a2nonmoto
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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/
While walking down Liberty during lunchtime on a Thursday in August, this pedestrian was not only able to benefit from the physical and emotional health benefits of walking - but they also enjoyed a free concert at Sonic Lunch!
