Hello all,

Here is a summary of the results from the Ear to the Street Reception survey from this last Weds. I hope to put this survey out to others on our e-newsletter this Monday so we can get even more info.

And just one caveat about the results. There were a lot of Bike Ambassadors and Bike Advocates at this event, which is probably why there are so many comments related to biking. But maybe that’s also because so many people love biking.

Please comment with any of your thoughts:

Question 1: What is the most challenging thing about commuting to downtown Ann Arbor?

• 6 people said Parking. Some additional comments related to this issue were that parking is costly and not as close as it could be.
• There were 6 comments related to bike commuting, specifically, the challenge of dressing for the weather as well as issues with maintenance and prevalence of bike lanes and challenges around bikes and cars following the rules of the road.
• There were 3 comments related to drivers, specifically that some drivers are too fast and careless and not kind to bikers.
• Other challenges include
  • the expense of gas vs. the time it takes to ride the bus from Ypsi
  • no alternatives further out of the area
  • automotive traffic density
• One kind person wrote that there were no challenges.
• In total 20 people responded to this question.

Question 2: What is the best thing about commuting to downtown Ann Arbor?

These comments were a lot more varied. They included

• Presence of alternatives to driving alone
• Being downtown with the shops and the UM (2 comments)
• Amenities such as bike paths, bike parking (3 comments)
• Closeness of all of the shops
• getting exercise (2 comments)
• fresh air
• the environmental benefits of alternative modes of commuting
• It’s so easy
• 19 people provided responses to this question

Question 3: What programs and services would you like to see getDowntown Provide?

• The go!pass program (checked by 11 people)
• Curb Your Car Month/Commuter Challenge (11 people)
• Bike Lockers (6 people)
• Bikefest (5 people with some people also indicating they don’t know what this is)
• Individual presentations to employers on commuting (5 people)
• Workshops on issues relevant to commuting (4 people)
• Bike Winter (4 people, with some people indicating they don’t know what this is)
• The following were checked by 3 or less people
  • Info on walking
  • Info on telecommuting
  • Info on Biking
  • Bike Ambassador Program
  • Info on Busing
• 4 people checked “other”. Here were their thoughts:
  • bike law education for bikers and law enforcement
  • advocate for biking/walking paths (non-motorized)
  • commuter rail from Ypsi
  • Drivers and bikers education

Question 4: Other comments and suggestions

• To provide bus maps-downtown maps, local businesses-we could handout to new employees
• Keep up the great work and website informatio
• NoMo (nonmotorized transportation) is the future wave!
• Doing a good job
• Scooter parking and programs would be great. It’s a wonderful, fuel-efficient way to commute but no where to park
• more workable parking option for motor scooters like special smaller spaces, racks, make it free to encourage leaving cars at home

After I take some time to chew over these responses and also get more info I am sure I will post some more thoughts on this blog. Until that time, I’d love to hear what you think.