Pedestrian safety subject of tonight's forum in downtown Ann Arbor

The invitation to tonight's forum being held by the Washtenaw Bicycling and Walking Coalition says there's a serious issue to be addressed in Ann Arbor: Pedestrian safety.

"We love walking down our tree-lined streets in Ann Arbor, along the Huron River and through our vibrant downtown," the invitation reads. "But as motorists, we don't yield for pedestrians at crosswalks. We ignore 'no right turn on red' signs. We speed through residential neighborhoods. Why? Not all communities in America experience this problem."

Hoping to call attention to the issue, the Washtenaw Bicycling and Walking Coalition is hosting tonight's forum to explore the issue and engage community members around the topic of improving pedestrian safety.

Panelists at the forum include Susan Pollay, Ann Arbor Downtown Development director; Eli Cooper, the city's transportation manager; Pat Cawley, the city's senior project manager; Kristen Larcom, a city staff attorney; Officer Patton of the Ann Arbor Police Department; Carolyn Grawi from the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living; Robert Wagner, director of Lurie Terrace; and Rory Neuner, urban policy specialist for the Michigan Environmental Council.

The meeting will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Ann Arbor DDA offices at 150 S. Fifth Ave, Suite 301.

"We can have a community where we no longer feel invisible as pedestrians - where motorists stop to allow children to cross the street," the invitation reads. "Come voice your concerns to city staff, learn how Ann Arbor is currently addressing these issues and be part of shaping the pedestrian vision for Ann Arbor's future."

Learn more at www.wbwc.org.

Ryan J. Stanton covers government for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529.