Enjoy Ann Arbor!
Residents and visitors love Ann Arbor for its multimodal transportation system. The City is committed to assuring the safety and reliability of the transportation system for users of all modes. How do you get around Ann Arbor? Whether you're a pedestrian, cyclist, driver, or transit user, it's easy to help ensure that the streets and sidewalks are safe. Here's how:
If You're a Walker...
You're in luck! Ann Arbor was voted the third Best Walking City in 2008, and was named a Gold-level walk friendly community in 2010. 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). Ann Arbor has 475 miles of sidewalks and over 157 parks to enjoy on-foot, and why not? A 30-minute walk burns about 100 calories! While you're enjoying Ann Arbor on foot, please keep in mind:
- Cross at the crosswalk. Ann Arbor's crosswalk ordinance requires that motorists stop for pedestrians, but only at crosswalks.
- Look both ways before entering the street. Be sure you give drivers enough time to see you and stop.
- Use the signals. In Ann Arbor's downtown, all traffic signals include a pedestrian crossing interval in each signal cycle. Outside the downtown area, some signals have a pedestrian call button which, when pressed, adds a pedestrian crossing interval. Ann Arbor also has the first "Hawk Beacon" on a state trunkline in Michigan. This signal helps pedestrians to cross W. Huron at Chapin/3rd Street.
- Take refuge. Some crosswalks have a pedestrian refuge island in the street. Cross easily and safely, one side of traffic at a time.
- Be visible. In the dark, wear light-colored clothing and reflective gear to ensure your visibility.
- Shovel your sidewalk. Sidewalk snow removal requirements are posted at www.a2gov.org/snow.
If You're a Cyclist...
You've come to a great city! Ann Arbor was proud to receive a Silver-level Bicycle Friendly City designation from the League of American Bicyclists, and the City was named the 14th most bike-friendly city in America by Bicycling Magazine in 2010. Ann Arbor has 36.2 miles of on-road bicycle lanes, 55 miles of shared-use paths, and 3.5 miles of roads marked with shared-use arrows. Download the Ann Arbor/Washtenaw County bike map to plan your commute, adventure, or workout. Just remember:
- Lights on. Ann Arbor law requires cyclists to use front headlights and rear reflectors after dark.
- Follow the rules of the road. Ride on the road when possible, and use bike lanes where present. Ride in the direction of traffic, even in bike lanes; obey all traffic signals; and use hand signals before stopping and turning.
- Yield to pedestrians. If you choose to ride on the sidewalk, consider yourself an invited guest in the pedestrian space. Ride slowly, announce your presence to pedestrians who may not see you, walk your bike on crowded sidewalks, and always yield to pedestrians.
- Wear a helmet. Your brain is your most precious asset; protect it.
- Report potholes. Call 99-holes or report potholes online, to help the city maintain its bicycle infrastructure.
Find out more about cycling in Ann Arbor at the Bicycling A2 page and from the Share the Road brochure.
If You're a Driver...
To smooth your journey, subscribe to online notices of road and lane closures. The Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority provides information on where to park downtown. Even if you drive everywhere, you are a pedestrian at some point of your day. Help keep our streets safe for everyone:
- Stop for pedestrians. Ann Arbor law requires drivers to stop for pedestrians at or in crosswalks. Please stay alert and be prepared to stop.
- Stay out of bike lanes. Bike lanes are for bikes. It is illegal for cars to drive in them or park in them.
- Watch for bikes and give them space. Bicyclists are legally entitled to ride in roads both with and without bike lanes. Check for bikes when turning and before opening your door. Pass cyclists carefully, providing 3-4 feet of space between your car and the cyclist. On 2-lane roads, pass only when the road is clear of oncoming traffic and you can swing wide enough to pass safely.
- Take care near buses. Watch for transit riders deboarding stopped buses, and yield the right of way to buses.
- Stop on red. Yellow lights mean slow down, not speed up. Traffic crashes are a significant cause of preventable death and injury in the U.S., and your next destination is probably not worth risking your life or those of others.
- Don't pass vehicles stopped at crosswalks. You cannot see if a pedestrian is in the street while you are driving around or past a stopped vehicle.
- Report potholes. Help the next driver by calling 99-holes or reporting potholes online.
Updated May 7, 2013