FYI from Jimmy Rigged, Night of the Living Tread Organizer:

night of the living tread is happening today night rain or shine, thunder or lightning. for the last three years we have had perfect weather, so, it was bound to happen eventually. if the weather is terrible i’m simply going to shorten the course. basically it’s going to be a big game of tag. everyone starts out as zombie killers, but, once tagged you must infect another mortal before continuing on to your checkpoints. there is also a moving checkpoint which will be roaming about a certain area. oh, and we just added a professional zombie killer who will be sniping zombies throughout the night. should be interesting.

Stop into Sweetwaters on Washington Street in downtown Ann Arbor this Friday, Oct 30 from 7-9:30am to chat with Zipcar reps about Zipcar Ann Arbor.  They will be handing out Zipcar info and also have some free coffee.  So stop by, say hi, and learn more about Zipcar Ann Arbor!

The getDowntown Program provides sustainable commuting programs and services for downtown Ann Arbor workers and their employers.  As the cold weather approaches, we thought we’d share what we’ve learned about walking and biking to work in Ann Arbor in winter.

Basic Gear for Winter Commuting

• Windproof gear: Keeps you a lot warmer than just fleece
• Waterproof boots/shoes
• Hat, scarf, gloves/mittens
• Balaclava (scarf and hat all in one!)
• Lights (for bike commuting)
• Bus fare for bus in case the weather is just too nasty/you get tired
• Change of clothes for work if you think you’ll get sweaty
• Layers!!!
• Warm socks (Smart Wool, regular wool, etc)
• Fenders for your wheels. Prevent the stripe!

Nice to Have but Not Essential

• Yak-Traks for your shoes (can get at Bivouac and other downtown stores)
• MP3 player/iPod (for walking)
• Beater Bike for winter commuting
• Fixed Gear Bike for winter commuting.
• Chain guard
• Tires with spikes in them.

Basic Hints and Tips for Winter Bike Commuting

• Give yourself more time. When it gets really cold/snowy, it can slow you down.
• Don’t be afraid to get further out onto the street. If the sides of the street are filled with snow, get further out into the lane. This may seem scary, but it is better than wiping out in a snowdrift. Choose routes with lower traffic, or routes with slower speeds.
• About an inch of snow is ok. If it’s only going to snow an inch, you should be able to bike just fine. After that, you might want to be careful.
• Beware of a wet bike and a cold garage. If your bike gets wet and then freezes, you might have some issues with the chain (i.e. it could stick) so either wipe off your wet bike before you store it, or put it someplace warm.
• Snow is a go but ice isn’t nice. Of all conditions, icy ones are actually the worst. When you encounter ice, keep yourself as straight as possible, don’t weave at all. As long as the patch isn’t too long and you aren’t going too fast, you should be ok.
• Stay straight as you can. On both ice and snow, try not to weave much. This is a similar tip that you have when driving in the snow. Sudden turns in wintry conditions can cause you trouble.
• Your feet and hands get cold first. Make sure to get a good pair of windproof gloves or mittens to keep your hands warm and some nice insulated boots for your feet.
• Hats and scarves are also great. I find that my chin gets cold as does my head, so a nice fleece scarf and hat with ear flaps does the trick. And I got both items from Value World.
• Windproof gear rocks. For an outer layer, focus on something windproof. This will help protect you from cold gusts of wind.
• Yes, I do wear a snow suit. When it gets below 20 degrees, I put on a snow suit (the overall kind) over my clothes. It works really well to keep out the cold.
• A beater bike can help keep your regular bike clean and nice. I have an older bike that I use when it gets nasty outside. This helps to protect my nicer bike from salt, debris, and yucky winter weather.
• Lights are essential. When it gets cold, it also gets dark. So don’t forget your lights!
• Once you start biking, you will heat up, so dress in layers that you can remove.
• Finally, don’t bike if you don’t want to. If it’s too snowy or cold, don’t torture yourself. I don’t want you complaining to me that you hate winter biking because you went out when you didn’t really feel like dealing with it. You can always walk or take the bus (which is sometimes what I do when it gets really bad).

More Winter Bike Commuting Hints and Tips

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/water¬proof 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.

The Cycle: Make sure your machine is prepared for the elements

• Fatter tires are better for the winter; there’s more surface area for them to grab onto the available terrain.
• Check your brakes often; apply them early when approaching a stop to clean off their surfaces and your rims and to make sure they haven’t frozen!
• Use lighter lubrication than you would for non-winter condition, and apply it in less quantities but more frequently. Some recommended brands: Boeshield. T-9, White Lightning, Finish Line Cross-Country
• Carry a putty knife or some similar tool for cleaning snow out of “the works” of the bike upon arrival at your destination, especially if there’s the possibility it may not melt before you need to ride again.
• Install fenders (or at least a back fender) for winter riding, but be aware that it may collect snow/ice/other junk during your rides.
• Many people find that studded tires are useful on icy surfaces.
• Outfit yourself (helmet, bag, jacket) and your bike with a white headlight, red backlight and reflective tape (useful for the rest of the year as well!)
• A good LED headlight typically burns brighter and longer than a halogen light using comparable battery power.

Roads/Sidewalks: How to navigate on two wheels in snow/slush/sleet/snow

• Many cyclists actually feel more in control on slippery surfaces on a bike than walking — when cycling, your first reaction when starting to fall is to put your feet down, which is better for your limbs than stopping a fall with your hands. You should, however, be prepared to “tuck and roll” if you’re going too fast to be able to stop yourself with your feet.
• Be on the lookout as you ride for changes in slope (on driveways, sidewalks, crowned/peaked roads, etc.)
• Slow down more than normal for turns and curves
• Watch out also for bumps, pavement joints, grates, manhole covers, etc – any change in terrain can act to trigger a loss of traction.
• Snow that has been tracked through repeatedly by cars or bikes can be quite dangerous; beware of catching your wheel in the tracks of those who’ve gone before.
• Make sure you have bus fare (or a go!pass) in your pocket and a bike lock with you in case you need to lock, walk and ride when the going gets too tough; You should always stop if it gets too cold or dangerous.

Basic Hints and Tips for Winter Walking

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.
• Many people swear by Yak Tracks: These little items help make sure you don’t slip on the ice.

How to get snow/ice removed from a residential sidewalk in Ann Arbor

To report a sidewalk that needs to be shoveled free of snow within the City of Ann Arbor, call Community Standards at (734) 994-1788 (M-F, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.).

Here’s what the law is:

1. All snow and ice which has accumulated on the adjacent public sidewalk prior to 6am must be removed by noon.

2. Within 24 hours after the end of each accumulation of snow greater than 1 inch, the owner of every residentially zoned property must remove the accumulation from the adjacent public sidewalk and ramps leading to a crosswalk.

So if someone is not abiding by these laws, you can call Community Standards at (734) 794-6942 (M-F, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.). When you call, the homeowner will receive a notice which gives them 24 hours to correct the situation. If they don’t correct the situation during that time, Community Standards will plow the sidewalk and charge the homeowner.

There is a lot more info on this on the Snow Removal and Sidewalks page on the City’s website.

And I have been told that calling the Community Standards number is VERY effective at removing snow and ice from sidewalks.

Resources for Winter Commuting

• getDowntown Blog: http://blog.getdowntown.org/category/wintering/
• Great Lakes Cycling and Fitness is doing Winter Commuting Clinics on Nov 4 and Nov 18. More info: http://www.greatlakescycling.com/2009/10/winter-commuting-clinic/
• Icebike: Lots of good winter commuting information: http://www.icebike.com/
• Commute By Bike Blog has lots of great bike commuting hints and tips, including for cold weather: http://commutebybike.com/cats/commuting-101/
• Tips and Tricks for Bicycle Commuting (including winter commuting): http://www.kenkifer.com/bikepages/commute/tricks.htm
• Bike Winter: http://bikewinter.org/main.php
• Cold Weather Walking Tips from About.com: http://walking.about.com/od/cold/Cold_Weather_Walking.htm

Feel free to share your own hints and tips below!

Bonnie Valentine loves the getDowntown Program!

I’ve decided to share my passion for public transportation in hopes of encouraging you to curb your car. It was through the getDowntown Program that I’ve reduced our household to only one vehicle by using public transportation. The benefits are too many to list. Therefore, I’ve narrowed it down to my top ten list.

For those of you who know me I love to create my own lyrics to popular tunes, but this proved to be extremely difficult for me to communicate my lyrics via the Blog posting. However, if you get the opportunity to sit next to me on the bus I’d gladly hum a few bars. Without further ado, drum roll please:

My co-worker and I were walking down Washington Street by Fouth Ave when we noticed this little guy attached to a bike rack:

Apparently it’s a velomobile.  According to the Blue Velo website: “Velomobiles are human powered vehicles. Hand-crafted using light weight materials such as carbon fibre and aluminium they provide an innovative and environmentally friendly alternative for commuting, touring, or personal recreation.”

Looks like this person opted for the Quest Model.  Wonder whose it is?

FYI:

Notice of Temporary Traffic Control Plan

DDA-South Division St Water Main Improvements Project

E. LIBERY ST. (Division to Thompson)

Oct. 31 to Nov. 6, 2009

Location and Limits of Affected Area:

E. Liberty St. from S.Division Street to Thompson Steet.

Description of Construction:

Placement of water main at the intersection of S. Division St and E. Liberty Street

Temporary Construction Traffic Control Plan:

At S. 5th Ave the eastbound traffic on E. Liberty Street will be directed south on Fifth Ave., east on E. William Street , north on Thompson Street, and back on Liberty Street. The Westbound traffic on E. Liberty Street at Thompson Street will be directed south to E. William Street, west to S. Division Street and north on S. Division to E. Liberty 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. 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

Randy Goldhardt, Project Manager (734) 794-6410 x43644

David Clemons, Construction Supervisor, (734) 231-6761

Chris Rachwal, Project Inspector, (734) 323-7144

E.T.Mackenzie Company

John Niemiec, Project Superintendant, (734) 216-0995

When it comes to encouraging people to bike, bus, walk or carpool, no one sets a better example than your boss.  That’s why the getDowntown Program is taking a moment to highlight some downtown business managers who demonstrate a commitment to using sustainable transportation and encourage their employees to do the same.  These interviews provide insight into why these leaders use sustainable transportation, how it benefits their employees and much more.

Our first interview is with Bonnie Valentine, Business Lead, the Whole Brain Group.  The Whole Brain Group is a small women-owned business that provides custom web-based software for a variety of clients from academic institutions to hospitals.  The Whole Brain Group is based in downtown Ann Arbor.

Now, on with the interview . . .

Leading by Example: Bonnie Valentine, Business Lead, the Whole Brain Group.

getDowntown (gDt): Do you try to walk, bike, bus, carpool etc to work?
Bonnie Valentine (BV): My primary methods of transportation are a combination of walking and  the bus.  However, once I reach my downtown office I’ll carpool with  co-workers to meetings or events outside of downtown limits.

gDt: Why is  sustainable commuting important to you?
BV: My reasons for walking and using the bus to commute are many.  Most important to me is reducing my carbon footprint and setting an example to others that an automobile isn’t necessarily the answer for
transportation.

gDt:  What do you do to encourage others at your workplace to try biking, busing, walking, etc?
BV: Continue talking about my personal experiences from meeting other’s  during my commute.  Remind them of my dollar savings from reducing the  need of a second family car, insurance, gas, less parking tickets and  monthly parking expense.  Lead by example in working from home -  telecommuting – a couple days of week.

gDt:  Have all of the different transportation options there are to get to downtown benefited your employees and/or your business?  If so, how so?  If not, why not?
BV: The bus has assisted our employees getting to and from the Ann Arbor Office  on 5th Avenue/Washington.  In the past we had an employee that  commuted from Chelsea using the Chelsea Express Bus.  Many employees
telecommute – one employee from New York – and we use conference  phone, online tools (documents, chat, presentation) not only with employees, but clients on our national roster saving cost on air transportation.

gDt: What would be the single best thing that downtown Ann Arbor could do to make it easier for people to get downtown by biking, walking, busing, etc.?
BV: It would be great if the downtown A2 would create a partnership with a  local gym facility for biking commuters requiring a shower and  clothing change.  Possibly a discount or flash your pass to gain
access to showers and lockers at YMCA, UM, or other gyms.  My co-workers and I have biked in the past.  Our main hang up for not  continuing via bike transportation is due to our offices not having  showers.  It is hard to sit across from a client after an aerobic work- out.

gDt: What do you hear from your employees about what they would like to see related to commuting to work in downtown Ann Arbor?
BV: The Zipcar fleet was a nice addition, but the main issue continues to be parking downtown.  We can walk to a meeting location faster than signing up for Zipcar and then finding and paying for parking for
shuttling between client meetings.

gDt: What is the best thing about having your business downtown?
BV: The best thing about having a downtown office is the close proximity  to clients and networking events.  In addition, our office is the central meeting point for all employees.  We have employees from Yspilanti, Ann Arbor, and Dexter.

gDt: What would you like to see happen downtown in the next 10 years?
In the next ten years, I’d like to see a mass transit plan implemented with connections from downtown to access outside the City Limits of  Ann Arbor.  Including transportation hooks to move people across the townships of Ann Arbor into the current bus routes of downtown Ann Arbor.  Increase bus access moving across town on the edges of city limits via bus services without going downtown through the bus depot i.e. North Campus Plymouth Road to Arborland.

Possibly, have the AATA and AAPS work together to provide adequate transportation services to middle and high school (not elementary school) students access to school via public transportation methods.  Finally, I’d like delivery
vehicles which idle in the downtown streets and alleys be electric or a form of non-petro fuel to further reduce pollution and carbon.

gDt: What is one thing the getDowntown Program could do to help your employees with getting to work by busing, biking, walking etc?
BV: The getDowntown May Commuter Challenge is a great motivator to get employees using different methods of transportation.  Usually habits are formed after the 30 days that create lasting effects.  Maybe add
another Commuter Challenge against another town similar in size.

gDt: Any advice or words of wisdom for new businesses moving into downtown Ann Arbor?
BV: Words of advice for new businesses moving into downtown A2 are to consider incentives for employees to commute.  New employees generally look to receive compensation for having to pay for their parking downtown.  The employer can offer an incentive to employees who commute to by providing them a stipend for curbing their car.   Employers can offer telecommuting on certain days of the week.

MOVING MINDS: THE NEXT TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE is coming up fast -
 November 9 – 12 in Ann Arbor. Hotel blocks are filling up and the early-
bird rate ends October 22 (this Thursday) end of day.

For more information go to
 http://um-smart.org and click on the SMART summit link in the left margin.

Special Highlights Include:

•       The world (and the country) at your doorstep. Urban transportation thought leaders, practitioners, business leaders 
and policy makers from the U.S. and around the world

•       New Mobility Primer Salon – Mon. Nov 9, 6:30 pm – free & open to
 the public

•       New Mobility Entrepreneurs forum, also Monday night

•       Moving Minds public event – The psychology of our transportation 
choices and new visions for the next generation of transportation

•       Special working luncheon to connect SE Michigan transportation 
initiatives – Tues. Nov 10. (SMART’s Connect & Prosper Initiative
 celebrates its new supporting partner, the Mott Foundation).

•       Design in Motion Breakfast – forging the link between design, mobility
 & accessibility (at Angelo’s – delicious) – Wed. Nov. 11

•       Special working luncheon on New Mobility, resilience, and national 
security (Wed. Nov 11)

•       New Mobility Means Business – a panel focused on the emerging
 business opportunities of innovative transportation in an urbanizing world

•       Hands-on mapping session linking real estate and New Mobility – in 
partnership with the UM-ULI Real Estate Forum (see 
http://www.umuliforum.com/)

•       Policy & Research panel Wed Nov 11, setting the stage for a focused all-
afternoon collaborative research workshop geared to accelerating
 sustainable transportation implementation – Thurs. Nov. 12

Come one, come all, it’s the Fall Commuting Fair at Kerrytown Shops

When: Thurs. October 22nd, 3-5pm

What:

–Free bike tune ups to go!pass holders (compliments of Wheels in Motion)
–Free apples and cider
–Check out a Zipcar
–Other fun stuff!

Stop by and say hi!  We’ll be over by the Sweetwaters entrance.  Inside if the weather is rainy.

Like many of you, I am very interested in seeing the Ann Arbor to Detroit Commuter Rail project come to fruition.  There are tens of thousands of people who commute from Wayne County to Washtenaw County every day.  These folks have no other alternative but to drive.  Commuter rail from Ann Arbor to Detroit would be a great way to offer stressed-out commuters another option and also has potential for great economic benefits for the region.

As I said, I’m not the only one who wants this to happen.  Check out this blog post from Crain’s about an Ann Arborite who would love to commute to his job in Detroit via train.

Finally, if you’d like an update on the progress for the A2-Detroit Commuter Rail, click here. It’s a PDF report from SEMCOG.