The AATA has a couple of service alerts out because of the snow.  If you want to get these send directly to your email inbox, subscribe to MyRide.  Many AATA buses are running about 10 minutes behind.

To check on the status of your bus, you can go to AATA’s Routes and Schedules page and select a route, or you can go to the Mobile RideTrak, which works better for mobile devices.

Here are the alerts that most impact downtown Ann Arbor Commuters:

• Route 17: Due to road conditions, Route 17 cannot serve Fifth Ave from Beakes to Depot via the Blake Transit Center.
• Route 13: Due to road conditions, there is no service north of Sunset.
• Route 14: Due to road conditions, Route 14 cannot serve Overridge.

Keep in mind that all AATA buses are still running, despite the bad weather.

Some benefits for choosing to ride the bus instead of driving your car on days like this:

• If you take the bus, you don’t have to shovel your car out and deal with residential streets.
• If you take the bus, you don’t have to warm your car up.   AATA buses are heated already.
• Buses are a lot bigger than small cars, which can feel comforting on a snowy day when your car might not handle as well.
• You don’t have to stress out about driving in the snow–leave the driving to an experienced bus driver.
• You can enjoy the snow rather than cursing it.
• Rides are free on all AATA buses with your go!pass.

Where do you go to find information on the best places to eat downtown? What about where to grab the best cup of coffee? Chances are you have a go-to source for this kind of information, whether it is a friend, a co-worker, or some online source.

But who could you turn to for help with your downtown commute? Maybe you’re sick and tired of paying for parking. Maybe you’re new to the downtown and what to get a sense of all your options.

No matter the reason, there is a great resource you can use if you work in downtown Ann Arbor. It’s the getDowntown Program. The getDowntown Program provides FREE commuting information for employees in downtown Ann Arbor. We know the bus routes, have figured out Park & Ride lots, and ride our bikes to work. We can answer any downtown commuting questions you have, and we can do it for free.

Click here to ask getDowntown a Commuting Question

Commuting Questions Answered

Here’s a taste of the kind of questions we can answer. These are actual questions from actual downtown employees:

Downtown Employee: I commute regular hours (M-F, 9-5) from Toledo to downtown Ann Arbor. Are you aware of any shuttle or carpooling opportunities (or where to find them) for folks who travel between Toledo and downtown Ann Arbor?

getDowntown: There are a couple of options for you.

Mirideshare.org: One option is mirdeshare.org, which is a carpool site run by the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority and the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG). All you have to do is go to mirideshare.org, enter in your information, and look for a match!

MichiVan: You might also be interested in vanpooling to work with other people who work in downtown Ann Arbor, including at the UM. The getDowntown Program can assist you with this, or you can do it yourself at www.michivan.com

If you do decide to carpool or vanpool to work, keep in mind that getDowntown offers preferential carpool and vanpool parking at various parking structures downtown.

Downtown Employee: I live in Ypsilanti Township, close to Huron River Drive. The AATA buses don’t go this far and there isn’t a Park & Ride Lot in the area. Can I park at a shopping center parking lot and take the bus from there?

getDowntown: This might be an option for you. The getDowntown Program can help by connecting with the manager of the shopping center to see if it is ok for you to park at that location.

Got a Commuting Question? I bet we have an answer! Click here to ask us a commuting question today!

if you find yourself biking, busing or walking in the wintertime, congratulations!  You, my friend, are a Winter Warrior.

Come celebrate your Winter Warrior-ness with other like-minded folks during Downtown Ann Arbor’s Winter Warrior event!

Winter Warrior will be happening on Saturday, Feb 6th from 12-6pm.

Restaurants and cafes will have outdoor seating and there will be discounts to downtown stores.  Restaurants and cafes will be bringing out their sidewalk furniture, and those guests who sit outside will enjoy specials such as $2 draught beers and $1 hot drinks (tea, coffee, soda, etc.).  Restaurants and cafes will be bringing out their sidewalk furniture, and those guests who sit outside will enjoy specials such as $2 draught beers and $1 hot drinks (tea, coffee, soda, etc.). All you have to do is grab a drink, get your receipt stickered and then visit one of the following stores for your discount.  These stores should have balloons outside them to let you know they are participating.

Winter Warrior Discounts:

Here is a list of our participating retailers and the discounts they are offering:

Salon XL – 20% off products
Moosejaw – 20% off any one, regular priced item
Salon Vox – 20% off products
Schakolad – discounts on hot drinks and prebooked Valentine’s orders
Sole Sisters – an additional 10% off sale items, 15% off regularly priced items.
Cupcake Station – free regular coffee with a $2 purchase
Crazy Wisdom – 15% off one item
Acme Mercantile – 20% off regularly priced merchandise (Saturday Only)
Elmo’s T-Shirts – a FREE Michigan bumper sticker($4.95 value) with the purchase of any t-shirt at regular price (not already on sale) and a FREE tin lunch box ($9.95 value) with the purchase of a second t-shirt. 1 shirt, 1 sticker . 2 shirts, sticker and lunch box, a $14.90 value. Saturday and Sunday, Feb.6,7
Carillon Chocolates – BOGO ice cream cones or BOGO coffee (Saturday & Sunday)
Ann Arbor Art Center – 10% off in gift shop, 20% off for members

Also, there will be on-street bike parking in front of Mighty Good Coffee and Schakolad!

As long as it’s cold outside, we might as well enjoy it, right?  That’s the thinking behind downtown’s first Winter Warrior event, happening on Saturday, Feb6th from noon-6pm.  There will be special discounts on food and drinks, some special retail deals, plus we’ll be bringing out some of the on-street bike racks!

So if you bike or walk to work during the winter, reward yourself during the Winter Warrior event.  More info is below:

Calling All Winter Warriors February 6th

Saturday, February 6, 2010 Noon to 6pm

Become a Winter Warrior! This community event is all about encouraging the community to get outside and enjoy downtown Ann Arbor at a time of year during which coming outside is not quite so inviting. Restaurants and cafes will be bringing out their sidewalk furniture, and those guests who sit outside will enjoy specials such as $2 draught beers and $1 hot drinks (tea, coffee, soda, etc.).  Some businesses may also be offering food specials. Guests will receive a stamp on their receipt redeemable at participating downtown retailers for special warrior discounts. This is our way of saying, “Thank you for coming out and supporting our downtown businesses and community!”

Click here to view all of the Winter Warrior discounts.

Participating Downtown Businesses and Organizations Include:

Salon XL
Moosejaw
Jolly Pumpkin
Arbor Brewing Company
Cafe Felix
Salon Vox
Schakolad
Sole Sisters
Cupcake Station
BD’s Mongolian BBQ
Crazy Wisdom
The Blue Tractor
Grizzly Peak
Mighty Good Coffee
Acme Mercantile
Elmo’s T-Shirts
Carillon Chocolates
Ann Arbor Art Center

Click here to view all of the Winter Warrior discounts.

Are you a winter cycling warrior?  Then snap a picture of yourself and send it to DC Streetsblog so they can put it in the slideshow.  All of the details are here: http://dc.streetsblog.org/2010/01/06/biking-the-freeze-where-you-live/

Here’s a short little podcast with some Winter Bike Commuting tips from Vermont Public Radio.

And for those of you in Ann Arbor who Commute by Bike through the winter, don’t forget to participate in Wheels in Motion’s Winter Commuter Challenge.

From Frank S., RAT organizer:

To all you die-hards who ride through the winter and only occasionally
complain,  Friday is another opportunity to gather with other
winter bicycle commuters and Ride Around Town!  Gather at Liberty
Plaza Park, corner of Division and Liberty, for a ride of relatively
short duration through the city of A2′s business districts as we
establish that, indeed, Bikes Belong!

Lights are a definite requirement as the ride will start and end in
the dark.  If you haven’t seen my MagicShine 900 Lumen Chinese-made
headlamp this is your chance!  I’ll demonstrate the SOS mode and you
can decide if it’s SOS or OSO.  And if we are lucky Pete will be on
duty with his bike of many lights, although I don’t think the
Christmas tree will be gracing his rack in January.

The after ride gathering (RAT! hole) will be at Tios where you can get
a Dos Equis or similar libation.  I highly recommend a hit of their
extra-hot salsa before riding home … who needs toe-warmers?!?!

As always, please consider joining us at the RAT! hole about 7 even if
you don’t ride.  Hope to see you all there!

Let’s say you have a nice bike and you’d like a safe and secure place to put it while you are working downtown.  Let’s say you want a nice dry place for your bike that guarentees it will stay out of the elements during the day.   Well, you are in luck because the getDowntown Program has a bunch of bike lockers located all throughout downtown that you can use to store your bike while you work.

Check out the bike locker section of our website for more details. Bike lockers are located in most of the parking structures downtown (including a new location at the Forest Parking Structure in the South U area).  They cost $60/year.  You get your own key and your own locker space.  You’ve got to work downtown to get one.  If this sounds good to you, contact getDowntown and we can do the rest.

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!

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?