Did you know that in 2008 Ann Arbor was ranked the 3rd best City for Walking by the American Podiatric Association and Prevention Magazine?  One of the reasons is because so many employees walk to work!  If you are trying to walk to work to or in Ann Arbor, here’s an overview of your options:

Where to Walk?

If you are new to the area or new to walking to work you might want to know the best ways to walk to work. Here are a couple of ways to answer that question:

Maps

• Downtown Walking Map: The Downtown Development Authority has a walking map that shows a person’s eye view of Ann Arbor. The map has AATA bus stops, important downtown locations, and other information on it. The Walk Map is available at any parking structure, at the DDA Offices (150 South Fifth Ave, Ann Arbor) at the Convention and Visitors Bureau (120 W. Huron in downtown Ann Arbor), at the getDowntown Offices (518 E. Washington, between Division and State)  the Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce (115 W. Huron, 3rd Floor, on the corner of Main and Huron downtown).

Online resources:

• Google Walking Directions: Most places you can walk are also good for biking.  Why not use Google walking directions to plan a bike route?Just go to maps.google.com
• Walk Score: How walkable is your community?  Find out on Walk Score.
• Gmaps Pedometer: This program lets you map out a walking route and shows you the distance as well as the calories you burn!
• Washtenaw Biking and Walking Coalition email group: There are many walkers on the WBWC email group.  If you want some advice on the best route to take, why not join the group and ask for some help?
• Contact us: As always, if you need some extra help, you can always email getDowntown and we can try to point you in the right direction.

Walking in the Winter

• Winter Gear Shopping Guide 2008: on the getDowntown blog.
• Who to contact in Ann Arbor to get snow or ice removed from a residential sidewalk.

Walking Advocacy Organizations

• Washtenaw Biking and Walking Coalition (WBWC): Local advocacy group for cyclists in Washtenaw County.
• Alliance for Biking and Walking: This national organization Provides advocacy and resources to promote walking and biking.
  

Recreational Walking Groups

• Washtenaw Wanderers Volksporting Club: This group leads all sorts of fun walking events throughout the year.

Walking to Work Hints and Tips

Here are some basic hints and tips to keep in mind when walking to work:

• Be prepared for the weather: Whether the weather will be rainy or snowy, hot or cold, be prepared!  All it takes is a glance at the Weather Forecast to know if you’ll need an umbrella or sunglasses, etc.  This will make your walk a lot more pleasant
• Plan your route in advance: Check out on of the resources above or ask a co-worker or friend for route suggestions.  If you have a good idea where you are going, it will be harder for you to get lost!
• Learn the AATA bus system: Even if you never plan on using it, it’s probably a good idea to know how to use the AATA buses if you walk to work.  That way, if you are ever feeling sick or just want to get home faster, you can take the bus.
• Get a Zipcar Membership: If you sometimes need a car and you work downtown, consider a Zipcar.  Zipcars allow you to check out a car by the hour for when you need it.  That way, you can keep your car at home.
• Invest in an MP3 Player or iPod: Listening to your favorite music, the radio, or a podcast is a great way to get even more out of your walk.

Other Walking to Work Resources

• Walking-related blog posts on the getDowntown Blog.
• Walker Tracker: A Community Site for Pedometer Fans to log and track their steps.
• Words of Wisdom from People who Walk to Work from the getDowntown Blog.
  
• #walking and #walk on Twitter.