Seems like there are more and more cyclists out on the roads these days.  Here are some basic tips for drivers to ensure the safety of both bikes and cars on the road.  a2karen for many of these tips:

• don’t speed up to get around a cyclist, slow down until you can safely pass the cyclists if you have to do so.
• If you can, move into the other lane to avoid driving right next to the cyclist.
• Give cyclists space to ride…clearance should be 3-4 feet
• Honking is never appreciated by cyclists, they have the same rights on the road and it’s way too loud.
• Sometimes the cyclist is in the middle of road because they have to, due to potholes…branches, etc.
• Please do not make a right turn around a cyclist at a red light.  When in the road, a cyclist is like a car, so treat it like one.
• Sometimes a cyclist has to run a red light if it is a turning light and the light does not detect the cyclists.  Many turning lights have sensors that do not detect cyclists.
• When making left or right turns, always look to make sure there is not a cyclist coming up behind you.  This is especially true when turning right on a road with a bike lane.

And here are some tips for cyclists when on the road

• The best place for a cyclist is in the road.  This is where drivers will see you.  Only bike on sidewalks if you feel that it is unsafe to be in the street because of traffic speed or other reasons.  Whenever you can, it is best to be on the street.
• Please signal when making turns.  This makes you more predictable.  In that same vein, do not weave in and out of traffic.  Again, the more predictable you are, the better.
• Don’t run red lights.  It’s illegal and can be dangerous.
• When a bike lane ends or when you approach a light, it is best to “take the lane”.  This means, get into the lane with the cars so that you can be easily seen (but of course, wait for a chance to get in that lane just like you would if you were a car).

These are the tips I can think of off the top of my head.  Any others?

Google recently unveiled a new feature on it’s Google Map application.  It allows you to figure out walking directions to a destination.  It’s still in the beta phase.  Here’s what one person has to say about the new feature.

I just tried putting in directions from my house to my work and it basically showed what I do.  But what Google Maps doesn’t show are the back routes I can take that cut time off my walk.  For example, there is a sidewalk behind a bunch of houses on Liberty that I take that gets me on Liberty faster than taking a major street.  Google maps doesn’t know that.

I am glad to have an extra tool, but it seems to have some of the same flaws I’ve seen in Google Transit.  It’s just not a human being with intimate knowledge of the area.  So like Google Transit, the walking function can give you a way to get to your location by walking, it just might not be the best or fastest way.

I just wish that Google would have some way for users to provide feedback to the program so that we could comment on things like “Actually, you can get there using this street” or “This route actually makes more sense”.  I’d just like the program to learn from its mistakes rather than repeat them.

All in all, it’s nice to have these features.  But always remember to check something out first.  And when in doubt, email getDowntown, the AATA, or talk to a friend or co-worker!

FYI from the AATA:

AATA to detour around film production

ANN ARBOR, MI – The Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (AATA) will detour three routes July 28 through 31 due to production of a new feature film along Liberty Street.

Liberty Street will be closed between Seventh and Ashley streets. First Street will also be closed between William and Washington streets.

The routes affected are 12A – Miller-Liberty, 12B – Liberty-Miller and 12UL – Liberty-University. Nine bus stops will be affected.

Passengers may board Routes 12A or 12B along Liberty west of Seventh or at the Blake Transit Center. Riders may board the 12UL (westbound) on Huron between Main and Ashley or on Liberty at Eighth. Route 12UL (eastbound) will serve stops on Liberty at Eberwhite and Huron east of Fourth Avenue.

Alternate bus stop information will be posted at the bus stops not served.

For the latest AATA detour information, visit www.TheRide.org, or call 734.996.0400.

This just in!  Ten Thousand Villages Ann Arbor is now offering a go!pass discount!

Just show your go!pass when you make your purchase and you’ll receive 10% off all non-sale merchandise.

You can check out all of the great go!pass discounts by clicking here.

I just received the text for the Ann Arbor Bike Ordinance from the City of Ann Arbor.  Most of the Ordinance language hasn’t been changed since 1974.  I’ve put the language on my website for your reference.  You can find it here: Ann Arbor Bike Ordinance Language

It’s actually pretty interesting to read because it has things I didn’t know.  For example:

• Cyclists are allowed to ride to the left on a one-way street
• You are required by law to have your bike registered (you can do this through the City Clerk’s Office)
• You must have lights if you are riding between 1/2 hour after sunset and 1/2 hour before sunrise

Good to know.

Mary Stasiak of the AATA and I collaborated on an Ann Arbor News Other Voices piece yesterday highlighting some things you can do right now to cut down on commuting costs.

You can read the article here: Check out these 10 ways to cut down on commuting costs

Here’s a great thread applying the Five Stages of Grief to high gas prices.

A possible Ann Arbor downtown worker version

1. Denial: Well, it’s still much more convenient to drive to work every single day, and most people who ride buses/bikes/walk/carpool are not like me anyway.  Besides, I can grab the cheap gas in Ypsi before I get to work.

2. Anger: Why does it cost so much to park downtown!  Why doesn’t my boss give me a gas card or something!

3. Bargaining: If gas prices go down just a little bit I promise I’ll stop cursing at those smug cyclists.

4. Depression: I might as well just quit my job.  Maybe I could live off of those bread ends from Zingerman’s and Ann Arbor tap water  . . .

5. Acceptance: Fine!  I get it.  Gas prices aren’t going to go down.  Let’s check the getDowntown website.  Hmm, maybe I can start using my go!pass to ride the bus for free, or find a carpool partner, or try biking to work one day a week, or . . .

Want to know what’s going on with the Detroit to Ann Arbor Commuter Rail? How about the Howell to Ann Arbor proposal? Transit Riders United has a great summary of the current news on these and other projects.

Check it out here: Current Detroit-Area Rapid Transit Projects

This story just appeared in the Ann Arbor News today. Apparently Ann Arbor police are issuing tickets to cyclists who run red lights and disobey other traffic laws.

This is an issue that has long divided cyclists.  I know of cyclists who run right through red lights and do all sort of other illegal things, but don’t think it’s problem because of the situation.

Since I am representing an organization that promotes bike commuting, I feel extremely obligated to obey the laws and always stop at red lights and stop signs.

Except of course, as one commenter on the story points out, I HAVE to run a red light because the signal does not recognize me.  If I am turning left onto Stadium from Liberty (say to go to Ace or Arbor Farms) and there are no other cars in the turning lane, the signal doesn’t change for me.

So I guess the challenge is that while the same rules apply to bikes and cars in the road, they are not treated as the same type of vehicles, either by signals or sometimes by other motorists.

I am glad to see this issue brought up in the News.  Let’s hope it generates some lively discussion.

The getDowntown Program (www.getdowntown.org) seeks a detail-oriented people person with an interest in sustainable transportation to provide administrative support for our programs and services. An ideal candidate would have experience with customer service, strong communication and computer skills, and the ability to work on a variety of projects at one time.

Send cover letter and resume to: getdowntown@annarborchamber.org

A longer job description can be found here: http://www.getdowntown.org/about/index.html