a2nonmoto

Just in time for summer cycling, the City of Ann Arbor has...

Mon, 20 May 2013 09:31:48 -0400

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...

Thu, 16 May 2013 08:50:00 -0400

Pedal on down to City Hall on Friday, May 17^thfrom 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...

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 10:57:41 -0500

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!

Link to Crosswalk Enforcement Campaign Press Release

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 09:43:01 -0500

Link to Crosswalk Enforcement Campaign Press Release:

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...

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 12:02:54 -0500

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...

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 09:41:23 -0500

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...

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 16:34:46 -0500

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...

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 17:13:07 -0500

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...

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 12:00:54 -0400

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...

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 12:01:00 -0400

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.

As we bike along Scio Church and Seventh, we’ll answer...

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 11:56:26 -0400

As we bike along Scio Church and Seventh, we’ll answer some of the most common questions about biking in Ann Arbor.

With schools across the City in full swing, it’s important...

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 12:00:37 -0400

With schools across the City in full swing, it’s important for all community members and visitors to be aware of pedestrians at crosswalks!

Both drivers and bicycles need to follow the Ann Arbor Pedestrian Safety in Crosswalks Ordinance: at a crosswalk, motorists are required to stop and yield the right-of-way to every pedestrian at the curb, or within the crosswalk.

Pedestrians also play an important role in creating a culture of safety in Ann Arbor! The ordinance requires that pedestrians shall not suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into a path of a vehicle that is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield.

Together, all community members and visitors can make this fall safer by being aware at crosswalks!

When Summer Gives Way to Fall...

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 12:34:00 -0400

Now that Ann Arbor is starting to transition from summer to fall, be sure to be aware of the shortening hours of sunlight. Wearing bright, retroreflective materials on your clothes and having reflectors and lights while biking or walking can greatly increase your visibility to motorists.

In the City of Ann Arbor cyclists are required to use headlights and rear reflectors after sunset.

Just because summer is over does not mean that you cannot walk or bike in Ann Arbor - just be sure that you’re visible!

This Thursday, find us at U of M's EarthFest

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 11:59:38 -0400

This Thursday, Sep 20th, from 10 AM to 2 PM be sure to stop by the Diag on the University of Michigan’s Campus as the City of Ann Arbor participates in EarthFest. For those interested in learning more about sustainability and green initiatives by both the City and the University, be sure to swing through!

For more information about EarthFest, check out the website here!

P.S. The Diag is the large grassy area in the middle of central campus; the Diag is surronded by North University, State Street, and South University.

As the school year starts, consider a walk or cycling trip...

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 12:00:45 -0400

As the school year starts, consider a walk or cycling trip around the University of Michigan’s North Campus!

Escape the hustle and bustle of the busy beginning of school season with an out of doors adventure around one of the many sculptures of North Campus such as the Wave Field and Begod (by Alexander Liberman). Interested in where and what public art is located around North Campus? Check out this map by U of M’s President’s Advisory Committee on Public Art to help plan out your next walk or bike ride!

P.S. The link will also connect you to maps for South, Central, and the Medical campuses!

WATS Public Meeting Tonight

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 17:12:52 -0400

Tonight, September 12th, from 4 - 6 PM, Washtenaw Area Transportation Study (WATS) will be hosting a public meeting focused on the 2040 Long Range Plan for Washtenaw County. The meeting will be held in the Ann Arbor City Council Chambers, on the 2nd floor of the Guy C. Larcom Jr. Municipal Building, at 301 E. Huron Street, Ann Arbor.

At the meeting you will have the opportunity to give feedback on the direction of the 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan! WATS will be presenting on the results of the communityvalues survey, and draft foals and objectives for the plan.

WATS can be contacted at:

705 N. Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103

734-994-3127

wats@miwats.org

www.miwats.org

New to Campus, or interested in rediscovering a natural resource...

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 12:00:28 -0400

New to Campus, or interested in rediscovering a natural resource in Ann Arbor?

The Matthaei Botanical Gardens are free to visit and provide a quite place to get some fresh air and to watch the leaves change their colors. Accessible by bike from within the City of Ann Arbor, head on over to the The Matthaei Botanical Gardens webpage for information on hours, location, and what’s in bloom!

Want to cycle to the gardens? Here is a map from U of M that suggests bike routes to the gardens from the Central/ Medical campus.

Looking for your next ARBventure? Why not check out the Nichols...

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 12:00:52 -0400

Looking for your next ARBventure? Why not check out the Nichols Arboretum?

Located just to the east of Central Campus and assessable by walking, bus, and cycling the Arb is a great place to explore on a crisp fall day!

Worried about getting lost in the Arb? No need to be! The Arb has plenty of signs and maps to help you find your way. Also, check out this guide for a map of the Arb’s trails and paths; as well as, information on hours of operation and etiquette tips for inside the Arb.

P.S. While bikes are not permitted inside the Arb, there are bike racks at the Geddes, Washington Heights, and Nichols Drive entrances.

Looking for a place to sit outside or walk around during your...

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 12:00:33 -0400

Looking for a place to sit outside or walk around during your lunch break or in between classes? The Diag offers a little slice of fresh air and green space right in the middle of Central Campus.

While you may think that you know all about the Diag already, be sure to check out the history of the Diag and to visit frequently during the school year, as there is always something going on!

Not coming from the Chem building? No worries! The Diag is easily accessible from places outside of Central Campus. By bike, the Diag can be visited quickly by using one of the many bike lanes or shared roads on South University, State Street, and North University. Planning out your trip to the Diag by bike from farther away? Be sure to take a look at The City of Ann Arbor Bike Map to help find the right path for you!

Want to Take a Walk Around Hong Kong?

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 11:57:00 -0400

Want to Take a Walk Around Hong Kong?:

Ever wondered how it feels to walk around in a city on the other side of the world?

In Hong Kong, an extensive system of above and underground walkways allow pedestrians to move in and throughout the city while interacting with a slew of different environments and places - but not with cars.

Interested in learning more about the pedestrian environment in Hong Kong? Check out Nate Berg’s article Hong Kong, the City without Ground, Aug 20th 2012, from The Atlantic Cities. http://www.theatlanticcities.com/design/2012/08/hong-kong-city-without-ground/3000/