Your help needed with the getDowntown e-newsletter.

The October issue going to be focused on biking.

Please email me your hints and tips on commuting by bike including any brands of bikes you like for commuting, bike commuting accessories, and great places to commute in Ann Arbor.

Also, something I thought might be nice to have in the enewsletter and on the getDowntown Blog would be what the area bike shops have for people who want to commute.

So if you are up for it, visit a bike shop, let them know you are getting information for the getDowntown enews on bike commuting. You can ask the person the following questions:

1. What’s the best bike for bike commuting?
2. What’s the cheapest bike for bike commuting?
3. How do I deal with bike commuting in the winter?
4. What sort of accessories/clothing do you recommend for bike commuting?
5. What if I have a kid? How do I commute on bike with an infant? A school age child?

So basically, I’d like people to know what is out there at some of the stores. If you go to a store, let me know which one you visited and the answers they gave to the questions. Feel free to add new questions. If you want to answer any of these questions, go for it. If you want to take pictures and email them to me, that’s fine as well. If you want your info in the enewsletter, get it to me by Sept 28^th. If you get it to me later, I’ll post it on the blog.

Thanks!

Ahh, it feels good to be back. Previous to coming to the getDowntown Program, I was at SOS Community Services where I started the blog SOS News and Views, which is still going on today. I have finally made it back to the blogging world with the getDowntown blog. I hope this blog is a place for me to share news, events, and info on commuting to downtown Ann Arbor and where you can give your feedback, ideas, and thoughts.

But before I begin with my stuff, I want to acknowledge all of those who have gone before me, namely those other folks who write about commuting, alternative transportation, etc. all over the country. You can see the blogs I’ve found in the blogroll on this page. Please let me know if there are others you’d like me to add.

I’ve been with getDowntown since July 2007, so I’m still really new. I am a bicyclist, bus rider, and walker. I live on the far west side so I can bike to work most days. I have been in Ann Arbor since 2002 with my husband, Chuck. And since we bought a house, there’s no chance we’ll be leaving anytime soon.

For now, I’m working on go!pass stuff with the getDowntown program, but look forward to other exciting things to come.

One of the most exciting events I am working on right now is an Ear to the Street Reception.

What: Ear to the Street Reception
When: September 26, 2007, 4-6pm
Where: The Metro Cafe, Kerrytown

Why: getDowntown is inviting downtown employers to meet with us, the AATA, the DDA, Michivan, the Washtenaw Biking and Walking Coalition, and the City. We want to hear what employers have to say about commuting to the downtown so getDowntown can provide the best possible services and really help people commute in ways that are earth-friendly, community-oriented, healthy, and fun!

If you want to attend: You MUST RSVP since space is limited. RSVP to me at nancy@annarborchamber.org

I have lots of other ideas and thoughts, but I’ll save them for another post. Look forward to hearing from you.

Nancy: nancy@annarborchamber.org