Archive of past newsletters

WBWC Board Meetings
The next Board meeting of the WBWC will be held on Thursday, February 3rd, at the Ecology Center, 117 N. Division in Ann Arbor (just north of Huron), starting at 7pm. The meeting will last for 1 to 1-1/2 hours. Limited parking is available at the Ecology Center as well as next to Tios restaurant. WBWC meetings are generally held on the first Thursday of every month, 7pm, at the Ecology Center. Meeting minutes of past Board meetings are available at www.wbwc.org.

WBWC Board and Officer Elections
At the November meeting, WBWC members voted for approximately half the WBWC Board to serve a two-year term. New Board members (two-year terms expiring in November 2006) are Paul Alman, Brenda Bentley-Goenka, Jack Van Dyke, and Bob Krzewinski. Continuing Board members (their two-year term expires in November 2005) are Bruce Fields, Ana Iacob, Tim Athan, Ken Clark, Kris Talley and Scott Koll.

At the December WBWC meeting, members of the WBWC Board elected Coalition officers for 2005 (Officers serve a one-year term of office). These include Kris Talley (Chair), Tim Athan (Vice-Chair), Scott Koll (Treasurer) and Ken Clark (Treasurer).

No January WBWC Board Meeting
There will be no formal WBWC Board meeting in January due to a one-day Board “retreat” to be held on January 23rd in the Ann Arbor area. The retreat is designed to strategize and clarify WBWC projects and activities. Regular WBWC board meetings will resume on the first Thursday of February at the Ecology Center.

WBWC Membership Fees Due
The membership year of the Washtenaw Bicycling and Walking Coalition is from January 1st through December 31st, so member renewals would be due now. Membership renewal forms can be obtained by going to the WBWC website (www.wbwc.org/wbwc_application.htm).

Snow Removal Information
As a reminder, the WBWC web page (www.wbwc.org) contains a section detailing sidewalk snow removal ordinances (and who to contact for information/complaints) for just about every city, village or township in Washtenaw County that has such ordinances. The page will be updated as additional information is received.

WBWC November Election Questionnaire
Leading up to the November elections, WBWC member Frank Schwende sent out questionnaires to candidates in Washtenaw County to seek their views on pedestrian and bicycling issues. The responses were posted on the WBWC website and questionnaires will be kept on file to aide in lobbying officials on non-motorized projects. The non-motorized questionnaire project is a continuing effort by the WBWC and is expected to be repeated in the future.

WBWC Winter Cycling Clinic Draws Record Crowd
In an attempt to increase the number and variety of year-round cyclists, on December 13th the WBWC held a winter cycling skills and information clinic on the University of Michigan campus. Attended by a mixture of students and city residents, the clinic attempted to dispel myths associated with cold-weather cycling and provide useful knowledge to make biking through the winter more enjoyable.

Topics ranged from inclement weather riding techniques to dressing (both rider and bicycle) appropriately for lower temperatures to winter-specific safety tips. Participants’ questions included concerns about riding etiquette during the winter and the value of purchasing a separate, less expensive bicycle for winter riding. The WBWC supplied a variety of winter cycling literature for the clinic (including Ann Arbor bicycle maps), and Two Wheel Tango supplied examples of winter cycling clothing and gear.

Photos from the clinic are available on the WBWC website.

WBWC Urges Non-Motorized Access To New Ann Arbor High School
The WBWC has been urging that any construction of a new Ann Arbor high school encompass non-motorized transportation links. In a letter concerning the proposed school site on North Maple, the WBWC pointed out that at the present time the area is deficient in biking walking resources (i.e. limited or non-existent sidewalks/bike-lanes).

The WBWC is proposing that any new high school include criteria connected with proposed “Safe Routes To School” legislation which would insure that schools sites are chosen for maximum walking/biking ability and that all road crossing are safe, with increased traffic-calming procedures. The WBWC will be following the high school planning carefully and continue to pursue non-motorized improvements.

WBWC attends Washtenaw County Non-Motorized Plan Meeting

On December 16, 2003, WBWC board members Jack Van Dyke and Kris Talley attended the second Washtenaw County Non-Motorized Plan Steering Committee meeting, along with approximately 25 other people including local planning officials, Washtenaw Area Transportation Study staff, Washtenaw Road Commision staff and local citizens. One primary purpose of the meeting was to review input received a the 11/16/04 public meeting, which overwhelmingly supported the need for a countywide NoMo plan, and also provided many specific examples of where improvements are needed.

Much discussion centered on the best way to collect and represent data (including location and state of current facilities, crash data, proposed development, etc.) which is an issue when so many different townships and other governmental bodies are involved. There was no final answer, but many suggestions including the use of GIS data, online forms, and direct contect with constituent groups like WBWC, the Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society, and county health initiatives. When the online form is made available, it will be easily accessible from the WBWC website.

It was quite encouraging to see so many township officials present and engaged in the issues. One Pittsfield official commented that before attended these meetings, it had never occurred to her to consider non-motorized travel when working on such issues as right-of-way standards. Particularly encouraging was the apparent recognition by the group of the need for on-road bicycle facilities in addition to any separated paths that might be suitable in some parts of the county. A WATS staff member said of bike lanes, "We know it's something we need everywhere."

New Sections Of Cross-County Trails Open
Construction of three new sections of the Washtenaw County Cross-County trail were wrapping up in December. The City of Ypsilanti recently completed a non-motorized path along the south side of Huron River Drive from Leforge Road to Cornell Street. In addition, Cornell Street was bike-lane striped from Huron River Drive to the Eastern Michigan University rail-trail that runs from Cornell to Hewitt.

On the southeast side of Ypsilanti, South Grove Street has been bike-lane striped to meet up with a new connecting non-motorized path that overlooks Ford Lake. In addition, Ypsilanti Township has, over the past few months, resurfaced South Grove Street in their jurisdiction, reducing what was a four-lane road into a two-lane road with bike lanes on both sides of the road.

And just about complete is a major section of the Cross-County trail in the area of St. Josephs hospital between Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor. A final connector segment, linking the Gallup Park path to the just completed St. Joes section, is awaiting the completion of construction of the new bridge over the Huron River at Dixboro Road. Otherwise, this section is complete and contains a side trail in wooded areas around the St. Joes hospital campus.

Dexter-Ann Arbor Cross Country Path Development
At a public meeting held in Dexter on December 16th, staff from the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission detailed plans to construct a new non-motorized path along the Huron River from Dexter to Ann Arbor. Starting in Dexter, the proposed path would run along the south side of the Huron River and using a non-motorized bridge, cross the river into Dexter-Huron Metropark. From Dexter-Huron Metropark the path would run east as much as possible away from Huron River Drive but due to terrain and easements, may have to run alongside the road for extended segments. Also being investigated are shared use of railroad corridors, including the use of railroad bridges.

For the initial Dexter to Dexter-Huron Metropark segment, final plans will be submitted to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality in the early spring of 2005. If approved, construction of the Dexter segment could start in the late summer or early fall of 2005.

The Border to Border Trail Update is available on the Washtenaw County website.

WBWC And Downtown Ann Arbor Greenway
WBWC sent a letter supporting the establishment of the proposed Ann Arbor downtown greenway, which would roughly parallel the Ann Arbor railroad and Allen’s Creek through the central downtown area, to various local officials and groups. Such a greenway would be a boom to non-motorized transportation as it could link the south side of the city with existing non-motorized paths along the Huron River. More info about the Greenway is available at www.aagreenway.org/ .

Michigan Anti-Cycling Legislation Dies Out
The last edition of the WBWC newsletter reported on what could be considered an “anti-cycling” bill introduced in the Michigan legislature by State Senator McManus. The legislation, known as Senate bill 1839, would prohibit bicyclists from riding two-abreast and restrict bicycles to sidewalks where a sidewalk is next to a road. Also, the legislation would have banned bicycles on roads with speed limits over 35mph.

In early December, after a massive outpouring of dissent from the cycling community, it was learned that that the legislation in question will “die out” on December 31st with the end of the current session of the State legislature and that the bill’s author would not try and pass the legislation prior to the end of the session.

Senator McManus also stated that she has heard from cyclists all over MI and the US and said that in 10 years of legislative work she has never seen a bill excite this much public comment, some of which was quite harsh. The Senator plans to meet with representatives from League of Michigan Bicyclists, Michigan Mountain Biking Association, Rails To Trails Conservancy and local constituents in Lansing on January 18th in the first of what she described as a series of meetings to craft legislation that will be bike friendly rather than bike punitive.

An aide to the Senator also indirectly apologized for the Senator not doing her homework before sponsoring the bill and indicated that they just wanted to move forward and put that behind us all.  She said her intent was never to hurt cyclists.

Local Streets Aren't Safe For Pedestrians, Study Says
In a December 3rd story in the Detroit Free Press by Matt Helms, it was reported that in the latest pedestrian study by the Surface Transportation Policy Project (an advocacy group for safer, smarter transportation), many areas of the nation are just not safe for pedestrians.

The study reported that the Detroit-Ann Arbor-Flint metro area is 12th in the nation in terms of pedestrian danger. The study uses a pedestrian danger index to rank the nation's 50 largest metropolitan areas based on the number of pedestrian fatalities compared with the number of people who regularly walk to work. Orlando, Florida was worst in the nation with Boston being the best.

From 1994-95 to 2002-03, about 60 percent of the 50 biggest metro areas saw increases in the pedestrian danger index. In Michigan, the Grand Rapids-Holland-Muskegon area's safety index worsened by nearly 38 percent, the fifth-worst increase in the country; the Detroit area's index worsened by 22.4 percent.

"Our streets are already too mean, and in many areas they're growing meaner," says Anne Canby, president of the Surface Transportation Policy Project. She says the study should be a wake-up call for a new focus on pedestrian safety. The study also noted that between 1994 and 2003, 51,989 pedestrians were killed nationwide and that walking remains the most deadly form of transportation on a per-mile basis. In 2001, the fatality rate per 100 million miles traveled was 0.75 for public transit riders; 1.3 for drivers and automobile passengers, and 20.1 for pedestrians. Airline travel, normally among the safest modes at 0 to 1.2 deaths per 100 million miles, came in at 7.3 because of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the study says.

The nation continues to build roads and communities with high-speed automobile traffic as the goal and pedestrian safety as an afterthought, the study says. To see the complete study, visit www.transact.org.

Governor Announces Transportation Investments
Governor Granholm announces more than $12 million in transportation investments on November 16th, many of them relating to non-motorized transportation. The funding for these improvements comes from two programs administered by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), the Transportation Economic Development Fund (TEDF), and the Transportation Enhancement program (TE).

"These transportation investments help pave the way to a stronger economy and stronger communities," said Granholm. "By improving our state and local transportation systems we are enhancing our state status as a magnet for businesses, jobs and people who seek the quality of life that Michigan communities offer. From building bike trails to beautifying downtown shopping districts and everything in between, we are turning our streets and roads into community assets," said Granholm.

Of the 23 projects, 16 are streetscape and landscape improvements in locations ranging from small downtown business districts, to M-1 (Woodward Avenue) in the heart of Detroit. Another seven projects focus on providing facilities for pedestrian and bicyclist travel on streets and highways, and on trails created for that purpose.

The 23 TE projects, totaling nearly $8.5 million in federal funds and over $3.9 million in state and local matching funds, result in a total transportation investment of more than $12.4 million. Streetscaping projects will improve the attractiveness of 8.3 miles of roadway serving commercial districts. Over 23 miles of wide paved shoulders and two
miles of sidewalk and trail will be constructed, and over eight miles of abandoned railroad right-of-way will be acquired for development as a trail providing facilities for non-motorized travel.

"Since it was enacted by Congress 13 years ago, the Transportation Enhancement program has been a valuable resource to communities throughout the state seeking to provide non-motorized travel alternatives for their residents and visitors, beautify and revitalize their business districts and preserve and reuse historic transportation buildings and facilities," said Director Jeff. "More than 1,200 projects have been awarded funding so far, and we are pleased to add these 23 new projects to that impressive list."

While no projects in Washtenaw County were included in this round of improvements, in Wayne County the City of Detroit will streetscape one-half mile of Woodward Avenue. This project is phase three and includes the area from Mack to the Fisher Freeway (I-75). Project activities include tree planting along street edges, new decorative lighting, sidewalk enhancements, and street amenities such as trash receptacles, bike racks and custom bus shelters. These enhancements will increase the enjoyment and safety for the thousands of people who live, work and visit this area. In addition, this project will reinforce the importance of Woodward Avenue and its designation as a Michigan Heritage Route and National Scenic Byway. The city of Detroit will also develop an abandoned rail corridor formerly used by the Grand Trunk Western Railroad, referred to as the "Dequindre Cut," into a pedestrian/bicycle trail and greenway. The project will provide a non-motorized link from point s inland to the splendor of the Detroit River. In addition, it will improve the neighborhood containing the 2004 awarded Cool Cities "Eastern Market Reinvestment Strategy" project. The project budget is $1.8 including $1.5 in federal funds, and $380,000 in matching funds from the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan.

"Bike Michigan" Group Formed
A group called “Bike Michigan” has been formed, being an informal collaborative effort comprised of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Michigan Field Office, League of Michigan Bicyclists, and Michigan Mountain Biking Association.  The group intends to promote bicycling through involvement at events, such as the annual RV trade show at the Pontiac Silverdome.

Seniors Marooned In America
In a recent report by the Surface Transportation Policy Project (STPP) it was reported of an increasing number of non-drivers over the age of 65 who, for all purposes, become “isolated” due to the lack of transportation and close-by resources (i.e. healthcare, shopping). The report, called “Aging Americans: Stranded Without Options” cited the need for seniors to have the ability of transportation alternatives, such as public transportation and non-motorized facilities. The percentage of senior non-drivers who stay at home on any day averages around 53% for Michigan, but rises to 69% in states such as Alabama and Kentucky. For a full copy of the report, visit www.transact.org.

Transportation Measures Widely Supported November 2
Reflecting growing demand for transportation improvements across the nation, Americans in 21 states voted on 55 transportation funding-related ballot initiatives in this year’s election. Of these measures, 46 asked voters to initiate, extend, or increase taxes to fund transportation improvements. A total of 36 of these bond and tax measures were approved, according to the American Road & Transportation Builders Association.

A number of these measures will support bicycling, because they include Safe Routes to School initiatives, the creation or improvement of bicycle facilities, and other pro-bicycling programs. For example, a $260 million bond issue passed by a wide margin in New Orleans is, "very good news for bicycles," according to Karen Parsons, Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator with the New Orleans Regional Planning Commission. New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin has committed to spend $4 million from the street fund on bicycle routes. For the first time, New Orleans, "will have dedicated funds for bicycle infrastructure…This moves us one step closer to public policy that supports a long-term bicycle network rather than ad hoc development," according to Parsons.

Marin County, California residents overwhelmingly approved a sales tax increase that will generate approximately $331 million over the next 20 years for local transportation projects. Local infrastructure including roads, bikeways and sidewalks will be improved and maintained, with the needs of bicyclists and pedestrians considered as part of all roadway projects in a "complete the streets" fashion. Marin County will continue improving safe school access and reducing school-related traffic congestion through its Safe Routes to Schools program, crossing guards, and bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. Deb Hubsmith, executive director of the Marin County Bicycle Coalition said, "This is a huge victory! We are especially pleased that bicycling, walking and Safe Routes to Schools are well represented in the expenditure plan. Marin's transportation sales tax is the first in the nation to include funding for Safe Routes to Schools. We hope that this precedent will serve as a model for other communities."

Jackson Seeks Kids Transportation Opinions
According to a November 3rd Jackson Citizen Patriot article, "Middle and high school students can view 'Spider-Man 2' free at the Michigan Theatre on Friday. Project U-Turn and the Jackson Transportation Authority are sponsoring the movie to gain ideas from youth about public transportation. JTA buses will be outside the theater after the 6:30 p.m. movie. The Student Coalition for Walkable Communities will be inviting youth to give their comments on what they would be looking for in the way of bicycling and walking opportunities”.

Cycling Safety: Does Your Library Cover It?
Help cyclists in your community feel safe and confident on the road or trail by asking your local library to carry "The League Guide to Safe and Enjoyable Cycling," recently published by the League of American Bicyclists. The book is a vital introduction to the key elements of cycling safety and equipment. It includes discussions of the principles of traffic law, such as the importance of riding on the right-hand side of the roadway, how to safely change lanes, making left turns, etc. It also covers a wide range of critical maintenance and repair topics, such as safety checks, fixing flats, derailleur adjustment, and much more. Order yourself a copy today for just $14.95. To ask your community library to carry "The League Guide to Safe and Enjoyable Cycling," you will need the book’s ISBN number, 0-9755467-0-8. The book can be ordered at the League of American Bicyclists website.

Traffic Calming Guide
Transportation Alternatives (TA) has just published a new citizen's guide to traffic calming (or "complete streets" for those of you using the term). It includes background, a toolbox and an action plan for winning traffic calming. TA did a very ugly version of this resource back in the late 1990s and found that it was wildly successful; elected officials brought it to meetings and used it to refute lies from the DOT and push for real street safety measures. The new, much better designed version has already had the same effect. You can download a copy from the TA website or call 212-629-8080 to request a print copy.

Interesting Links…

World Carfree News
Learn more about a car-free lifestyle

How To Organize A Walking/Cycling School Bus booklet and 24-page report from Go for Green of Canada also

The Case For Active and Safe Routes To School
Subtitled "An Information and Discussion Paper" from Go for Green.

Transportation And Health
Fact sheet from the Surface Transportation Policy Project

Study: Some People Are “Immune” To Exercise
"The vast majority will benefit in some way, but there will be a
minority who will not benefit at all..."

Dearborn Works On Downtown Destinations
“Paid public parking is part of a public dispute that is echoed throughout metro Detroit, as cities in a region known for its car-centric culture struggle to transform downtowns into pedestrian-friendly areas..."

National Bicycling and Walking Studies
Subtitled, "Ten Year Status Report;" October 2004 Report prepared for FHWA
by the Highway Safety Research Center, UNC-Chapel Hill.

Monthly Reminders & Requests

WBWC Membership Applications Available
WBWC membership applications are available through the WBWC website (www.wbwc.org) and in the literature racks of most Washtenaw County bike shops. Basic membership is $25 a year.

WBWC Volunteers Needed
Volunteers are currently needed for the following WBWC Committees...
 Publicity - Send out meeting and special event announcements, mail out printed version of E-News
 Education - Help plan and staff educational efforts (i.e., Earth Day, Bike To Work Day/Week)
Newsletter – Assist and produce the bi-monthly WBWC Newsletter
If interested in any of these positions, please contact WBWC Chair Kris Talley at 734/913-8604 or ktalley@umich.edu.

Member Discounts
Two Wheel Tango has joined the WBWC, and along with WBWC member Ann Arbor Cyclery, agreed to offer a 10% discount on purchases by WBWC members showing their membership cards. A hearty “thank you” goes to Ann Arbor Cyclery and Two Wheel Tango for helping promote bicycling in Washtenaw County. If you are in a shop that is not a member of the WBWC, a friendly word urging them to support bike advocacy though WBWC membership would be appreciated.

Sidewalk Inventory Continuing
The WBWC continues to solicit recommendations for areas where there is heavy pedestrian traffic and either there are no sidewalks or those that are available are in very poor condition. Suggestions should include as much specific data as possible and can be e-mailed to wolverbob@cs.com. Along with sidewalk suggestions, photographs or the needy area are appreciated (e-mail them to the above e-mail address or send them to Bob Krzewinski, 706 Dwight Street, Ypsilanti, MI 48198. Suggestions will be inventoried with follow-up to the appropriate governmental body.

Mark Your Calendar....
February 3, 2005 – WBWC Monthly Meeting, 7pm, Ecology Center, Ann Arbor
March 3, 2005 – WBWC Monthly Meeting, 7pm, Ecology Center, Ann Arbor