Ypsilanti to consider non-motorized transportation plan

The use of sidewalks on heavily traveled roads (like Packard) could better accomodate both pedestrians and bicyclers if part of the sidewalk was specially painted for bicycles as is done in many cities in Europe.

YES YES YES!!!! I would love to bike more. we live downtown and things are ok here, but if we need/want to go anywhere else you MUST use a car--I say must because I have elementary school aged kids and the idea of taking them on a bike ride to McDonald's even is out of the question--safety is paramount. I applaud these efforts!!!!

Bert you are right a more European approach is so needed in this country...I also love the idea (off topic sorry) of a rail system that would take us all over the continent!!!!

I'd love to see more bike paths build away from the main roads. Forty five mph and half the drivers on cell phones is just too dangerous for everyday riding.

Roads for cars and trucks are expensive. Bike paths don't support nearly as much weight. So I believe they must cost less to build. And safe paths and more people riding would reduce congestion for those who still drive.

I adore and sometimes bike to AA on the B2B trail that leads behind Rynearson Stadium, loops in back of St. Joe's, passes WCC, over new Dixboro Bridge, and through Gallup Park. Safe, scenic, and healthy, and I don't get in any driver's way.

Love to see a path like that down to Whittaker Road branch of Ypsi Library--just too scary to bike down there.

I think Ypsilanti is a far better place to ride than Ann Arbor. I know the city has NO money to pull this off but looking to places like Madison, WI for how they have done things might be helpful. Madison is burdened with both a large university (tax free) and the state capitol (more tax free) but has pulled together a wonderful web of trails and lanes that are heavily used YEAR ROUND. Yes, many of the paths are maintained in winter.

While I support bike paths, I get very upset when bikers do not obey the laws. They run the lights, swerve into traffic to pass another biker, etc. It is frustrating and very dangerous, and as the driver if anything happened, I would probably be ticketed. Would like to see the police use more enforcement on bikers. Maybe bikers need to be licensed too. Take safety courses, etc.
Also, it seems so dangerous to put bike paths on major, higher speed roads (i.e. Washtenaw, Stadium). It seems to work well on Packard (at Stadium) but the speed limit is also only 30 MPH.

That is just too far for any one to ride a bike to work, when they get there they are all tired and smell like they just did a work out in a gym. It is also difficult for people in a car to drive when people are on a bike. just save your money and get a car, riding a bike to work is just not fair to others, just walk.

@michigan48103: some of the issues you note are things that can be addressed with a little forethought and practice. You can't decide to start commuting 15 miles by bike tomorrow without any preparation, or, yes, you likely will arrive tired and smelly. Part of this is getting your biking muscles into shape - bus or drive halfway to work, then bike the rest, and gradually work to biking the whole distance. If you don't over-exert yourself, you'll arrive in fine condition - many people find a nice ride to work invigorating, rather than tiring. Part is knowing how to deal with conditions. Check out this advice on keeping cool - from an Ann Arborite living in Bangkok, Thailand, and bike commuting "in 90+ temps and 90+ humidity": http://cfa2.blogspot.com/2006/10/quick-cool-off-tips.html

Cyclist education is certainly an important part of a highly-functioning transportation system, and individual cyclists have to take some responsibility for themselves. But providing a safe and supportive environment is also critical, and that piece can only be provided by the Cities, Townships, and Road Commissions who provide and maintain infrastructure. (Full disclosure: I'm Ms. Wessler's supervisor for this project.)

This is an exciting project in Ypsilanti -- City of Saline is preparing their first Non-Motorized Plan right now, too. Both are funded through a grant from the Michigan Department of Community Health’s Cardiovascular Health Section. It’s great that the state recognizes that these kind of plans are good for communities and good for health!

Ypsilanti cannot even maintain its sidewalks or keep them shoveled and yes American motorists are a real threat to the biker. I believe you will see elsewhere on this site where someone just got killed while riding a bike. When I am in EU I seldom drive but here driving is just self-defence. You can thank the auto companies for our over-dependence on cars. Read a history of GM's actions (and Henry's)regarding street cars in the 20's and 30's
Fascinating study in corrupt, corporate rent-seeking behaviour

meeting agenda alert, from the WBWC mailing list:

Ypsilanti Non-Motorized Plan Before City Council - Tuesday, December 15th
At the Tuesday, December 15th Ypsilanti City Council meeting, that body will formally accept for review the draft non-motorized plan for the City.

Here's the full agenda:

http://cityofypsilanti.com/bd_city-council/agenda/2009/12-15-09_agenda