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 "complete streets" approach can accommodate all users of our roads. The approach has been incorporated through various City programs and policy, including the adoption of the 2009 Comprehensive Transportation Plan Update 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, bike lanes, and shared use paths; and safety improvements to intersections and mid-block crossings. Additionally, the transportation planning program's cutting edge research activities will put Ann Arbor at the forefront of quantifying and prioritizing non-motorized transportation projects. All of these projects are detailed in the 2010 Non-motorized Program Summary.
Non-motorized Transportation Plan
In 2007 the Ann Arbor City Council adopted a comprehensive Non-motorized Transportation Plan, which 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 475 miles of sidewalks, 36.2 miles of on-road bike lanes, and 55 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 City of Ann Arbor’s Non-motorized Plan identified the critical need to expand the city’s infrastructure by adding 38 miles of on-road bicycle lanes, 25 miles of sidewalks, and 129 mid-block crossings. This expansion will 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.
Beginning in 2012, the city will conduct a review of the 2007 Non-Motorized Plan. Proceedings of public meetings, and updates on the review's scope and content will be available on the Non-Motorized Plan review page.
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 most recently reaffirmed its commitment to complete streets with the adoption of the
2009 Transportation Master Plan Update, the dedication of 5% of the City's Act 51 funds for non-motorized transportation projects, and the requirement to include non-motorized elements in all road construction projects. In 2010, the State of Michigan adopted
complete streets legislation requiring road construction projects to take all users into account as a condition of state-funded transportation projects. In March, 2011, a
City Council resolution reaffirmed its support for complete streets and thereby ensured the City's eligibility for state transportation funding. Learn more about complete streets from the
Michigan Complete Streets Coalition.
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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 the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. The Campaign for Active Transportation seeks to secure federal funding for non-motorized transportation projects in communities across the country. The Campaign's success depends on the inclusion of active transportation provisions in the SAFETEA-LU transportation reauthorization bill.
Ann Arbor's proposal includes three priority projects from the Non-Motorized Transportation Plan 2007: completing active transportation routes by connecting the dots of new bike lanes, sidewalks, and pedestrian crossing improvements set forth in the Plan; constructing safe crossing options at highway crossings; and launching the Allen Creek Greenway while completing the Border to Border Trail. The Proposal documents are available for review:
Ann Arbor Area 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 |
ALT CommitteeIn April 2002, the City formed the
Alternative Transportation Committee to better coordinate non-motorized transportation efforts across City units and outside stakeholders. The ALT Committee is made up City staff and community partners and 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) - Print copies of this downloadable pdf are available at most local bicycle shops, or through the City's Parks and Recreation Department.
SEMCOG bike map - In addition to its Washtenaw County bike map, SEMCOG creates bike maps of each member county.
MDOT Bike maps - These free downloadable pdfs are available for regions around the State of Michigan.
Bike Parking for your Business (pdf) - A guide for Ann Arbor businesses considering the installation of bike facilities.
Updated August 1, 2011
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