The City of Ann Arbor has a long-standing goal of integrating pedestrians, bicyclists, and users of other forms of non-motorized transportation into the urban transportation system. This is now considered "complete streets" that can accommodate all users of our roads. This has been done through various City programs and policy. This includes the adoption of the 2009 Comprehensive Transportation Plan Update and the 2007 Non-motorized Transportation Plan, and the coordinated efforts of the City's Alternative Transportation Committee.
The city has also been moving forward with the expansion of on-road bicycle lanes, a comprehensive inventory and repair system for sidewalks, safety improvements to intersections and mid-block crossings as well as cutting edge research activities that will put Ann Arbor at the forefront of quantifying and prioritizing non-motorized transportation projects. All of these projects are detailed in the 2007 Non-motorized Program Summary.
Complete Streets
The City of Ann Arbor has taken a "complete streets" approach to planning for more than 30 years. In 1992, Ann Arbor was among the first cities to create a comprehensive bicycle master plan. The city reaffirmed its commitment to complete streets with the creation of the 2007 Non-motorized Transportation Plan. Recently, mayor Hieftje expressed his support for the passage of a state-wide complete streets bill. The bill was passed by the Michigan House of Representatives, and was recently introduced to the Michigan State Senate. Click Here for more information on complete streets in Michigan.
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2010 Ann Arbor Area Campaign for Active Transportation
In July, 2008 the City of Ann Arbor joined with local and regional partners to participate in a national initiative to promote Active Transportation, coordinated by Rails-to-Trails.
The City of Ann Arbor’s Non-motorized Plan 2007 supports the assumption that strong pedestrian and bicycle facilities create a community that is physically active, accessible, and exceedingly livable. Currently, the city’s non-motorized transportation system includes 400 miles of sidewalks, 21.1 miles of on-road bike lanes, and 22.5 miles of shared-use paths. Several different city units, including Systems Planning, Project Management, Planning and Development, Field Operations, Parks & Recreation, Communications, Community Standards, and Police and Public Safety, have taken great strides to improve the programs and projects that support and expand that system.
The highlight of 2007 was the adoption of a comprehensive Non-motorized Transportation Plan (13MB pdf). The plan identifies the critical need to expand the city’s infrastructure to provide a transportation network of over 38 miles of on-road bicycle lanes, 25 miles of sidewalks, and 129 mid-block crossings, in order to establish the physical and cultural environment to support and encourage safe, comfortable, and convenient ways for pedestrians and bicyclists to travel throughout the city and into the surrounding communities.
Ann Arbor Area 2010 Campaign for Active Transportation Proposal
Proposal summary (pdf) - June 30, 2008
Full proposal (3.2 MB pdf) - June 30, 2008
Presentation (11MB pdf) - July 2, 2008 |
Non-motorized Transportation Plan
The City of Ann Arbor’s Non-motorized Plan 2007 supports the assumption that strong pedestrian and bicycle facilities create a community that is physically active, accessible, and exceedingly livable. Currently, the city’s non-motorized transportation system includes 400 miles of sidewalks, 21.1 miles of on-road bike lanes, and 22.5 miles of shared-use paths. Several different city units, including Systems Planning, Project Management, Planning and Development, Field Operations, Parks & Recreation, Communications, Community Standards, and Police and Public Safety, have taken great strides to improve the programs and projects that support and expand that system.
The highlight of 2007 was the adoption of a comprehensive Non-motorized Transportation Plan. The plan identifies the critical need to expand the city’s infrastructure to provide a transportation network of over 38 miles of on-road bicycle lanes, 25 miles of sidewalks, and 129 mid-block crossings, in order to establish the physical and cultural environment to support and encourage safe, comfortable, and convenient ways for pedestrians and bicyclists to travel throughout the city and into the surrounding communities.
ALT Committee
In April 2002, the City formed ALTCommittee to better coordinate non-motorized transportation efforts across City units and outside stakeholders. The ALTCommittee is made up City staff and community partners. This non-voting advisory committee helps coordinate the actions of the various partners. It also serves as the incubator for many of the creative alternative transportation strategies that the City has implemented in recent years.
Non-motorized Resources
getDowntown program - The getDowntown program provides information and assistance to downtown businesses and employees on commuting options, such as biking, riding the bus, walking, and carpooling
Washtenaw County Biking & Walking Coalition - The Washtenaw Bicycling and Walking Coalition is a group of local organizations, agencies and retail stores, as well as individual cyclists and walkers, which promotes transportation options that make sense for a sustainable and livable community.
Washtenaw Area Transportation Study (WATS) - As the official transportation planning agency for Washtenaw County, WATS provides a planning function, data tracking, a conduit for Federal Transportation Funding (CMAQ), and development of a countywide transportation plan, and a 2006 Countywide Non-motorized Transportation Plan.
Washtenaw County Bicycle Map (pdf) - These are available at most local bicycle shops, or through the City's Parks and Recreation Department.
Bike Parking for your Business (pdf) - A guide for Ann Arbor businesses considering the installation of bike facilities.
Updated January 2, 2009
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