Green bike lanes? New report recommends walking and biking improvements in Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor officials have released a draft update of the city's Non-Motorized Transportation Plan after a year and a half spent taking a fresh look at all things walking and biking.
The 62-page report is the first update to the plan since 2007 and includes new policy recommendations on everything from bike lanes to crosswalks to new sidewalk funding.
It discusses coloring some bike lanes green, launching a community bike sharing program and creating special "bike boulevards" and "cycle tracks."
Ann Arbor's non-motorized plan update shows this example of what a green-colored bike lane could look like along southbound Fifth Avenue just south of Liberty Street, where cars must cut through the bike lane to enter the ramp down into city's new underground parking garage.
City of Ann Arbor
The Planning Commission passed a resolution Tuesday night encouraging the City Council to authorize distribution of the draft to surrounding municipalities, the University of Michigan, and other stakeholders for feedback before it's officially adopted as part of the city's master plan.
"The review aspect is important as it allows for folks to see what we are suggesting and provide feedback prior to formal consideration and adoption," said Eli Cooper, the city's transportation program coordinator.
"As a planner, public input is a fundamental building block to crafting a plan that is both technically sound and also acceptable to the community."
The report recommends colored bike lanes at locations where conflicts arise between bicycles and automobiles due to configuration of bike lanes, travel lanes, and turning lanes.
Adding color to some bike lanes, the report states, can help increase visibility of the bike lane, reaffirming the cyclist's place in the road and encouraging drivers to yield.
The plan shows an example of what a green-colored bike lane could look like along southbound Fifth Avenue just south of Liberty Street where cars must cut through the bike lane to enter the ramp down into city's new underground parking garage.
"The goal of green pavement for bikes is to create a safe and unique lane that sends a clear message to all road users," the report states.
In addition to Fifth Avenue, the report recommends westbound Catherine Street from Fourth Avenue to Main Street as another potential location for a green bike lane.
One portion of the report talks about engineering special "bike boulevards," or low-traffic, low-speed roads where bicycle interests are prioritized.
The city's non-motorized plan update includes this illustration from the National Association of City Transportation Officials showing what a two-way cycle track looks like. A cycle track is a buffered bike lane that uses pavement markings or physical separators or barriers to protect the bike lane from traffic.
City of Ann Arbor
"Typically, bike boulevards are designated on streets that parallel to a major roadway not suitable for accommodating bicycling," the report states. "Bike boulevards are created by deploying a system of signs, pavement markings, low speed limits, and intersection treatments facilitating an environment that welcomes cyclists and discourages automobile through traffic."
The report notes Washington Street is a candidate for conversion to a bike boulevard to serve the east-west bicycle traffic between the western suburbs and downtown and campus areas.
"However, the Washington Street corridor is busy at select locations, including the segment in front of the Ann Arbor YMCA, between 1st St. and Chapin St., and staff will need to consider these factors in the bike boulevard planning process," the report states.
Another idea not mentioned in the previous non-motorized plan from 2007 is a community bike sharing program for Ann Arbor, something the Clean Energy Coalition has been working on.
A bike sharing program would enable residents, visitors and students to access a system of bicycles available throughout town. Under the program, users would be able to pick up a bike from one bike parking station, use it for a trip, and then drop it off at any of the system's stations.
"There are a number of issues that the CEC needs to explore through the planning process prior to initiating a local bike share program," the report states. "The placement of bike share facilities in downtown locations where space is limited will require careful planning."
Under a separate section, the report talks about the possibility of having bike stations that include showers and lockers, bike repair and rental, refreshments, bike maps, and sale of parts and accessories. It's not readily apparent the city has an immediate opportunity for a standalone bike station, the report states, but the YMCA on Washington Street and city hall on Huron Street both have locker rooms and showers and could offer a first step toward a bike station concept.
"It is recommended that the non-motorized program explore willingness of these community resources to expand access to bike support facilities," the report states, going on to mention the possibility of building a bike station in conjunction with a new Amtrak station in Ann Arbor.
The plan update recommends branding the non-motorized system by installing signs displaying direction and distance information to popular destinations throughout the city. The thinking is that would help encourage more walking and biking to places such as Kerrytown.
City of Ann Arbor
A cycle track is a buffered bike lane that uses pavement markings or physical separators or barriers to protect the bike lane from traffic. Cycle tracks can be one-way or two-way. Some cycle tracks are elevated from the road by a few inches to further separate bicycles from traffic.
A small segment of Catherine Street and Zina Pitcher Place near the U-M Medical School could provide a setting for Ann Arbor's first cycle track, the report states.
The report also recommends branding the non-motorized system by installing signs displaying direction and distance information to popular destinations throughout the city. The thinking is that would help encourage more walking and biking to places such as Kerrytown.
City officials have discussed special assessments as a funding mechanism for new sidewalks where there are gaps in the sidewalk system, but the plan update notes property owners often are opposed to that. The report indicates that's why many gaps identified in 2007 remain unaddressed.
The city's special sidewalk millage approved by voters in 2011 only covers repair and replacement of damaged sidewalks, not installation of completely new sidewalks. To address the sidewalk gaps in the city, the new report states a wide-scale funding program is needed.
The plan update maintains the 2007 recommendation to estimate the total cost of filling gaps, and it expands on that to prioritize the search for sidewalk funding programs in the near term.
A funding source also needs to be identified for installing, improving and maintaining mid-block crossings throughout the city, the report states, noting there still are nearly 100 crossings that were identified in 2007 as near-term opportunities that remain unfunded.
The non-motorized plan update includes suggestions for a stretch of North Main Street that lacks accommodations for pedestrians and bicyclists.
City of Ann Arbor
The report includes a map showing 24 locations where flashing beacons could be installed at an average cost of $12,500 — or about $300,000 for all 24 locations.
Additionally, the plan update identifies near-term opportunities for improvements on AnnArbor-Saline Road, Depot Street, Jackson Avenue, Huron Street, Dexter Avenue, North Main Street, South Main Street, Miller Avenue, Platt Road, Huron Parkway, South State Street, Washtenaw Avenue, William Street and other areas around downtown and the University of Michigan campus.
There also are long-term recommendations for the proposed Allen Creek Greenway, the Border-to-Border Trail and paths in Gallup and Fuller parks.
The report highlights the city's progress since 2007 on becoming a friendlier place for bicyclists and pedestrians, noting 35.6 miles of bike lanes have been added (up to 70.4 miles now) and 5.7 miles of shared-use arrows have been added to encourage motorists to share the road with bicyclists.
As far as pedestrian improvements, 29 major crossings have been added (up to 88 now) and seven minor crossings have been added (up to 21) since 2007, along with 3.4 miles of new sidewalks.
The report includes some documentation of the impacts of non-motorized improvements, noting 354 bicyclists were observed during a count in 2007 at the intersection of Liberty and Seventh. After bike lanes were added on Seventh, 488 bicyclists were observed during a count in 2011.
- Download the report to see the specific recommendations for new shared-use paths, bike lanes, sidewalk improvements and traffic lane reductions on the various roadways.
The 24 pedestrian crossing locations where city staff thinks flashing beacons could be installed at an average cost of $12,500 — or about $300,000 for all 24 locations.
City of Ann Arbor
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's email newsletters.
Comments
Frustrated in A2
Fri, Apr 19, 2013 : 5:02 a.m.
This has to be some of the dumbest I've seen in a long time....
P. J. Murphy
Fri, Apr 19, 2013 : 1:58 a.m.
I've looked at MDOT's analysis of 4 to 3 lane conversions. You are distorting them sir. That's why there is an inherent contradiction in your position. After all, if MDOT thinks a certain volume of traffic is excessive for the conversion, why would they propose the conversion for Ann Arbor streets? Until you answer that question, your reliance on supposed MDOT data or guidelines on the subject is worthless. More important, you avoid a fundamental data set, which is how well these conversions have worked locally so far. And that's easy to explain. Because nothing there supports your view. Because they are generally well accepted and popular. Popular with neighborhoods, because they are very pedestrian (and bike) friendly. And, surprise, , because they make driving easier, not harder for motorists. Less confusion, less ambiguity makes them safer as well. In a driving environment increasingly distracted and complex, these are far from insignificant matters.
iamwrite
Fri, Apr 19, 2013 : 1:27 p.m.
P.J., You read the article wrong. MDOT is not suggesting the changes. The city is requesting MDOT to look at changing Jackson and North Main to plans that are typically not supported by MDOT. The city is going against traffic research to pull off their "bike friendly" agenda.
Pizzicato
Fri, Apr 19, 2013 : 12:33 a.m.
People use the bike lanes? I cannot tell you how many times I've almost been run down by a bicyclist on the sidewalk when there is a perfectly good bike lane right there on the road. If we are going to build them, we should be ticketing people for not using them.
GratefulReb
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 9:38 p.m.
Fix our roads!
Richard Carter
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 8:26 p.m.
This is a good place to ask -- anyone know who has jurisdiction of the Earhardt Rd. crossing over US-23 that seems to be right at the Ann Arbor-Ann Arbor Twp. line? It's a very narrow bridge but the only good bicycle way over US-23 for a ways on that side of town (there's Plymouth Rd. but that has its own dangers, though clearer indication like the green pavement may help there, but I digress....) I realized that if a car clipped a bicyclist on the Earhardt Rd. bridge, the side concrete is lower than a cyclist's (and maybe even a walker's) center-of-gravity and they'd end up on 23. I just want to find the right people and ask them to maybe extend some chain-link fence up a few feet on both sides (a new, slightly wider bridge would be idea but pricey).
Vince Caruso
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 9:35 p.m.
Google Maps Scio Church Rd. bridge over I94. Cantilevered walkway over the road off the side of the bridge on the south side. Could be on both sides.
Bryan Ellinger
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 8:44 p.m.
A fence isn't going to do a clipped cyclist any favors. The best option for a cyclist on a narrow bridge is to be assertive and take the lane.
cornelius McDougenschniefferburgenstein jr. 3 esq.
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 6:44 p.m.
i propose the "yellow,oranges color" that road lines are,it would be much more visible at night.
uabchris
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 6:40 p.m.
Cycle tracks should be mandatory...its safer for everyone involved.
Richard Carter
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 8:27 p.m.
I agree at least in certain areas. I think lightly-traveled country roads wouldn't be worth the expense.
JRW
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 6:26 p.m.
One more example of the city redesign for the under 22 crowd. First mega student warehouses are built all over the city without regard for historic neighborhoods, then bike lanes are expanded in the city. Who is this for? The student population, not the permanent, long term older tax paying residents who drive cars and live in houses, some of which are negatively affected by the monster student high rises in their neighborhoods, and who drive on the crumbling streets while the city fantasizes about green bike lanes. Get real.
Peter Baker
Fri, Apr 19, 2013 : 12:19 a.m.
I ride my bike or walk to work every day. I drive a car. I own a house. I pay a LOT of money in property taxes. I support more, safer bike lanes, and attracting more young people to live and work downtown. You speak for yourself when you make those generalities.
Richard Carter
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 8:28 p.m.
LOTS of us residents ride bikes, a significant percentage. Plus the tax paying permanent residents have children, and I'm willing to bet 90% of them have bikes.
JRW
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 6:21 p.m.
Bicyclists need to obey the traffic laws, not barrel through intersections without looking in any direction first. I've had many close calls with arrogant cyclists who feel they own the road and that everyone else needs to bend the laws so they don't need to slow down. Should I be stopping in my car at an intersection with a green light and risking a rear end collision because a cyclist barrels across the intersection in front of me?
JRW
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 6:18 p.m.
FIX the potholes! The road condition is terrible all over the city. Focus on fixing roads first before burning through $$ for luxuries because it's politically correct.
JRW
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 6:17 p.m.
"As a planner, public input is a fundamental building block to crafting a plan that is both technically sound and also acceptable to the community." Then, why wasn't public input sought for the roundabout on State and Ellsworth?
iamwrite
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 7:21 p.m.
This is the planners' ill-attempt at "change management". They had a meeting on the roundabout, to tell senior citizens that they will teach them to drive through the rooundabout. I can only imagine the chaos at that roundabout at 5:10pm in prime rush hour. I'll be riding my horse right through it all.
AAisAlright
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 5:49 p.m.
Does anyone not realize we live in MICHIGAN. We only get bike weather 6 months out of the year at best. We drive automobiles 12 months out of the year and 99.9% of people drive cars not ride bikes so use the money to make those better. If this was Florida I could see putting in that kind of investment where it's a year-round usage. I have already seen an incident with bike lanes next to parking spots where someone opened a car door and the cyclist smacked into it. Once I realized they were ok it was hilarious. Bikes should be on sidewalks and not roads, not everyone is Lance Armstrong. If a biker hits a pedestrian than it's their fault. If I biker hits a car it's the cars fault. If there's a red light or stop sign then it means cars stop but bikes don't? Hard to share the road when they're not abiding to laws.
Bryan Ellinger
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 9:31 p.m.
It's entirely possible to ride year round in Michigan. We get twelve months of bike weather per year.
Richard Carter
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 8:32 p.m.
Insurance companies would be a good source of, you know, actual facts. They like to encourage people to do things that lower insurance companies' payouts.
Richard Carter
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 8:31 p.m.
Your opinion doesn't line up with actual information (ask the police department or the DOT)... there are more accidents where bicyclists ride on the sidewalks. Sidewalks have no requirement for going a certain direction on a certain side, and a lot of drivers back out of their driveways into cyclists on the sidewalk -- for some reason a huge number of people aren't expecting anything til they get to the street.
Jaime Magiera
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 5:59 p.m.
I disagree. I was able to bike up until December this year and start again around early March.
EBriggs
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 5:45 p.m.
A few facts: - Over 15% of Ann Arbor residents walk to work, which is more than 6 times the national average (U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2005-2009). - According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the percentage of bicycle commuters increased from 1.8% in 1980 to 2.3% in 2000 to 4.91% in 2010. Please note that this is just work commute data, it does not take into account the people who bike or walk for recreation, to the store, to take their kids to school, out to dinner, etc. Bikeable and walkable communities serve all of us. They make Ann Arbor a more attractive community to do business in, a more pleasant community to live in and more sustainable community for the future. And while I own a car and believe I should be able to fairly quickly and safely move around the city, I also believe that it is equally important those who do not drive (1/3 of our population)- our neighbors with disabilities, our kids, our aging parents- and those of us who choose to leave our cars behind and get outside on foot or bike can do this as well. Sadly, all too often bike lanes drop , sidewalks end, crosswalks fail to get the attention of drivers, bridges lack access for walkers/bikers, our off-road trails don't get completed, etc, etc. We have made great progress in Ann Arbor, but we have lots more to do. It's easy to complain about what's broken, but we need to work together to make the improvements that are needed. That's what this plan does, it looks for opportunties to improve the liveability of our community and, I for one, applaud the City for having the foresight to recognize that these types of investments are good for all of us. And, as Chair of the Washtenaw Bicycling and Walking Coalition, I extend an invitation to anyone interested in addressing the issues we all know exist. Tired of seeing bikers run red lights, come head up a committee for us on this, we are too! Erica Briggs Chair of the Washtenaw Biking and Walking Coalition info@wbwc.org
SonnyDog09
Fri, Apr 19, 2013 : 4:22 p.m.
"Over 15% of Ann Arbor residents walk to work ..." Check the methodology. This also includes UofM students walking to class.
iamwrite
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 7:17 p.m.
I want a horse lane, so I can ride my horse to work.
RUKiddingMe
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 5:27 p.m.
Ryan, can I ask the total cost of those big bike lockers in Ann Arbor and how much revenue they've generated? I'm very curious.
Kristen Cuhran
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 5:14 p.m.
I would encourage the city to implement the cycling/walking track on Gallup park. Preferably a two-way cycle track (like the one pictured above) next to a pedestrian path. I have seen this example - keeping the cyclists and ped's separated - work extremely well in other cities throughout the world.
Jaime Magiera
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 5:12 p.m.
This is the future we need to embrace - for the health and safety of our people, for the national security of our country, for the health of our planet,. (Like a well-choreographed ballet... http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=0q-ej1eihoU)
Steve Bean
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 5:02 p.m.
For those who posed questions about the funding, page 9 of the plan outlines the primary sources. (Copy and paste failed. Maybe Ryan could successfully post it.) State and federal funding is used both directly as well as leveraged by local funds. It's not all out of the city's general fund.
Richard Carter
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 8:33 p.m.
Funny that people vote down actual facts from the actual study. Guess they prefer their own fantasy that it's all on the City.
tazna2
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 5 p.m.
Ask not what you can do for your city, but what your city can do for you. What happens if you run out of other peoples money?
Vince Caruso
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 4:37 p.m.
Thanks for working on this draft proposal. The bike boulevard or similar on Washington has been suggested for years. It is a major east west route that could have huge numbers of cyclists who are not comfortable with the current options. The Y parking traffic should not stop this effort as a bike boulevard should handle this for cars and bikes. A family member was 'Doored' by an SUV while a SUV was crowding in the traffic lane a year or so ago on Washington near 1st; this is a major deterrent to cyclists. They still bike up Washington, almost everyday now that winter is over, not giving up the traffic lane now to avoid the doors. Biking in AA bring huge benefits to this community in so many ways it's hard to list them all. They are all economic benefits to us at their basis. As a small city we have tremendous opportunity, others can only dream of, with these changes. Studies are describing that cars are now being looked at like cigarettes were 30 years ago, just go ask your 18, 19, 20 somethings who still hasn't gotten a drivers licence and can't see putting so much interest and income into that 3 ton chunk of steel.
Nicholas Urfe
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 4:07 p.m.
The majority of US households have a bicycle.
RUKiddingMe
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 5:26 p.m.
Do the majority of US households not have cars?
Brad
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 5:19 p.m.
@Macabre - earlier I considered asking about toaster lanes :)
Macabre Sunset
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 5:14 p.m.
The majority of US households have a toaster. Yet most people do not take their toasters to work.
deb
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 5:09 p.m.
Additionally, Most probably have a paint can that has not been opened in 10 years . . .
Brad
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 4:38 p.m.
Kind of like one of the GetDowntown "metrics" where someone gets counted because they ride the bus once in a year.
Brad
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 4:36 p.m.
And I will agree that the majority of people do, at some point in their lives, walk.
buildergirl
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 4 p.m.
I'm in favor of the part about the cycle track raising or creating a physical barrier to separate the road and the bike lane. As some one who drives around town all day the ill use of the bike lanes, by motorists and cyclists is the most annoying. It will keep the bikers in the lane (seriously, put the phone down and stay in the lane! or signal if you need to change lanes for a turn), and drivers out. It is not a turn lane for you! Feel free to crack down on both parties to help fund such improvements.
a2grateful
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 3:44 p.m.
. . . the paint won't (last) a year. . .
Richard Carter
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 8:36 p.m.
Ah, just saw your previous attempt. Gotcha.
Richard Carter
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 8:35 p.m.
Why the (seemingly not necessary) parentheses? Just curious.
deb
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 3:43 p.m.
Nashville has all of the same bike infrastructure as being proposed here. I recently visited with my girlfriend and we laughed at how nobody used it. They had bike lanes on a 6 lane bridge. Not once did we see a bike on it. They had bike rental kiosks, over 4 days we saw 2 rental bikes in use.
a2grateful
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 3:43 p.m.
Betcha that green paint's pretty slippery when wet . . . That's ok. Given the longevity shown in city a2's "disappearing" crosswalks, the paint won't a year.
annarboral
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 3:35 p.m.
Why are worrying about more, mostly empty, bike lanes when we have a serious lack of adequate police & fire protection? Why aren'e we eliminating pollution by optimizing traffic flow so that cars don't need to stop any more than absolutely necessary? Are bike lanes really all that important compared to tangible issues that will actually have real benefits?
Blue Dog Red
Fri, Apr 19, 2013 : 2:41 a.m.
There is nothing less green than 40 cars idling for one pedestrian. We need more roundabouts. Think about it.... you don't have to stop unless there is traffic in the circle. Much more efficient.
Richard Carter
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 8:37 p.m.
Fewer bike-car accidents = freeing up police to do other things. You can see how long every minor accident ties up at least one cop.
treetowncartel
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 3:32 p.m.
Does the City still require people to buy a license for each of their bikes? If they do, all these bikes in town could possibly support the desired infrastructure through the licensing fee, and then fines for people who are operating a bike in the city limits without a license.
cck
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 3:14 p.m.
I was wondering about those road diets. Obviously there is a good case for a turn lane on some streets, as left lanes are effectively blocked by people on the whole I-94 Business corridor of Jackson, Huron and Washtenaw. That said I am not a traffic consultant and wonder if the makers of this report have calculated the Level of Service that these road diets result in (more traffic congestion means a lower LOS). The report is mum on that topic. I also wonder if the State would ultimately veto the City plans if the LOS gets too low, or if they even have that power? I ride my bicycle frequently and am a fan of bike lanes, they work well where installed. I come from a country where every road has a proper bike lane, and bicycle use is very high. That said some of the most convenient routes through the city are currently heavily trafficked by cars and without these drastic diets they will be hard to become more friendly to bicycles. Main Street and the I-94 Business corridor are convenient routes for all citizens, regardless of what they decide to transport themselves with. I can see the conundrum the planners are in, in other words. I am not a very firm believer in finding back road 'boulevards' for cyclists such as Washington St. , I think we can all agree that bikers are a bit of an anarchist bunch when it comes to route choice. I will ride on Main Street even though it is unsafe for cyclists, there are only few streets I truly avoid such as Huron and Jackson Road. In the end, I would like to see a stronger case for road diets on some streets with backup calculations on congestion, and while I am sure some streets will not pass the test, others will. It is ultimately about finding a balance, and providing more space to cyclists will excite more Ann Arborites to bike, taking more cars off the road (makes the math more fun as well).
Chelsear11
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 2:44 p.m.
This is so exciting, I'm glad my tax dollars are being spent on a project to keep bikers safe! Some of us can't afford cars and/or have made a conscious decision to take an active role in protecting our environment and our health by walking and biking more. I'm glad to hear that the city is also considering this growing population of individuals. Good job Ann Arbor!!
Gownie
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 2:24 p.m.
Traditional traffic engineering prioritized auto movements while neglecting the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. The City owes all of us the creation of a safe environment on our streets, whether we're in a car, on foot, or on a bike. Even with the implementation of this plan, we'll still lag behind cities like Madison, Boulder, or Davis, all of which have much higher rates of cycling than Ann Arbor because of the safer and more amenable environments they created. But the plan is a step forward. Thanks to City staff for their expertise and professionalism in developing it.
Gownie
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 5 p.m.
Correct, Deb: A bike infrastructure is a necessary, but hardly a sufficient condition for a bike-friendly city.
deb
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 3:42 p.m.
Nashville has all of the same bike infrastructure as being proposed here. I recently visited with my girlfriend and we laughed at how nobody used it. They had bike lanes on a 6 lane bridge. Not once did we see a bike on it. They had bike rental kiosks, over 4 days we saw 2 rental bikes in use.
Gownie
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 3:12 p.m.
Demistify, for the forseeable future we'll have to make do with something more like Madison's. Climate didn't impede their creation of a more bike-oriented city!
demistify
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 3:04 p.m.
How do you propose bringing Davis' climate to Ann Arbor?
Brad
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 2:35 p.m.
Boulder! (to the tune of Newman! from Seinfeld)
belboz
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 2:17 p.m.
How about money be prioritized to fixing the roads. Oh, and did Ann Arbor notice that the schools are millions in the red? Why are green bike lanes more important than ensuring we have a solid educational system? How about finding out how the city can help instead of finding out how to blow money. This is incredibly wasteful.
Richard Carter
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 8:39 p.m.
I agree too, at least somewhat. Though there are a lot of us who bicycle in Ann Arbor, if the roads were fixed, we could more often ride our bikes over closer to the right as opposed to swerving in the lanes just like cars do to avoid potholes.
UpperDecker
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 2:53 p.m.
You appear to have been voted down by a bike nazi, however I agree with you. Roads for cars are more important than bikers regardless of what the 10 bikers think. Once those are fixed then they can go ahead and focus on their green paint. Schools are a mess as well but that is another discussion.
Blue Dog Red
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 2:08 p.m.
Ryan, seriously, let's see some stats on % of commuters (auto, bike, bus, pedestrian). Then let's figure out why we would spend a ton of taxpayer money on the elite green 1%. Or maybe even less than 1%? The fact is that we do not live in a temperate climate for year-round biking. Most people are expected to arrive for work looking presentable, not sweaty or with hat hair. If you can bike, bike. As some others here suggested, use the quieter side streets.
SonnyDog09
Fri, Apr 19, 2013 : 4:20 p.m.
Here you go: http://nhts.ornl.gov/ http://nhts.ornl.gov/2009/pub/UsersGuideV1.pdf "All trips reported by eligible household members in eligible households in the U.S. were recorded. The NHTS collected travel data from the civilian, noninstitutionalized population of the United States. People living in medical institutions, prisons, and in barracks on military bases were excluded from the sample. However, telephone numbers in dormitory rooms, fraternity and sorority houses were included so long as no more than 10 people shared the same telephone number." So, every UofM student that walks or bikes to class counts as a someone who walks or bikes to work.
Blue Dog Red
Fri, Apr 19, 2013 : 2:35 a.m.
Very, very hard to believe the 20% figure. Would love to see the "math" behind these stats. If you count the non-tax-paying students, this is just a number inflated to further someone's agenda.
iamwrite
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 7:11 p.m.
It would be nice to see the methodology behind the "survey" that says 1 out of 5 residents in Ann Arbor walks or bikes to work. How many people were polled? When was the poll conducted, 1853? Sample size, standard deviation? I can make up biased stats too!
Steve Bean
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 5:10 p.m.
SonnyDog09, and then there are unsubstantiated claims. Can you point to where you drew that conclusion about students walking to class being included?
Steve Bean
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 5:08 p.m.
Brad, the cyclist counts at the intersections reported in the plan indicate that the presence of the bike lanes led to increased cycling. I suspect that's not the only basis. Are you suggesting that we put more money into a study (or three) to gather more supporting evidence?
SonnyDog09
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 4:41 p.m.
The stats on walking and biking "to work" are inflated by counting every UofM student as "walking to their lecture hall". There are three types of lies. Lies. Damned lies. And Statistics.
Brad
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 4:13 p.m.
"As far as the cost, I believe painting bike lanes on roads and improving sidewalks doesn't cost nearly as much as constructing a roads and building parking garages" And doing nothing costs even less. How many people do we think are *not* biking or walking because of lack this accessible infrastructure? As I've said before, I walk and bike quite a bit and I am slowed down not a bit for this supposed lack of infrastructure.
Ryan J. Stanton
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 2:30 p.m.
The statistics I've seen from the city show more than 1 out of every 5 residents in Ann Arbor either walks or bikes to work, which is above national averages. But the city's non-motorized transportation projects aren't just geared toward helping people get to work. They're geared toward providing an all-around safer and more accessible walking and biking infrastructure for all, and I'd have to believe the majority of Ann Arborites either walk or bike at some point. As far as the cost, I believe painting bike lanes on roads and improving sidewalks doesn't cost nearly as much as constructing a roads and building parking garages.
notob
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 2:07 p.m.
Fix the roads first!
a2grateful
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 1:55 p.m.
The best bike lane the city a2 could ever have is simply a well-maintained street surface. Nothing special is needed beyond that. 1) Every street has room for a bicycle. 2) Myriad city a2 methods of bike lane design and construction confuse motorists and bicyclists. This inconsistency is dangerous for all. 3) Pothole and debris laden bike lanes discourage bicyclists from using the lanes. I always choose smoother, branch-free, snow-free, recycler/garbage bin-free areas outside of bike lanes. Bicyclists avoid bike lanes when bike lanes don't work. I avoid many city a2 bike lanes, riding on the bike-lane line, or to its left, for safety purposes.
Steve Bean
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 5:14 p.m.
Sorry, I misread your concluding paragraph (which was the part I was—unclearly—referring to). I agree with your numbered points and that conclusion.
Steve Bean
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 2:18 p.m.
While that may be true for you and me, it's not true for all bicyclists. *Some* bicyclists, for example, avoid streets without bike lanes.
Nicholas Urfe
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 1:55 p.m.
How dare anyone suggest anyone or anything should possibly compete with the almighty car for our tax dollars. Don't they know that being in a car makes you a special person, more important than anyone merely walking or biking?
Richard Carter
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 8:42 p.m.
We're not using fuel, and our weight is a LOT less. For those who suggest registration fees, I could agree. We could go by value (so, let's see, a $30K car is what? $90 a year? So a $300 bike should be 90 cents a year), or by weight (a few-ton car vs. a 20-pound bicycle). Probably less than a buck.
SonnyDog09
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 4:39 p.m.
What makes them special is that car drivers pay the fuel taxes that pay for the roads. When bicyclists and pedestrians pay fuel taxes, they can have a say in how that money is spent.
Brad
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 2:34 p.m.
Not so much "special" as "in the vast majority". That's the real issue.
Paul Wiener
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 1:55 p.m.
It's obvious that no amount of protest over the idiocy and danger these unwanted these bike lanes represent will make the slightest difference. Let the deaths and injuries and accidents and rage and bus issues that ensue in the coming years be on the heads of the so-called town governance. As a driver I'll continue to do what I always do when I come across a bike lane.
Steve Bean
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 2:20 p.m.
And what is it that you do when you come across a bike lane, Paul Wiener?
GratefulReb
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 1:51 p.m.
If this helps with our roads than i'm all for it. Please fix our roads and "gateway" to the city on North Main.
Ignatz
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 1:50 p.m.
I'm constantly amazed how a small, but vocal, minority can pull the chains of this city.
Brad
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 5:31 p.m.
"Some time walking". The bar just keeps getting lower.
sigdiamond
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 5 p.m.
They assume bike owners are the minority because they're using this message board as their sample size, wherein the home-bound, the jaundiced, and the otherwise crushed of spirit are so highly represented. If it isn't something they can see from their bean bag chair or through the lens of an empty Cheetos bag, it probably doesn't exist.
CynicA2
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 4:43 p.m.
" I have no stats on what percentage of Ann Arborites own a bike -- my question was, how can anyone assume that's a minority?" 1. Go outside to nearest busy street, or even so-so busy street. 2. Spend 30 minutes counting the number of cars vs. the number of bikes 3. $20 says you'll find at least 10 cars for every bikey, even on campus. Conclusion - Most people in A2 (or most other places, for that matter) prefer cars to bikes. Sooooo easy! No expensive consultants needed.
Bob Needham
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 4:08 p.m.
The report covers both walking and biking recommendations. Doesn't almost everyone spend some time walking? I have no stats on what percentage of Ann Arborites own a bike -- my question was, how can anyone assume that's a minority?
Brad
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 3:54 p.m.
Wait - I thought it was "majority bike" and now it's "majority bike and walk". Which is it? Feel free to post some stats.
Bob Needham
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 3:38 p.m.
People who walk and / or bike are a minority? How do you figure?
sigdiamond
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 2:13 p.m.
Yeah, representative government is so anti-American.
Ryan J. Stanton
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 1:48 p.m.
More detail from the plan update on those green bike lanes: "The goal of green pavement for bikes is to create a safe and unique lane that sends a clear message to all road users. Since 2007, the primary color used in this application is green as prescribed in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) to avoid confusion with handicapped pavement markings. The implementation of green lanes for bikes continues to increase awareness and knowledge. To create a safe surface, the material application must be non?stick, visible, and durable. Current best practice uses an epoxy resin that is skid resistant and can be mixed with retroreflective beads. Retroreflectivity creates a high level of nighttime visibility for the lane."
DJBudSonic
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 9:52 p.m.
I can tell you for a fact that once these painted lanes wear out a bit from motor traffic, when wet they are slick like ice. For that reason alone we should consider this carefully. It takes a lot of paint maintenance to keep these lanes safe in all weather.
Dog Guy
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 1:38 p.m.
Being an Ann Arbor City Planner or Ann Arbor City Transportation Program Coordinator might require a diploma, but obviously does not require "street smarts".
Elijah Shalis
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 1:32 p.m.
how about ticketing bikers that don't stop at stop signs and traffic lights or obey other traffic laws.
zeeba
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 7:36 p.m.
Actually, Decker, those incidents happened to me and people I know when we were simply riding down the right side of the road, minding our own business. In case you didn't know it, some people are simply irritated by the sight of a cyclist, as anyone who's ridden for any length of time can tell you.
UpperDecker
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 5:51 p.m.
Zeeba, if all of those things have happened to you then you are clearly very poor at riding your bike without upsetting everyone else. I suggest you take a remedial course on bike safety.
zeeba
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 5:47 p.m.
Sure. As long as we're also jailing drivers and their passengers who cut cyclists off, run them off the road, smack cyclists with their hand, strike them with car doors, smash glass bottles in front of their tires or throw them at the cyclist directly. Sure, let's be sure we're doing that as well.
tegel
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 5:40 p.m.
@Dweller - To say the majority of cyclists break the rules is a gross overstatement. There are plenty of examples of self-important people using all modes of transportation. Despite your insistence on cyclists needing to "obey the rules of the road", there are situations when it is safer and more beneficial for traffic when the rules are broken. As an example, assume a cyclist is waiting at a traffic light on a narrow uphill street with a long line of cars behind them. As long as the conditions permit, it could be much safer for the cyclist to carefully proceed through the red light (if it is clear) rather than waiting for it to turn green and having to compete with the cars for the limited road space. A primary objective of this cyclist is to minimize interactions with vehicles. If that means breaking a few rules along the way, then I'll do what is necessary to create what I feel is a safer situation. This example, of course, would not apply if there was dedicated bike lane.
VillageDweller
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 4:49 p.m.
I am definitely in favor of spending our tax dollars towards making our city safer, happier, better designed, etc. And it's cool that that will include accommodating all sorts of people with all sorts of mobility choices. I do want to support Elijah and others here who have pointed out with dismay the fact that the majority of bicyclists do break rules of the road every day. Every one of us that moves about the town every day can see it and actually I've come to expect it. The times when I've sat at a red light in my car and actually had a bicyclist wait at the light beside me until it turned green are memorable for their infrenquency. Similarly, the times when I've seen a car run through a stop sign or a red light are memorable for their infrequency. The vast majority of car drivers obey the rules of the road. Please bicyclists, show good citizenship and appreciation for the improvements by driving in a legal fashion. It's safer for everyone.
UpperDecker
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 2:50 p.m.
Pretty sure they already do that Nicholas and we will see who wins out when a biker gets smoked by a car after flying through a stop sign.
Nicholas Urfe
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 1:54 p.m.
Maybe they should try doing that with car drivers who are operating heavy equipment.
DJBudSonic
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 1:25 p.m.
I support non-motorized transportation improvements, provided the motorized improvements and maintainence are not forsaken. It is much easier for a pedistrian or bike to dodge the sea of potholes that is Ann Arbor than a car which is restricted to the roadway. Fifth at Catherine doesn't work for anybody. Instead of looking to Europe for bicycle planning, Mr. Cooper should be taking a hard look at how their roadbeds and road surfaces are prepared, installed and maintained. If we built longer lasting roads, suitable for our harsh winters, in one planning cycle we could save enough money to fund other necessary programs, like filling critical sidewalk gaps. And now, to read the 60 page planning document in full, and wonder what all this planning is going to cost me. 8-(
Steve Bean
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 2:14 p.m.
Dodging potholes is no easier—or safer—for bicyclists and pedestrians. Roadway maintenance isn't part of Cooper's job. It actually might save you some money in the long run.
Nice in A2
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 1:25 p.m.
I agree that there is a lot of bad behavior going one. The worst are the drivers, second the bikers and last (but not least!) are the walkers. All three groups need to DO THIS BETTER! I do want to live in a town that makes it possible for all three to live together. I'm glad that I live in a town that cares about alternatives.
Plubius
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 1:24 p.m.
More stupidity due to an inability to do simply math. How many people live in the core of A2 and would be willing/able to ride bikes? Compare that to the number of people in the county - it is a small fraction. By catering to the small fraction, businesses are hurt.
Richard Carter
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 8:45 p.m.
Except the more people bicycle, just by the fact that limits their distance, the more they buy locally.
An Arborigine
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 1:23 p.m.
Green pavement and $300K worth of beacons, that sounds maintenance-free to me (right). How about fixing the potholes, so one of thousands of motorists don't hit one, lose control and accidentally injure one of the 12 bicyclists using miles of dedicated bike lanes at any given time???
Ken
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 1:14 p.m.
Keep wasting tax dollars on Ann Arbor's elitist cyclists.
zeeba
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 5:44 p.m.
And like we don't waste tax dollars on Michigan's elitist anglers and hunters? Pshaw. And don't give me that BS about it all being covered by license fees.
Steve Bean
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 2:09 p.m.
A bike costs far less to purchase, operate, and maintain than a car. Kids ride bikes (and can't drive cars). Riding a bike is humbling and doesn't engender thoughts of an extension of physical power as driving a large, fueled vehicle might. There's nothing elitist about it.
TheDiagSquirrel
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 1:10 p.m.
Special signs, and special colored bike lanes for our already self-entitled bikers? Yeah...it's "special" all right.
thinker
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 1:05 p.m.
Why don't they realize that the majority of pweople either CANNOT physically bike, or it is not practical, or it's just not our thing?
thinker
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 8:29 p.m.
@sweeba- If you read the sentence as written, I listed three scenarios which included the majority, not that the majority cannot bike. That would be a ridiculous!
Ann Arbor Nurse
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 6:44 p.m.
well said, Zeeba! I am shocked that many people are not viewing this as a positive change! I think it's a great way for people to save money on parking and gas, get exercise and reduce pollution. Nothing negative there
zeeba
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 5:39 p.m.
You complain that not many people bike to work presently, but the fact is this is an increasing trend in this country, one that plans like this accommodate. For one thing, it allows many to get their daily exercise during their commute, rather than making a special trip to they gym. Presently, many people who would be inclined to bike to work do not do so because there are no good routes. Also, just because biking is not "your thing" doesn't mean it isn't a lot of other people's "thing." One of the reasons we have an REI and a several high-end bike shops in Ann Arbor, along with several other businesses serving outdoor enthusiasts, is because we have a TON of people who are into an active lifestyle here, sorry about yours. I've never had kids, but I don't complain about the city spending money on soccer fields, because it does meet the need of a significant portion of the population. It's not all about you.
Steve Bean
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 5:24 p.m.
Ann Arbor Nurse, if you put the word "either" back into thinker's comment and include the rest of the sentence, the "majority" claim becomes clear. Of course, I think he/she was mainly referring to commuting or other trips typically done in a car (like errands or shopping), not recreation/exercise.
Ann Arbor Nurse
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 5:11 p.m.
"the majority of people cannot physically bike" - Where would you get this statistic? I think that most people capable of walking are also able to ride a bike. This would probably be the "majority" of people. Also, I suppose it's a matter of opinion, but any shop or destination within 5 miles could easily be practical to bike to. Even if it's "not your thing". Some of us feel that polluting the planet by driving when not necessary is not OUR thing! Putting bike lanes in just may make it more practical for people to commute via bike. It shouldn't impact those who still wish to drive everywhere.
Bob Needham
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 3:54 p.m.
Brad -- bike to work, sure. But any improvements made would be available to anyone biking at any time, for any reason.
Brad
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 3:52 p.m.
Forgot that we're still using 90s technology again ... http://bit.ly/15iqW2j
Brad
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 3:51 p.m.
Do you not believe that the majority does not bike? Given what I see every day that sure looks like the case. Here's a link to some slightly-out-of-date stats on the city's own website stating that 2005-2007 maybe 3.5% of residents biked to work. So even if that's 5% now, that's still a big gap. http://www.a2gov.org/government/publicservices/systems_planning/Environment/soe07/efficientmobility/Pages/Bicycling.aspx
Bob Needham
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 3:28 p.m.
Thinker, what's your basis for saying a majority doesn't bike?
Brad
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 2:32 p.m.
Speaking about being "special", which lanes are they going to paint different colors again?
Steve Bean
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 2:06 p.m.
That question similarly applies for those who ride bikes instead of (or in addition to) driving.
Nicholas Urfe
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 1:53 p.m.
Why don't you realize that driving a car doesn't make you more special than anyone else?
Nice in A2
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 1:19 p.m.
Hi: I can make one comment on the "not practical" part of your comment. When I lived far from A2 I would park my car at the edge of town and bike in. I found it much nicer than driving in town. That was the worst part of my commute. And I saved a lot of money on parking.
thinker
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 1:06 p.m.
Correction, people.
Bob W
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 1:01 p.m.
I'll become more sympathetic when I see my first cyclist actually stop at a stop sign instead of treating them as optional. Same goes for red lights if they "think " traffic is too light for them to bother with a stop.
Bryan Ellinger
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 9:24 p.m.
Motorists and cyclists are better off allowing cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs because it keeps things moving efficiently. In my experience many motorists already treat stop signs as yield signs, and that doesn't bother me. The bottom line is that all road users benefit from being predictable.
Richard Carter
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 8:46 p.m.
And of course drivers who "think" that 5 over is the speed limit.
Steve Bean
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 2:27 p.m.
Sympathy's unnecessary, Bob. What's holding you back from evaluating this plan on its merits? Is it spite? Do you let the actions of others determine your own?
Nicholas Urfe
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 1:52 p.m.
Right - because car drivers always stop. And car drivers never stop and block crosswalks. Car drivers never right on red by rolling through the red. Car drivers never ignore pedestrians with the right of way.
Jaime
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 12:53 p.m.
Maybe they should start with wider paths and bike lanes at Gallup and other parks where there is a proven issue with the interaction of bikes and pedestrians.
Brad
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 1:04 p.m.
One recent event hyped by an ambulance chaser does not a "proven issue" make.
iamwrite
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 12:45 p.m.
The green color is from all of the extra bike registration fees that Ann Arbor is going to start collecting, correct? My car registration fees should go towards making the roads better to drive on, not "traffic calming". These "pet projects" may make these people feel good about themselves, but they are acting like a bully forcing this down Ann Arbor's throat.
jcj
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 12:40 p.m.
Adding color to some bike lanes, the report states, can help increase visibility of the bike lane, reaffirming the cyclist's place in the road and encouraging drivers to yield. I would suggest painting car lanes red reaffirming the cyclist's place in the road and encouraging bikers to stay out!
Brad
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 12:24 p.m.
Good example in the top photo where the entrance to the Garage Mahal gets priority and the bikers have to dodge cars as well as avoid being squished against the wall there. And then after that they have to watch for cars turning into the post office. Swell design there, DDA.
Bryan Ellinger
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 9:14 p.m.
You're right Brad. That lane (like many in Ann Arbor) is ridiculous. Fortunately, it's legal to ride the left side of a one-way street, which is my approach to riding on Fifth Avenue.
Steve Bean
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 2:46 p.m.
Brad, I think they call it a speed ramp. Interpret as you choose.
Brad
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 2:30 p.m.
Whoever voted that down obviously hasn't ridden their bike through there. It's scary. Why did they insist on the silly ramp in the street anyway?
Brad
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 12:21 p.m.
How green is Ann Arbor? We are so green that even our bike lanes are LITERALLY green. What planet do these people live on?
sigdiamond
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 2:24 p.m.
No kidding! This plan doesn't have a chance of appealing to the citizenry of this conservative, Hummer-driving, lunch-bucket hamlet!
motorcycleminer
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 12:21 p.m.
Just painting Oz's yellow brick roads green to satisfy the mayors 2 wheeled friends..just like the washtenaw bike path to nowhere...they can't waste my $$$ fast enough...you get what you vote for ..
Rose Garden
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 12:21 p.m.
Where does the term "diet" come from? Is a three-lane road diet different from a three-lane road?
nicedoggy
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 12:10 p.m.
as long as bikes break traffic laws ,run red lights ect. and total disregard for traffic laws they will be at risk . The pedestrians dont even look before crossing a street. People still need to be taught to look and wait till it is safe to cross. Common courtesy from all can go along way to improving car /pedestrian relations Question: are bikes a vehicle or a pedestrian??? They want to be both.
Sully
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 1:22 p.m.
There are certainly automobile drivers who break simple traffic laws, but from my experiance, they're better at obeying them then bikers or pedestrians. Every driver has taken a class in traffic safety and they also know they'll get ticketed for breaking traffic laws, while bikers and pedestrians usually will not.
Brian Kuehn
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 1:02 p.m.
You are correct that anyone ignoring traffic laws puts people at risk and a little bit of common courtesy among all road users, including automobile drivers, will make Ann Arbor safer. Your comment left out automobile drivers. Generally I find most automobile drivers to be courteous but there are some that disregard traffic laws just like the small minority of bike riders and pedestrians that irritate you.
bluemax79
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 12:10 p.m.
because we have a HUGE surplus of tax dollars to waste someone did this "study" do they also own a bicycle shop? what a load
jmac
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 11:58 a.m.
I know a few people who cycle on a regular basis, especially to work and back. Most of them use side streets and stay away from 'main artery' roadways because they don't feel safe riding there. I doubt all of the proposed 'improvements' will help much with that - cyclists tend to stay away from heavy traffic. period. And I agree with some of the comments below re: placement of bikeways. A little common sense would go a long way here.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 1:24 p.m.
Mr. Kuehn's observations actually prove the point--the streets he cites do not have dedicated bike lanes. I can tell you from much first-hand experience that those streets with dedicated lanes--no matter their volume of traffic--are much safer than those that don't have them. GN&GL
Brian Kuehn
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 12:54 p.m.
I ride a bike to work and your observation is spot on. I really do not want to ride on Main Street, Plymouth Road or Jackson. Placing bike lanes on side streets and creating wide off-street multi-use pathways makes sense.
Tom Joad
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 11:45 a.m.
A bike boulevard is what I have proposed before for Washington St. Many people, myself included, cycle from the west side up Washington St. The entire street from the YMCA to central campus should do away with ALL parallel parking and replace those spots with dedicated bicycle lanes. Washington St. is too narrow to effectively accommodate bikes and cars. I know because I ride it on my bike daily. Surely one street can be given over to full bike lanes with no parallel parking slowing either cyclists or drivers as they attempt to park. Drivers or business owners may scoff at such a bold idea, but there are plenty of streets and parking facilities to handle parking and Huron St for all effective purposes is CAR-ONLY, so why not have a bicycle boulevard that is designed predominantly for cyclists. Many of us in the biking community ride year-round and if provided with an efficient way to access the campus area from the west side or downtown without be squeezed in by cars that would be wonderful for all concerned.
demistify
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 2:51 p.m.
The concept of a bike boulevard can make sense, but only as part of a plan to separate bike and car traffic for the safety and convenience of both. If you want to dedicate Washington to bikes, also ban them from Huron.
MyOpinion
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 2:10 p.m.
Berkeley, CA has several bicycle boulevards. Some of these explicitly exclude cars, which Ann Arbor would never do. But, the idea of having a less-traveled road like Washington designated as such and excluding the parallel parking spots would be great. However, given the addition of the Y to that neighborhood, this won't happen. I really hate riding my bike on William as I have to be in the middle of the lane - worried about car doors opening, and yet I'm not riding as fast as the car behind me would like to go. To them, I'm just an oblivious bike rider.
Nice in A2
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 1:15 p.m.
Interesting thoughts. I go way out of my way while biking to find safe routes to and from work. I would love it if I could get on a "bike highway". There is a, false feeling of security, downside however. When I have seen these in other cities the bikers tend to go fast and some keep their heads down.
tazna2
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 11:19 a.m.
More of the unused bike improvments like the $1,000,000 bike lane along Washtenaw ave.
jns131
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 11:36 p.m.
There is one near Skyline, bikes have to stop. I have stop signs for bikers. I'd like to see them use it. Most don't. Makes for an interesting trip home. Or to the hospital.
Sean Thomas
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 3:55 p.m.
....there's a bike lane on washtenaw? You mean the sidewalk that goes through the 23 on-ramp?
deb
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 3:32 p.m.
You mean the bike has to stop like cars?!!?!
Rose Garden
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 12:54 p.m.
I would use that lane, but the biker has to make so many stops along the way that he/she can't get in a very good ride.
GoNavy
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 11:18 a.m.
I find it interesting that we're going to make changes to the N. Main street segment immediately prior to the M-14 entrance. Right at the point where motorists are accelerating from 45 mph to 65 mph, we're going to put a crosswalk. Great idea! That will make the perilously short merge point between Main and Barton even more exciting. Can't wait for rush hour. I won't be buying a bike. I'll be saving up to buy a sports car with the acceleration to take me from 0 to 65 in 200 yards so I can safely merge with traffic.
Steve Bean
Fri, Apr 19, 2013 : 12:41 a.m.
That would only apply to the "Policy" section, Stephen. The options spelled out in the "Recommendations" section wouldn't necessarily be implemented, as is evidenced by the mentions of recommendations from the 2007 update that were not implemented (including a 4-to-3 conversion on N. Main).
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 8:26 p.m.
@Steve Bean: Actually, once the report is finalized and approved by city council, I think it would be the case that the recommendations in the report are then the official policy of the city and the staff are free to implement them as funds are available and budgeted.
Steve Bean
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 1:54 p.m.
GoNavy, just to clarify, it's an option, not a plan. I doubt that that particular lane reconfiguration will be done. Jackson Road is more likely, though Stephen Ranzini's point (made in a comment on a previous article) about the fire station in that section would complicate things.
wokhom
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 1:16 p.m.
Rose? Is that you? Surely, some sarcastic being has hijacked your keyboard!
Rose Garden
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 12:52 p.m.
Good luck with that.
deputydwag
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 11:16 a.m.
How about coloring the lanes that autos will be allowed to use, will be less paint for sure.
jns131
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 11:35 p.m.
Can always do what Dorothy did, follow the yellow brick road he home. Wow, did you get the deletes on this one.
Karen
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 11:02 a.m.
Where are the bicyclists now? Is the city planning to change the demographic mix of the city - are they planning on importing thousands of people below age 50? Their property tax-paying residents are getting older and I doubt that the aging baby boomer crowd will be taking to the roads in bicycles. Perhaps it would be cheaper to just give Eli Cooper the golden handshake - he has already spent enough of our taxes on bicycle lanes that are not used. If the 488 bicycles were the count ALL YEAR at Liberty and Seventh in 2011, that's pathetic. And does Mr. Eli get to work on a bicycle - if not, why not?
aabikes
Fri, Apr 19, 2013 : 12:10 a.m.
People have to stop riding bikes at 50?
Bob Needham
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 3:21 p.m.
"Import"? Probably not. But "attract"? Or even keep the ones we've got? Sure, and this might be part of the way to do that. But I also disagree with the assumption that people stop riding bikes at age 50. Maybe some do. Many don't.
Steve Bean
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 1:51 p.m.
Karen raises a good question about the bike count. The report doesn't make clear if the numbers are for a full year. (There's also a count for the 1st and Miller intersection.) Ryan, can you ask Eli to clarify that?
justcurious
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 12:55 p.m.
Thanks for saying this Karen. I agree about Eli Cooper.
Rose Garden
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 12:50 p.m.
The old saying goes, "If they build it, people will come." Same with bike paths. We already have the bikers, but not many adequate paths.
motorcycleminer
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 12:18 p.m.
Spot on ...
1bit
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 11:01 a.m.
While coloring the lane makes for a nice slide show, from a visibility standpoint a high contrast pattern would be better. Especially under low contrast conditions (e.g. dusk, rainy weather) and especially for the 20% of the male population that have issues with red-green color discrimination.
intellcity
Fri, Apr 19, 2013 : 5:45 a.m.
My experience with painted roadway areas is that they get slick when wet. Rain is obvious but paint seems to collect condensation quicker than asphalt and that is not so obvious until you try to stop and your front wheel slides sideways. I hope some thought has been given to this aspect of lane demarcation.
1bit
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 11:31 p.m.
Agree with both of you.
aamom
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 2:07 p.m.
I also could see the paint wearing off quickly and just being left as an eyesore. Sounds like a lot of ongoing maintenance.
Steve Bean
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 1:47 p.m.
Given that the intention is for "drivers to yield" (as stated in the article), I wonder if yellow would be a more appropriate choice.
Deb Burch
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 10:49 a.m.
It is great that we are looking at how to make it safer for bike riders. I hope that this includes having riders on washtenaw use the new path that was built from the campus to ~arborland. Many already do or use the sidewalk on the other side. It seems very dangerous for the riders in the street during heavy traffic.
Brad
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 4:02 p.m.
A bike path other than the ones on both sides of Washtenaw??
Sean Thomas
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 3:54 p.m.
riding your bike on the sidewalk isn't what you're supposed to do and it's fairly annoying for both parties if there's anybody walking. A bike path of some sort in that area could be nice.
Goober
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 12:25 p.m.
I agree Brad, but our mayor and his pals got away with spending the money, didn't he?
Brad
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 12:20 p.m.
Nobody uses that path on the north side of Washtenaw. What a joke!
RUKiddingMe
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 10:45 a.m.
More creative spending. How wonderfully ambitious. "354 bicyclists were observed during a count in 2007 at the intersection of Liberty and Seventh. After bike lanes were added on Seventh, 488 bicyclists were observed during a count in 2011" So 4 - 5 years apart, and am I to assume that the increase in bike counts is due to the addition of a bike lane? Is that the statement here? Not because the student count at UM went up in 4 years, or, say, something ELSE, it just must be the bike lane, right? Was there a count taken anywhere else in 2007 and then again in 2011 where there was NOT an added bike lane?
1bit
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 11:30 p.m.
Thaddeus = good at math
Useless
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 5:20 p.m.
Do people advocating for bikes in town ever count riders in the middle of winter?
Thaddeus
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 4:14 p.m.
deb: 488 / 354 = 1.3785 so a 37.85% or a ~40% increase from the first to second sited bicyclist counts. The 134 / 488 = 0.27459 or 27.5% that you figure determines how much of the latter bicyclist count the increase consists of. And not how much of an increase over the first bicyclist count.
deb
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 3:31 p.m.
40% increase?!!?! Do you mean 27.5%? How did you come up with that figure? Your 40% number is off by about 45%
David Frye
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 11:38 a.m.
Adding bike lanes on Seventh made that major street bikable. Before it had bike lanes, I for one did everything I could to avoid using it. Now it is a great way to get around town.
JHW426
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 11:30 a.m.
It could have be casued by the mayor riding around that block 134 times on his lunch hour.
1bit
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 10:56 a.m.
You're right, it's pseudoscientific. But it's also a 40% increase in an area that doesn't have a lot of students. What else would cause such a jump?
Real Life
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 10:42 a.m.
Ann Arbor's war on the automobile goes on. We have "over-biked" our roads as it is. I've never seen a bicycle on Main Street between Ann Arbor Saline Road and Eisenhower, and on choked down Stadium Boulevard. Oh, I'm sure there might be a half dozen who have used it, but this is insane. As the bumper sticker says, "Stop this Endless War!"
Sean Thomas
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 3:50 p.m.
okay the reason they are adding bike lanes and such is BECAUSE not enough people are biking. It is bad for a growing, dense city if everyone drives everywhere. They are encouraging a more sustainable and congestion-free city for the future. I don't understand why nobody seems to understand this.
Anthony Clark
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 3:08 p.m.
A cop would not have ticketed him, as he had just as much right to be there as you did. Your story is a perfect example of why dedicated bike lanes are needed.
aamom
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 2:06 p.m.
I actually just saw my first biker on Main riding north between Scio Church and Stadium(along the golf course) this week. It caused the right lane to have to travel at the speed of the bike because no one could pass due to the traffic in the lane next to us. It was a long, slow slog up to Stadium. There is no bike lane there and I was hoping a cop would come by and ticket him. He was recklessly endangering his own life. One of the most stupid things I've ever witnessed.
Steve Bean
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 1:43 p.m.
Your war metaphor is interesting given the possible connection between oil reserves and recent war activities in Iraq. It's not a war, it's sound policy given the impacts and costs of using and maintaining the infrastructure for personal cars. Transitioning ahead of the unavailability of gasoline rather than after the fact is simply sane. The desire to not have it happen won't prevent it from happening. For a preview of what's headed to our country in just a few years, read this NY Times article on what's happening with energy costs and availability in Europe: http://ow.ly/k9AyS. If Europe increases demand for oil and natural gas extracted here, the supply will decline even more rapidly than previously projected. As it is, the supposed gas and oil boom of recent years has been greatly overstated. The decline rates for most new wells are very rapid—just a matter of months to a few years for more than a 50% drop. The net energy obtained is also falling. Personally, we've decided that we own our last car. (We're approaching 50 years of age, and the car is 10.) We'll walk the mile to the grocery as we do now, ride the bus downtown (as long as it continues to run), ride our bikes as needed, work from home (a seeming luxury that will become more prevalent), and rent vehicles as needed (again, as long as that's possible).
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 1:18 p.m.
HYPERBOLE ALERT!!!! "War on cars". Yeah. That's what's going one here. It's why the city/DDA just spent $14 million building a new parking structure. GN&GL
Rose Garden
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 12:44 p.m.
Goober, are you happy about this or just being sarcastic?
Goober
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 12:23 p.m.
As long as our mayor and most of city council are in power, bikes will receive attention over cars and normal road maintenance.
Homeland Conspiracy
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 11:53 a.m.
Here Here!!! NO matter what I'm not going to riding a bike ANYWHERE! I stop riding a bike when I got my drivers license!
Linda Peck
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 10:23 a.m.
It looks like the green lanes are in the middle of the road. If this is so, does it make sense to put bikes in what is usually a turn lane? These turn lanes are already fairly dangerous spots. Perhaps I am not seeing this drawing correctly?
Steve Bean
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 1:26 p.m.
The reason for the location of the bike lane on that section of 5th Ave in the photo is that the right car lane there enters the underground parking structure. It's an unusual situation which makes is a good candidate for 'highlighting' the bike lane.
Jake C
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 1:04 p.m.
You seem to be missing the point. The green lanes are lanes that are already bike lanes. But there are points where cars might need to cross the bike lane in order to make a turn, for example at the entrance to the 5th Ave parking garage. The green lanes would serve as a visual signal to car drivers that there is actually a bike lane next to them and they should check their surroundings before crossing the bike lane.
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 10:14 a.m.
The report also contains recommendations for three lane road diets on major arteries that are ill-considered. If city council approves the report without striking these recommendations it would be extremely unwise: Pages 38 & 49 of the 2013 Non-motorized Transportation Plan Update Draft report repeats the recommendation for a three lane road diet on Jackson Road. This is extremely ill-considered, faces substantial opposition among the citizenry and city council should also repeal its resolution requesting MDOT to implement a road diet when the road is rebuilt in 2014. Page 39 of the 2013 Non-motorized Transportation Plan Update Draft report recommends a three lane road diet for N. Main St. with a reversible, managed center lane. Besides being expensive in both upfront capital cost and ongoing maintenance, it is a bad idea for this high volume arterial roadway. The needs of the bicycling community to reach scenic West Huron River Drive can be better met by providing a safe connection to the Border to Border Trail that runs along the Huron River by providing access to cross the railroad at N. Main St. at Depot and again at the northern end of N. Main St. at M-14 back to West Huron River Drive from Bandemer Park on the north side of M-14. Pages 42 & 55 of the 2013 Non-motorized Transportation Plan Update Draft report recommends a road diet for Huron Parkway from Washtenaw Avenue South. Anyone who has travelled this road would quickly realize the abject lunacy of this recommendation for one of the busiest interchanges in Ann Arbor. Again, I would urge city council to strike the recommendation from the report and encourage YOU to write your elected officials like I did to ask them not to approve the report without these changes!
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 8:23 p.m.
Thanks everyone for the vigorous discussion! FYI, @iamwrite: you *are* right! MDOT studies I have read say that those roads aren't appropriate for traffic calming.
iamwrite
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 7:05 p.m.
@P.J. Murphy Actually Mr. Ranzini is quoting MDOT studies that say "traffic calming" (4 lanes to 3) is not suggested for roads that see upwards of 20,000 cars per day. This has been reported on in previous articles, yet the city planners are throwing that research aside for their own selfish goals.
P. J. Murphy
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 6:15 p.m.
Mr Ranzini's analysis of the appropriateness of 4 lane to 3 lane conversions is mere opinion nothing more. No relevant data is presented to support any of his claims and more important, he ignores the fact that existing conversions in the community have worked out quite well. The source of his vexation on W.Stadium left unspecified. Like so many others opposed to this approach his arguments are long on dire predictions and short on meaningful and persuasive content. A more balanced assessment would be that the functionality of the N.Main and W. Huron plans may be debatable, but they are relatively inexpensive and in view of how well such transitions have worked both here and elsewhere they are worth a try. MDOT thinks they are worth the effort, and on this matter I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt. After all, should the naysayers prove correct, reconversion would be easy and at worst we'd be back to the status quo.
RUKiddingMe
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 5:22 p.m.
let's follow Ordmad's advice, because no one who does things that are related to their job title ever screws anything up. That's why there are never lawsuits or wasted money or jobs done poorly or...oh, wait a minute...
Brad
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 3:44 p.m.
Who designed those roads the way they are? Traffic engineers.
ordmad
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 3:37 p.m.
How about we leave this to the road engineers who are trained to make these type of "diet" decisions based on, you know, science and facts, rather than arm chair quarterbacks who have zero training?
Goober
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 2:25 p.m.
"the average American driver is too dumb" is a rash generalization and really offensive to most American drivers. Only the few dumb drivers are dumb. If you build something that is logical and can be managed using common sense, I have found that the average American 'anything' does well. If you build something that requires extensive training or special skills, then the answer should be obvious.
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 2:24 p.m.
@Edward R. Murrow's Ghost: Stadium has a *lot* less hourly traffic than Jackson & N. Main and was a reasonable candidate for a road diet, though I personally find that one vexing when I drive it. Road diets don't work on heavy traffic streets. Jackson and N. Main are *way* above the recommended upper limits of traffic for a road diet to be recommended. Our city's leadership doesn't care about the facts and empirical evidence though, they just have a rigid ideological aversion to cars and are in favor of mixing bicycles and cars on high volume, high speed streets, even though that's a dumb idea. Nice to have you back in a debate, @Ghost! Let's do breakfast. Send me an email to ranzini@university-bank.com and breakfast at Zola is on me. I promise I'll keep your secret identity a secret (bank Presidents have to keep secrets you know, it's part of the job requirement).
sigdiamond
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 2:07 p.m.
"This is extremely ill-considered, faces substantial opposition among the citizenry" And by "the citizenry" you mean the people who hang out on this message board, half of whom don't live in Ann Arbor, and the other half of whom are against anything that happens anywhere ever.
Jim Osborn
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 1:29 p.m.
Stephen is right. Reducing Jackson would cause traffic jams like what happened to Packard near US-23 last summer. I love to ride a bike and also drive a car along north main St. I'd like to use a the trail along the river and then be able to easily connect to Huron River Drive w/o needing to trespass on the railroad bridge. If any money is spent, it should be to remedy this and not to mix 50 MPH traffic with slow bicyclists. We do not need traffic jams from this or injuries
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 1:16 p.m.
Couldn't disagree with you more, Stephen. Stadium, a VERY busy artery, has worked out very well as a three-lane artery between Main and Pauline. The fact of the matter is that a four-lane street without the dedicated 5th-lane for left turns is de facto a two-lane street due to cars making left turns, and with cars frequently speeding down the left lane, this is a recipe for accidents. Creating a dedicated left-turn lane makes the roadway safer and keeps the traffic flowing. I question the wisdom of a roundabout solely because the average American driver is too dumb to make them work. The roundabouts at US23 and Geddes work very well except for the high percentage of drivers who are completely clueless about how they work. GN&GL
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 12:41 p.m.
@Rose Garden: That's the term MDOT uses when you reduce a road from five or four lanes to three or two. The non-PC term is "lane reduction".
Rose Garden
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 12:23 p.m.
Where does the term "diet" come from? Is a three-lane road diet different from a three-land road?