Compared to some other parts of the world, pedestrians have it easy in Ann Arbor; the city was recently rated one of the top walking cities in Michigan. Some parts of town are better than others, though, and it's worth taking extra care.

This video, provided by the Washtenaw Biking and Walking Coalition, was shown at an October forum on pedestrian safety.

Pedestrians rule the streets

At the following intersections, there's no question: Pedestrians have the run of the road, and cars, trucks and buses are moving so slowly through the crossings that it's clear who is in charge.

South State Street at South University Avenue: The block in front of the Michigan Union is a pedestrian zone, and vehicles creep slowly through the three-way stop at the intersection all day long. It's the most crowded during the week near the top of the hour, when classes change.

North Fourth Avenue at Catherine Street: On Saturdays, foot traffic from the Ann Arbor Farmers Market makes this four-way stop come alive with people. Watch for kids in strollers, people hauling a wagon full of pumpkins or holiday greenery, and grannies with granny carts.

South Main Street between Washington and William streets: Any vehicles going down this part of Main Street are not going this way because it's the fastest way across town. Lots of downtown foot traffic, a well signed mid-block crossing, and wide sidewalks make this a good place to walk. Warning: pedestrians have to step lively during football season when Main Street is a main traffic route to the stadium and lights are changed to handle the flow.

Uneasy truce

There are a lot of corners in town where pedestrians require more than a bit of caution in making a crossing. I'll note the several spots where the city has put in mid-block islands and pedestrian refuges to help this go better.

West Washington Street at South Seventh Street: A new mid-street island adds to the existing yellow flashing light to help pedestrians cross busy Seventh Street. The "yield to pedestrians" sign has been flattened at least once already.

Huron Street in downtown Ann Arbor: Busy Huron Street is a wall of traffic separating north from south, with one-way streets speeding traffic across town. My favorite crossing is at Fourth Avenue, which tends to be quieter during the day.

South State Street at North University: There's a broad plaza at this corner, good sight lines, and plenty of people on foot to cross with. The biggest trouble, though, is traffic signals that give a very short walk light for people crossing State. The overall result is OK as long as the herds of people move briskly, but you can't count on that.

Every elementary school crosswalk at morning drop-off time: Without exception, extra care is needed at pedestrian crossings near schools during the morning drop-off time.

Pedestrians beware

These parts of town are the most hostile to foot traffic, either because the urban architecture is relentlessly motor driven or because arrangements to keep people from crossing busy streets have been disrupted.

Washtenaw Avenue at Arborland Mall: When Arborland management kicked the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority out of its long standing park and ride agreement, pedestrians were forced to cross busy Washtenaw on foot to make transfers. The dangerous situation has been mentioned multiple times at public meetings of the AATA, and there is no satisfactory conclusion to date.

Washtenaw Avenue at Platt Road (County Recreation Center): A large overhead crosswalk sign tempts foolish pedestrians to cross Washtenaw here (speed limit 45); you'd be a fool to do so. There's no good alternative if you did find yourself wanting to cross here, since there are no sidewalks on the north side of Washtenaw near there, and the nearest corner to the south is at busy Huron Parkway a good hike away.

South State Street south of Eisenhower Parkway: This stretch of road is busy and confusing for pedestrians, with no good way to cross between the hotel district on Boardwalk and the shopping at Briarwood.

Edward Vielmetti crosses the street carefully for AnnArbor.com. Contact him edwardvielmetti@annarbor.com.