A recent article in USA Today finds that even though gas prices are low, people are still driving less:

Unlike previous cycles, cheaper gas hasn’t inspired Americans to drive more. While some of their reluctance to return to their old ways may be due to the bad economy, some transportation experts say something bigger is happening.

What’s that something bigger?  Well, according to the article it’s a couple of things:

1. It’s the declining economy, stupid!
2. When people start to walk, bike, bus, carpool etc. they start to notice that hey, it’s kind of nice.

Click here to read the article: Americans driving less, unmoved by lower gas prices.

The City of Ann Arbor recently did an inventory of it’s bike lanes.

You can find the draft 2008 Bike Lane Inventory report here. It’s big so it may take awhile to load.

Overall, while there was more signage on the roads related to bike lanes, many of the lanes are in need of repair or restriping.  Of the 34 lanes inventoried, 15 showed a decrease in quality from 2007 and 7 showed and increase in quality from 2007.

I am not sure what the plan of action is to address some of the issues outlined in the report.

As always, if you have a comment, the best thing to do is to email your City Council member.

FYI:

Notice of Temporary Traffic Control Plan
South State Street from Mckinley ave. to granger ave.
7:00 AM Saturday November 22, through 6:00 AM Monday November 24, 2008
and
7:00 AM Saturday December 6, 2008 through 6:00 AM Monday December 8, 2008

Location and Limits of Affected Area:
S. State Street, from Stimson St to Packard St.

Description of Construction:
The UM contractor for the Indoor Football Practice Facility will install a new storm sewer lead from the building site to the existing storm sewer main on S. State St, and will restore the road pavement road after the completion of the underground utilities.

Temporary Construction Traffic Control Plan:
The local and southbound traffic will be maintained at all times. The through northbound traffic will be directed east on Stimson, north on S. Industrial, east on Stadium Blvd and north on Packard St and back to State Street.

Pedestrian Traffic
Pedestrian traffic will be maintained throughout the project on the East side of S.State Street. Access to all residences will be maintained at all times.

Project Contacts:
City of Ann Arbor
Troy Baughman, Project Engineer, (734) 997-1695
David Clemons, Technician Supervisor, (734) 323-7942
Chris Rachwal, Technician, (734) 323-7144