Washtenaw Bicycling and Walking Coalition

January 24, 2000 Meeting Minutes

The Washtenaw Bicycling and Walking Coalition (WBWC) meeting was held at the Ecology Center offices in Ann Arbor and began at 8:00pm. Those attending included Rebecca Kanner (Ecology Center), Jane Kent (Ann Arbor Bike Coordinator), Lu Chaney (AABTS), Dieter Hohnke (AABTS), Ken Clark, Tim Athan, Kris Talley and Bob Krzewinski (AABTS).

The first order of business was the selection of a formal name for the group, with a consensus on the Washtenaw Bicycling and Walking Coalition. For a structure of the WBWC, the formation of a steering committee was discussed with a decision that those present that night would explore how other similar groups are set up. Specifically, Bob Krzewinski would contact the League of Michigan Bicyclists and a Madison, Wisconsin bike coalition to explore workable structures. It was also thought that if all groups involved with the WBWC were asked to supply a steering committee member, some groups would decline and thus keep the number of steering committee members low.

At the December 1999 meeting, those participating were asked to contact various groups to explore their interest in a bicycle/walkers coalition. Rebecca Kanner reported on contacts with civic groups and bike shops. Bob Krzewinski reported on contacting the American Lung Association and the Huron Valley Cycling Club. Dieter Hohnke reported that he would address the Board of the Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society (AABTS) on February meeting.

On membership for the WBWC, it was suggested that the Coalition come up with an endorsement letter which groups could sign and formally show their support for the Coalition. Bob Krzewinski will write such an endorsement form and forward it to Dieter Hohnke prior to the AABTS Board meeting. The group decided to research and review matters such as individual membership, as well as the inclusion of government bodies in a coalition, at a future meeting.

Meeting frequency and location were then discussed with a consensus that the WBWC should try to meet on a monthly basis. For a meeting location, Rebecca Kanner continued to offer use of the Ecology Center.

The goals and projects of the WBWC were reviewed, with a consensus that the main goals of the Coalition were:

• Educate the public about safe cycling and walking
• Increase the quality, safety and number of facilities for bicycling and walking in Washtenaw County

Concerning initial projects for the WBWC, they were thought to be:

• Establish an east/west, county-line to county-line bike system
• Establish bike facilities in Ann Arbor parallel to North Main Street.

Ken Clark talked briefly about the UATS 2025 transportation plan, with the Coalition urging Ken to write a Letter to the Editor of the Ann Arbor News representing the WBWC on problems with the UATS study from a non-motorized users view. Bob Krzewinski also would contact the Washtenaw County Road Commission and asked to be placed on their mailing list as well as receive meeting minutes.

On media coverage for the WBWC, Rebecca Kanner suggested a monthly column in the Ann Arbor News Saturday outdoor section, which she would research. Ken Clark also offered to set up a web page for the group, as well as an e-mail list.

On major projects of the WBWC, Jane Kent was asked to attend the next meeting and give a brief report on the status of bike paths/lanes for the Ann Arbor North Main area. Bob Krzewinski would contact Annette Dentel of UATS and ask her to give a brief report on planning for east/west bike paths/lanes in the County.

For May Bike Month activities, the WBWC supported educational efforts such as has been done in the past by the AABTS. Bob Krzewinski will coordinate Bike Month activities in 2000, with suggestions for events to be held at the Leslie Science Center, Farmers Markets and Briarwood Mall.

The WBWC set a time for it's next meeting of Wednesday, March 14^th, 7pm at the Ecology Center in Ann Arbor. The meeting adjourned at 9:10pm.