From the AATA:

AATA installing 13 new bus shelters

ANN ARBOR, MI – Thirteen new bus shelters are slated for installation by the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (AATA) next week. Seven are replacing shelters that are more than 20 years old and can no longer be properly maintained, while six will be installed at new locations.

In preparation for the installations, the old shelters have been removed and new cement pads have been poured where needed to assure compliance under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

In response to recent inquiries from passengers following the removal of the old shelters, AATA Manager of Service Development Chris White said, “We want to assure our passengers that the shelters that have been removed will be replaced. Notices to this effect were placed in the shelters before they were removed.”

According to White, the new shelters feature the first design update for AATA bus shelters since 1981. The new shelters feature a black anodized-finish frame with a light blue powder-coated fascia, a barrel-vaulted roof with a gray tinted acrylic glazing and gray tinted tempered glass side panels.

The shelters will all include benches and some, where there are routine maintenance agreements with local property owners, will have waste receptacles. Most of the shelters measure six feet by 12 feet in various configurations; two are slightly smaller to fit locations with a narrower right-of-way.

The cost of the shelters and installation is funded by a federal transit grant, White said.

The bus shelters have been constructed and will be installed by Duo-Gard Industries of Canton, Michigan.

In announcing the addition of the new locations, White said, “The dramatic increase in the number of riders in the last two years has significantly increased the number of high-volume bus stops, that is, those with 50 or more passenger boardings per day. We are placing our six new shelters at high-volume bus stops and will be adding more shelters at heavily used stops and installing new stand-alone benches at additional locations next year.“

Sure, this rates high on the Wonk-o-meeter, but this interview with Todd Litman, founder and Executive Director of the Victoria Transport Policy Institute and author of “Parking Management Best Practices,” is worth reading for anyone concerned about parking.

Among some of the gems in this interview are Litman’s “Common misconceptions about planning and parking”:

1. Abundant, free parking is always best for business.
2. It is best to adhere to conventional parking standards.
3. Americans (or Canadians, Italians, English, etc.) have a love affair with their cars. They will never give them up. They will never walk more than 100 steps from a parking space to a destination.
4. Parking management is “anti-car.”

Intrigued? Check out the interview here: Meet the Author

In the Spirit of the season, I thought I’d point you to a post on Commute by Bike that gives a bunch of gift ideas for the cyclist in your life.

Want to shop locally?  Check out the Resources for Bicyclists page on getdowntown.org for a list of local bike shops. 

This has got to be read to be believed: huge sound systems on bikes!

Check it out: Bicycles that Carry Powerful Beats, and Even a Rider or Two. 

A little while I wrote about A2D2, the group that is working to shape the future look and feel of the downtown.

A2D2 recently had a meeting and at it they discussed what kind of transportation would be needed to truly meet the needs of downtown workers.

The A2D2 newsletter highlights some of the key points of this discussion.  At at one page, it’s a quick read.  Check it out: A2D2 newsletter. 

You too can bike to work with style and ease all winter long (I do!).

Here are some tips to help you along:

Winter Cycling Tips

“People often don’t expect to see cyclists in foul weather; we are not as much on the radar screen. Just because we can see them, doesn’t mean they can see us. Cyclists are often invisible in the canyon of shadows created by street lights and car headlights. A disproportionate number of bicycle/car crashes happen in the dark!!” (http://bikewinter.org/tipsAndResources/visibility.php)

Keeping Warm, Dry and VISIBLE

In General:

Layering is key for winter cycling; invest in a pannier into which to discard your layers if you get warm.

Keep your change of clothes in leak-proof plastic bag inside your normal bag.

Torso:

Some people find that a sweatshirt and wind/water­proof shell are sufficient for keeping the torso warm in even the coldest of weather.

IllumiNITE (illuminite.com) makes cycling jackets that are reflective all over.

Legs:

Similarly, a pair of rain pants retains plenty of warmth in your legs on the coldest of days.

Reflective leg-bands are useful for both visibility & safety.

Head:

You’ll want to layer under your helmet with a hat, earmuffs, balaclava, etc; whichever is appropriate for the weather. Take your helmet shopping with you so you can choose the appropriate thickness/fit.

Try placing your hat on a heater vent before heading outside; this method will keep your head warm until the circulation from your cycling exertions take over.

Face/Neck:

You can lose a lot of heat around your neck area. If your shell does not have a collar that seals tight, try a neck band/”dickey”-type.

Hands/Arms:

Layering on hands/arms is key. Depending on the length of your ride your core will warm up but your limbs might not.

Ski gloves work well in most temperatures; glove liners underneath make them suitable for the winter.

Ski mittens may work better for those with poor circulation.

Feet:

Waterproof boots make the best winter cycling shoes.

Neoprene socks layered with another pair of winter socks work very well on the coldest days.

No, it’s not the Arctic, but walking to work in the Winter can get a little chilly.

Here are some tips to keep you warm and safe.

Winter Tips for Walkers

I. Layer!

Layer 1: Keep dry. Wear lightweight, wicking fabrics

Layer 2: Keep warm. Wear insulating fabrics like fleece or wool that can be easily removed — Avoid cotton, instead aiming for clothes made out of material that will keep moisture away from your skin, so you won’t get cold.”

Layer 3: Keep out the elements. Wear a waterproof and windproof outer jacket.

II. Be Visible

Especially in snowy weather, wear bright colors and/or reflective gear so drivers can see you.

ALWAYS walk on the sidewalk! If there are no sidewalks and you have to walk in the street, walk facing oncoming cars and stay close to the curb. When at crosswalks, wait until the cars are completely stopped before crossing.

III. Stay Warm/Dry:

Wear warm socks, like wool, or two pairs, but be careful of blisters

Invest in waterproof shoes or boots with good traction for slippery surfaces. Light hiking boots may work well, though boots built for heavy hiking might be too cumbersome.

Wear windproof and waterproof hats, gloves, and scarves.

IV. Be Prepared:

Carry or store dry socks, shoes and clothing at your final destination.

Consider carrying a day pack with some/all the following items: tissues, lip protection, a fold-up poncho, sunscreen (yes, winter sun is harmful), dry skin cream, sunglasses (to cut glare on snow and ice), & quarters for pay phones or soda/water machines.

Bring water! Don’t assume you only need water in summertime. Dry winter air is dehydrating, and you do sweat away water in winter, you just don’t always realize it.

So I just read the article in this month’s Observer in the “My Town” section.  It’s called “AATA Culture,” where the writer (a grad student) gives her take on the culture of AATA Buses.

Among her observations:

• “Even though the same people gather every day at the same bus stop, none of us acknowledges that fact.”
• “Once you board, the rule is never to sit next to a person in a two-person seat if you can find a seat alone.”
• [a paraphrase here] Don’t say anything to people who use cell phones loudly because they will glare at you.

Ok,  so that’s her experience of AATA culture.  I’ve see things somewhat differently.  Sure, there are elements of don’t-talk-to-me-when-I-am-on-the-bus culture, but there is also very much a community culture on the bus that both I and others have experienced.

A DTE Energy Employee who has ridden the bus in various places for about 30 years tells me about the friends she’s made on the Packard #5 bus,  They call themselves the “Route 5 Ladies” and they always chat with each other when they get on the bus.  In fact, when one of them is sick or doesn’t take the bus for awhile, the others will call and check on that person.  The Route 5 Ladies even have a favorite bus driver, who they say is going to drive them around the country when they all retire.  That’s AATA Culture, too.

I recall many times I’ve sat on the bus and someone gets on with a small child.  Many other passengers make funny faces at the cute kid and sometimes exchange kind words with the parent.   That’s AATA Culture, too.

I remember one day walking to a bus stop and seeing a local shop manager standing there.  We had a great conversation all the way into the downtown.  That’s AATA Culture, too.

I think a lot of it depends on what you want to get out of the bus ride.  Do we all just want to stand there ignoring each other, or do we want to reach out?

Sometimes I wish I was more like that guy who just says hello to people when they get on the bus.  Sure, he’s a little off, but he’s also opening himself up to new people and possibly new friends.

I say AATA Culture is what you make it.  Sure, there have been plenty of times that I’ve just gotten on the bus and zoned out.  But the times I’ve chatted with the driver, the times I’ve chatted with a fellow bus rider, those are the times that make me realize how much community, and culture, The Ride brings into my life.

And then there’s the guy on the bus who says “They’ll be shakin’ in Cincinnati.”  I love that guy!

As I had indicated before, Wheels in Motion Bikeshop is organizing the Worst Day of the Year Ride this year.  Well, they have been cool enough to create a blog for the event!

You can check out the blog here: worstdayridw2008.blogspot.com 

Like to bike in a blizzard?

Want to walk in a Winter Wonderland?

Well then, let us know!  Post your winter commuting tips here so others can be as awesome as you are.  What do you wear?  How do you deal with the snow?  Any crazy winter commuting stories?  Let’s hear it!