Washtenaw Bicycle Coalition Meeting

December 3^rd, 1999

Ecology Center – Ann Arbor, Michigan

The meeting started at 2pm with Lu Chaney, Annette Dentel, Rebecca Kanner, Dieter Hohnke, Bob Krzewinski and Norm Roller in attendance.

A general discussion was held on the need for the formation of a bicycle coalition in the county with a consensus that such an organization would be very beneficial. Purposes of a coalition were then reviewed (as per the agenda sheet for the meeting).

Moving on to coalition membership, it was suggested that a letter be drafted to groups that may be interested which Bob Krzewinski will write and present at the next meeting. In the meantime, certain groups will be contacted about the coalition with the following assignments: Rebecca Kanner-local bike shops, Norm Fisher-Michigan Mountain Bike Association/Sierra Club, Annette Dentel-Ann Arbor Transportation Authority/Rails To Trails Conservancy, Dieter Hohnke-Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society, Bob Krzewinski-Huron Valley Bicycle Club/American Lung Association.

Resources to a bicycle coalition were discussed, including government representatives and staff in Washtenaw County cities and townships. A clear mission statement was also reviewed with the suggestion that a coalition "Increase the quality, safety and number of facilities for bicycling in Washtenaw County". It was suggested that to increase the effectiveness of a coalition, an emphasis be also placed on walking facilities in the County. A formal name for a coalition was deferred until a future meeting. It was also suggested that a coalition, once established, continually access its progress.

For initial goals of the group, the group assembled chose a) the establishment of an east-west, county-line to county-line bike path and b) completion of an off-street bike path from Wheeler Park to Huron River Drive in Ann Arbor. Other long-term projects suggested were a bike route from Bandemer Park to Leslie Park in Ann Arbor and having an occasional closing of Huron River Drive to motorists.

On logistics, Rebecca Kanner offered the use of the Ecology Center office for the next meeting location as well as a permanent mailing address. It was also suggested that at the next meeting, a staff person from the Ann Arbor Bicycle Coordinators office attend.

The next meeting for the formation of a bicycle coalition was set for Monday, January 24^th, 2000 at 8:00pm at the Ecology Center. With no other business, the meeting adjourned at 3:00pm.