Ann Arbor plans to add 8 miles of bike lanes this year

Wednesday, April 29, 2009 | Source: Concentrate

Federal stimulus funds are going to be making it safer for cyclists in Ann Arbor. The city plans to utilize these funds to add 8 miles of bike lanes, improve 24 more miles of bike lanes and make the downtown friendlier to bicyclists and pedestrians.

"It's either going to happen this fall or next spring," says Eli Cooper, transportation program manager for the city of Ann Arbor.

The city is specifically targeting Ann, Catherine, Ashley and First streets in the downtown area as places where bike lanes can be added along with some on-street parking. The city is also looking at adding bike lanes to Hill, North University, East University, South University, Seventh, Hoover and Pauline streets.

The idea is to make it safer for bicyclists and thus encourage more two-wheeled transit in Tree Town. All of the proposed bike lane additions and upgrades are in line with the city's non-motorized transportation plan.

City officials also plan to discuss these bike lane improvements and additions at a public meeting at 7 p.m. on May 7 in the City Council Chamber of City Hall. For information, click here.

Source: Eli Cooper, transportation program manager for the city of Ann Arbor
Writer: Jon Zemke