walking while talking on the phone, text messaging or listening to music) can greatly impact your behavior.
The study found that distracted pedestrians were four times more likely to enage in an unsafe walking action as compared to undistracted pedestrians. Such actions include not obeying the lights, crossing mid-intersection, or not looking both ways before crossing the street. Also, the study found that distracted pedestirans take an additional 2 seconds to cross the road.
The study was headed by Leah L Thompson, Federick P Rivara, Rajiv C Ayyagari and Beth E Ebel. For more information on the study, please check out this link.
When walking, remember that Our Safety Depends on You
For more information on safe walking tips head on over to The City’s Walk.Bike.Drive webpage!
Interesting in giving your feedback on transportation deficiencies in Washtenaw County?
Washtenaw Area Transportation Study (WATS) will be holding three public meetings next week to review Long Range Plan Transportation Deficiencies for Washtenaw County - and they want your comments! Maps of the deficiencies that will be covered at the meetings can be found here.
The Three Public Meetings are:
- Tuesday, Nov. 27th. 2-3:30 PM and 5-7 PM. Ann Arbor City Council Chambers, 301 E. Huron Street, Ann Arbor.
- Thursday, Nov. 29th. 6-7:30 PM. Pittsfield Township Hall. 6201 W. Michigan Avenue, Pittsfield Township.
- Wednesday, Dec. 5th. 6-7:30 PM. Dexter Village Library. 3255 Alphine Street, Dexter.
For more information on WATS, check out www.miwats.org
Comments for WATS can be send to wats@miwats.org and by phone at (734) 218-0996 ext. 207
The video is a product of WATS.
Have a flat?
The University of Michigan recently added a Fix-it-Station at the Central Campus Transit Center, and two Bike Pumps at North Quad and North Campus.
Be sure to stop by this week at either the station or the pumps at anytime between 11 AM - 2 PM to learn how the use them!
Colors of Fall
With October coming to an end, be sure to get out onto one of the many trails around Ann Arbor for a walk in the woods.
For a map of parks in the City of Ann Arbor check out the City’s Interactive Park Map!
One foot in Summer, and Another in Fall
Don’t let Fall’s cooler temperatures keep you from enjoying the sights and sounds of Ann Arbor! Put on those wool socks and get out there!
Interested in what events the City has planned for the fall? Check out the City’s Events Calendar for community events and public meetings.
