This Commuter Challenge Ambassador Post is from Ashley B. over at at re:group in downtown Ann Arbor:

It’s only 3 more days until the start of the commuter challenge! I can’t wait to get started. I only committed to 5 days, but I think there’s a good chance it will be more. My inspiration first started when I went out for a run into downtown and found myself at work before I knew it. I realized biking would be even easier and went home and researched bike racks. Then, I came across the commuter challenge on Twitter, and knew it was just the push I needed! I thought back to my environmental classes at U of M, and  the studies that showed how important it was to get out and be immersed in nature. I don’t do that enough! I get my best ideas when I’m out walking and quietly thinking. It will be a great time to get fresh air, exercise and a moment for introspection in a busy world!

getDowntown has equipped Commuter Challenge Ambassadors with prizes to hand out to people who have shown a commitment to sustainable commuting.  Here’s a Prize Patrol report from Commuter Challenge Ambassador Logan S. from Arbor Brewing Company:

Hello Nancy,  I just received my package of prizes and already started giving them out to bikers who ride by the Arbor Brewing Company.  People are delighted when you explain that the prizes are an effort to spread the word on sustainability.  By the end of the Month these buttons should be a hot commodity for those around the Ypsilanti-Ann Arbor area.  Thank You for letting me in on the fun!

You too can join in the fun by participating in the Commuter Challenge.

FYI from the City of Ann Arbor:

Notice of Temporary Traffic Control Plan
WEST STADIUM AT PAULINE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
Construction April 20 to August 2009

Location and Limits of Affected Area: West Stadium Blvd from the Pauline intersection to Suffolk Street.

Description of Construction: The road will be reconstructed with the addition of bike lanes on both sides. The water main replaced and the storm sewer will be upsized to provide detention and water quality improvements. New street lights will be added.

Temporary Construction Traffic Control Plan for Stage 2: Beginning April 27, Pauline Blvd will be closed to eastbound traffic at the intersection. The resulting detour will be Maple to Liberty to Seventh OR Maple to Scio Church to Seventh. Westbound Pauline traffic will be maintained. West Stadium Blvd traffic will be restricted to two lanes between Pauline and Alhambra.

When construction is on the west side of the road, pedestrian traffic will be detoured via Pauline and Alhambra.

During this construction the traffic may experience brief delays within the areas influenced by this work. Detour signs will be posted for this construction; however the motorists are advised to seek alternate routes. To maintain the safety of all, please reduce speeds and drive cautiously through work zones. We thank you in advance for your patience as these necessary public infrastructure improvements are completed.

Project Contacts:
City of Ann Arbor
Elizabeth Rolla, P.E., Senior Project Manager (734) 794-6410 x43636
David Clemons, Construction Supervision, (734) 323-7942
Jeff Kroll, Civil Engineering Specialist, (734) 323-8031

Dan’s Excavating, Inc
Mitch Master, Construction Contractor, (586) 254-4764

FYI from the City of Ann Arbor:

Notice of Temporary Traffic Control Plan
LIBERTY STREET (DIVISION TO MAIN ST) RESURFACING
Construction April 27 to June 19, 2009

Location and Limits of Affected Area: East Liberty from Division to Main Street.

Description of Construction: East Liberty Street will be resurfaced with some curb replacements.

Temporary Construction Traffic Control Plan: Eastbound traffic will be maintained and westbound traffic will be detoured via Division to Huron Street to Main Street.

Pedestrian traffic will be maintained at all times.

During this construction the traffic may experience brief delays within the areas influenced by this work. Detour signs will be posted for this construction; however the motorists are advised to seek alternate routes. To maintain the safety of all, please reduce speeds and drive cautiously through work zones. We thank you in advance for your patience as these necessary public infrastructure improvements are completed.
Project Contacts:
City of Ann Arbor
Elizabeth Rolla, P.E., Senior Project Manager (734) 794-6410 x43636
David Clemons, Construction Supervision, (734) 323-7942
Rob Wagner, Civil Engineering Specialist, (734) 323-5604

Ajax Paving Industries
Brad Hillard, Construction Contractor, (248) 841-3153

One of my Commuter Challenge Captains asked a couple of good questions regarding the Commuter Challenge.  I tried to answer the questions as best I could.  Perhaps you are having the same questions, or might want to offer your two cents:

I have two burning questions for your from some of the staff.  Many employees work 10 hour days, 4 day work week.  Is there any credit that is given for this scenario for the saved day of commuting?

My response: For the employees that work 10 hour days, we don’t really have a way this year to credit them for working 40 hours in 4 days instead of 5.  Next year we might be able to add a “compressed workweek”
option to account for this.

Also, some of the engineers that work on Emissions made this comment regarding motorcycle and moped credit for the challenge.  How should I respond to this?

***Are we sending the wrong signal here?

I understand the GHG benefit of riding a moped or motorcycle is significant, but I believe the emission levels of other pollutants (like hydrocarbons, including air toxics, and PM) from these bikes is actually higher per mile than most cars.

In terms of a combined environmental and health impacts point of view, I’d say moped and motorcycles are definitely a mixed bag.

My response: I know the motorcycle/moped thing is controversial.  It also depends on the type of vehicle.  I know some people have electric scooters, which don’t have any emissions.  This might be something I put up on the blog as something to discuss.

Throughout the Commuter Challenge, getDowntown has people on the street who are handing out prizes to people who show a commitment to sustainable commuting.  This Prize Patrol Report comes from Commuter Challenge Ambassador Elizabeth Tidd.

On my way home tonight, a fellow year-round bicycle commuter pulled up next to me at Williams and Main. I told him I was part of the GetDowntown Prize Patrol and I would like to award him a prize for his efforts. After I managed to dig the prizes out of my bag, he chose the U/M magnetic photo frame. Before we continued on our commute, I asked him his name: Dan.  I figured that’s about all I could remember, so I didn’t ask anymore questions but told him to look for my blog.  So, Dan, if you’re out there, Congratulations!