Washtenaw Bicycling and Walking Coalition Newsletter

March-April 2005

The next regular Board meetings of the WBWC will be held on Thursday, March 3rd and Thursday, April 7th at the Ecology Center, 117 N. Division in Ann Arbor (just north of Huron), starting at 7pm. 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

Curb Your Car Month/Bike To Work Week 2005

The Washtenaw Bicycling and Walking Coalition will again be a major sponsor of Bike To Work Week in May 2005, as well as the expanded Curb Your Car Month that will also feature walking and transit activities. As in past years, there will be a dedicated bike to work day, commuter challenge, educational events and other activities. More information will be posted on the WBWC web page in the near future, as well as in local media outlets.

WBWC meets with U-M Planning, Transportation and Grounds Staff

Topics discussed at the 2/11/05 meeting included:

U-M will review and comment on City of Ann Arbor Non-motorized Transportation Plan by mid March.
How to disseminate a map of campus bike rack locations
U-M will install bike hoops in the Palmer parking structure within two weeks. U-M will also install bike hoops in the proposed Ann Street parking structure. Other structures are being evaluated.
Major repairs to be done to Hubbard between Green Rd. and Huron Parkway in ’05, including possible widening of shared use path on south side
North University corridor between Church and Fletcher being evaluated for reconfiguration as a transit center, with improved biking and walking facilities. Project is in early stages.
MDOT was supposed to be studying the Fletcher/Huron intersection the week of 2/7-11 to see if the stoplight will be reactivated
The University Planning Office is completing construction documents for the construction of a new pedestrian bridge connecting the Fletcher parking structure to the corner of Fletcher and Washington Streets. This will eliminate pedestrian use of existing vehicle ramp providing a safe shared use path through the Life Sciences Institute complex.
Several WBWC proposals will likely be addressed when the Non-Motorized Transportation position is filled within Parking and Transportation Services (see next item). This will help centralize the handling of biking/walking concerns, namely: website with easy mechanism for feedback and questions, contacts for different issues, publicize site on Parking Services website and in other publications such as the parking brochure mailed to all faculty and staff. Target is to have at least a basic website and contact info available by May.
U-M will participate and promote Sustainable Transportation Month by publicizing events in print publications and by links from the Parking and Transportation website.

U of M Hiring Non-Motorized Coordinator

A few years ago, members of the Washtenaw County Bicycling and Walking Coalition began meeting with the administration of the University of Michigan Transportation Department and while a number of non-motorized subjects were addressed, the meetings also included the with that it would be nice if "some day" the University would hire a dedicated non-motorized staff person.

It now looks like "some day" has arrived, as the University currently has a bid out for the hiring of a non-motorized coordinator. The University of Michigan is to be fully commended for taking this action as in these times of parking shortages, auto traffic problems and increasing obesity, encouraging non-motorized transportation is very, very important.

WBWC Board Holds Retreat

On January 23rd, the Washtenaw Bicycling and Walking Coalition Board and officers held a local "retreat" to discuss where the Coalition is presently at and where it should be heading. Discussed were such topics as membership growth, eventual paid staff/dedication office space, holding productive meetings, committee structure, outreach, newsletters, and project priorities. The retreat was very much a success and future similar sessions are planned.

Ann Arbor Greenway Trek

On Sunday, March 13, join with others for the first organized walk of the proposed Ann Arbor Greenway. Heather O'Neal of Global Interest Adventure Travel will lead an extended 10 mile trek (with a shorter distance option also available) that begins at Bandemer Park. This rain or shine event will be a great chance to join Greenway enthusiasts in the search for signs of spring, and to see for yourself how the route for the Ann Arbor Greenway may develop over time.

For the greenway trek, meet on March 13th, 2:00pm, at 120 Eighth Street. The walk will go from the Eighth Street Trekkers' Lodge and walk approximately 10 miles to Colonial Lanes Bar and Grill and bowling alley for dinner, a game or just to get the car you left there earlier. For more information, contact Global Interest Adventure Travel at (734) 369-3107 or ofglobal@aol.com. You can also visit the Ann Arbor Greenway webpage.

Pinckney Favors Sand Over Salt For Ice Control

Village officials said contractors working on the project told them salt could damage the new concrete sidewalks, which were poured around Thanksgiving weekend. [ complete story ]

Meeting With Reformed Anti-Cyclist Legislator

Last year, State Senator McManus introduced legislation introduced legislation that would have required cyclists to ride single file on all roads rather than no more than two abreast. The Senator had introduced the legislation on behalf of a constituent, but after the Michigan Mountain Bicycling Association and League of Michigan Bicyclists contacted her, she decided to put the legislation on hold.

In January, Lucinda Means (League of Michigan Bicyclists), Nancy Krupiarz (Rails-to-Trails Conservancy), and Todd Scott (Michigan Mountain Bicycling Association) met with the Senator and her staff. The meeting went very well, in that the Senator is interested in replacing the original legislation with something more reasonable that is best for all road users. The cycling advocates made a list of possible actions and agreed to meet again to explore the actions in more detail. Example ideas included share-the-road signage and adding bicycle-related questions to the driver's road test.

Rail-Trail Use Booming In Michigan

Over the last several years, Michigan State University's Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation, and Resource Studies, under the direction of Professors Christine Vogt and Chuck Nelson, have studied 5 rail-trails and their usage. I have recently compiled the results of these studies and thought you might find it useful. As you're looking at the report, notice the difference in trail usage for transportation on trails that are in the urban areas. It was also striking to note in several instances, that 50% of the usage was from those that had not driven to get to the trail. It elevates the importance of on and off-road connections to the trails from the residential areas. Thank you to Chuck and Christine for their ongoing (they're in the process of studying White Pine Trail) valuable work in the trails world.

Putting Old Bikes To A Good Use

Across Michigan, a number of volunteer groups accept used bikes which they refurbish and pass on to children and adults on a low income. In the Detroit area, Share-A-Bike will be gearing up come spring and accepts donations of bikes, money and volunteer hours. For more information on Share-A-Bike, e-mail Mike Egan at megan@LMB.org. Also in the Detroit area, Back Alley Bikes of Detroit accepts bikes, money and volunteer hours. E-mail Pat Flinn at maggieflinn@peoplepc.com or call 313-581-2131.

You may also donate bikes, money and volunteer hours to the Michigan State University Bike Project. Email Gus Gosselin at gggossel@pplant.msu.edu for more information. In the Lansing area, Kids Repair Project in Lansing also accepts bikes, money and volunteer hours.

A for-profit and very cool business Resource Revival makes art, furniture and household goods from recycled bike parts. See www.resourcerevival.com/recycle.htm for information on how to send old bike parts to them and get paid for your efforts.

Elsewhere, Jacklyn Phillips, of Elizabeth City, North Carolina, is steering her Bicycle Ministry -- which usually collects bikes that go to local children in need -- to help victims of the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami. Phillips' goal is to ship 1,000 refurbished bicycles by June 1st.

Winter Biking Resources

Besides IceBike another winter bicycling resource is Chicago Bike Winter. While the website caters to Chicago cyclists, there is a wealth of information and tips about winter bicycling in general.

News from Elsewhere

New Report Indicates Increasing Importance Of Transportation System Diversity

The Victoria Transport Policy Institute has published the "The Future Isn't What It Used To Be: Changing Trends And Their Implications For Transport Planning," by Todd Litman.

This report examines demographic, economic and market trends that affect travel demand, and their implications for transport planning. Motorized mobility grew tremendously during the Twentieth Century due to favorable demographic and economic conditions. But the factors that caused this growth are unlikely to continue. Per capita vehicle ownership and mileage have started to decline, while demand for alternatives such as walking, cycling, public transit and telework is increasing. This indicates that future transport demand will be increasingly diverse. Transport planning can reflect these shifts by increasing support for alternative modes.

Study conclusions indicate that between 1900 and 2000 per capita vehicle travel increased by an order of magnitude due to favorable technical, demographic and economic trends. However, this study indicates that these trends are beginning to change. Toward the end of the Century per capita automobile travel stopped growing in the U.S., and started to decline after 2000. This decline is likely to continue due to factors discussed in this report.

An increasing portion of the population will need or prefer to rely on alternative modes such as walking, cycling, ridesharing, public transit, telework and delivery services. Automobile transport will continue to be important, but the role of other modes will increase.

Transportation professionals should take these trends into account when making strategic decisions. We should plan for a mature transport system, with less emphasis on roadway system expansion and more emphasis on improving transport system efficiency and diversity.

For example, if we start developing a new suburban highway now, it will be completed about the time that most Baby Boomers retire, fuel prices rise significantly, and consumers increasingly value walkable neighborhoods. It may be better to anticipate these trends by investing resources in alternative modes and creating less automobile-dependent communities.

Although this paper investigates transport patterns in wealthier, developed countries, the analysis has important implications for lower-income, developing countries.

Safe Routes to School

Before the U.S. Congress adjourned last year, both the House and Senate version of the federal transportation bill included dollars for Safe Routes to School improvements. The Michigan Department of Transportation estimates an annual $6 million could be available for Michigan if this funding stays intact as Congress works on long-term transportation legislation.

Meanwhile, the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness is progressing full-steam ahead on a statewide Safe Routes to School project. Eleven pilot schools are currently engaged in identifying needed improvements and implementing their action plans. An instructional toolkit for schools new to the program will be available later this year. The Michigan Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is participating on the 50+ member statewide coalition as well as assisting pilot schools where trails are involved as part of their safe routes network.

Complete The Streets Workshop A Success

In early January, national representatives of some very major organizations joined forces with bicycle and pedestrian groups to spend a day working on strategies and tactics to help move the Complete The Streets agenda forward, at the local, state, and national levels. Complete The Streets seeks to provide facilities for all members of the public (not just cars), including pedestrians and bicyclists.

The meeting was hosted by the AARP, who along with the American Planning Association, American Society of Landscape Architects, Surface Transportation Policy Project, National Parks and Conservation Association, and Smart Growth America, joined representatives from America Bikes, America Walks, League of American Bicyclists, and the National Center for Bicycling & Walking. The gathering also included Federal, state and local government experts as well as professionals from the consultant world.

Back-Seat Driver: Crosswalk Sting Catches 64 Unyielding Drivers

In the Sacremento, California area, police cadets recently went undercover for an operation that lightened the wallets of dozens of drivers but may have made the town a little safer for pedestrians. As cars approached, decoys would cautiously step into the crosswalk, making it clear they intended to exercise their right to get to the other side.

If a motorist speeded up or switched lanes to get by - basically refusing to yield the right of way - officers ticketed them. The one-day total: 64 tickets, some for as much as $271. "Some of them were just paying no attention to the pedestrians," Lt. Mike Cook said. "They'd just drive right through." Others, it seemed, saw the pedestrians in plenty of time, and took it as a challenge to speed up to claim the right to go through first. Cook said the decoys made a point of getting into the crosswalk in plenty of time for the cars to see them and slow down. "They didn't step out at the last second."

Crosswalks used were at spots where there were no traffic signals or stop signs. Some were near schools and residences. Police say they are pleased with how it worked out, and plan to conduct a few more of these operations.

Doctors' orders: Fitness

In an Associated Press story by J.M. Hirch, it was noted that more physicians are jotting down specific regimens to battle obesity and disease.

The effort is the result of an unusual partnership between physicians and hiking enthusiasts. Just a few months old and already earning praise, the program involves several dozen doctors writing detailed, albeit symbolic, prescriptions for getting fit and then giving patients trail maps to accomplish it.

"The idea is to make a more specific explanation," said Dr. Charles Brackett, director of the program at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H. "You can say, 'Walk this trail near your house twice a day,' as opposed to 'You're supposed to exercise more.' "

That personalization is key. In weight-obsessed America - where two-thirds of adults are overweight or obese -- follow-through on fitness and nutrition can be as much a problem as ignorance.

Studies show the more concrete a doctor's advice, the more likely a patient is to heed it. While Dartmouth-Hitchcock's prescriptions aren't technically real, the hope is that the format makes the advice hard to ignore. It made the difference for 72-year-old Gloria Beattie, who got her treadmill. Before that, the overweight woman got little exercise, adding to her existing health problems. She already has lost 12 pounds and is eager for spring so she can head outdoors.

Using the power of the prescription pad to encourage physical fitness isn't new, but in general medicine it is rare. Though so-called exercise prescriptions are widely used by doctors at obesity clinics, the practice hasn't caught on with general practitioners.

In fact, few primary care doctors talk about fitness and weight loss at all with patients, even obese ones, said Dr. JoAnn Manson, chief of preventive medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. That's because the medical community has been slow to address lifestyle as a means of disease prevention, said Manson, co-author of a report urging doctors to counsel patients on exercise and weight control. "A prescription for exercise may be the most important prescription a physician writes all day," she said.

Keeping in mind this story, Nancy Krupiarz, the Michigan Rails To Trails state Director, suggests that another way to encourage people to get out on all our trails would be to contact the doctors in your area, give them a handful of "prescription" trail maps and offer any other information they may need to dispense this prescription to their patients.

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.

Member Discounts

Two Wheel Tango and Ann Arbor Cyclery are both WBWC members and have 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.

Mark Your Calendar....

March 3, 2005 - WBWC Monthly Meeting/, 7pm, Ecology Center, Ann Arbor
April 7, 2005 - WBWC Monthly Meeting/ 7pm, Ecology Center, Ann Arbor

More events are listed on the WBWC website.

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