Plans in works to connect Ann Arbor and Saline by biking, walking trail
A bike path between Saline and Ann Arbor received county funding.
A paved bicycle and walking trail that will nearly connect Saline to Ann Arbor could be under construction sometime later this year, following funding approval from a Washtenaw County board.
The trail would span a nearly two-and-a-half mile route along Lohr and Textile roads and would also connect adjacent residential neighborhoods to Teft Park and the Saline Community Recreation Center, according to the county.
It would be a 10-foot wide asphalt trail, similar to a portion that was installed last year along the east side of Platt, Ellsworth and Textile roads.
The Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission agreed to spend $300,000 in funding toward the construction of the trail, as part of its Connecting Communities Program.
Pittsfield Township Supervisor Mandy Grewal said the township has already been working on improving trails and sidewalks, particularly with the completion of the portion of greenway on Platt Road.
Grewal said the idea to create a similar paved trail for walking and biking began last fall, a few months after a bicyclist riding north on Maple Road was struck and killed by a van traveling in the same direction.
"When that happened, it sparked an idea in my mind that, while we wouldn't be able to do something like this on Maple Road, this just seemed like a natural fit," Grewal said.
The township estimated in its proposal to the county that the project would cost in excess of $1 million. The township is still working out the final cost of the project, when it would begin construction and how long it would take to complete, Grewal said. The township is still awaiting word from some funding sources to determine how much of a funding commitment the township may make, she said.
"I think that this will get the ball rolling on this," Grewal said.
An aerial view of where Pittsfield Township may begin constructing a bike trail later this year after receiving approval for $300,000 from the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission. The segment would run along Lohr and Textile Roads between Saline and Ann Arbor. Photo courtesy | Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation
Larry Deck, a board member of the Washtenaw Biking and Walking Coalition, said creating a connective path between Saline and Ann Arbor as part of a regionwide network has been a priority for the coalition. He also said local government agencies see it as a priority as part of county transportation plans.
However, creating a safe route for bikers and walkers to cross I-94 along the south side of Ann Arbor - another project also being explored within the county - would be necessary to truly create a safe connection between Saline and Ann Arbor, Deck said.
"There needs to be a balance between cars, transit and, biking and walking. In the past, there's been a tendency to ... neglect biking and walking," Deck said. "We considered it a priority before the man died (on Maple Road), but certainly when something like that happens, it raises awareness of the problem."
The Connecting Communities Initiative made $3 million available between 2010 and 2014, or $600,000 annually, for projects that would create non-motorized connections between communities within the county.
Also approved for funding was a proposal in Ypsilanti Township to construct the first phase of a half-mile trail along Textile to connect a future portion of the border-to-border trail at Bridge Road to an existing trail at Huron River Drive, according to the county. The township received a commitment of $100,000 toward that construction.
Chelsea received a commitment of $80,000 toward the construction of a 950-foot trail segment along US-12 to connect a trail system at Pierce Lake Golf Course with adjacent neighborhoods, schools and a commercial district.Â
Northfield Township received a commitment of $120,000 toward construction of a portion of a project to connect Whitmore Lake Elementary School to neighborhoods along Barker Road.
The projects will be eligible to receive funding once a contract for project construction has been executed by the municipality. The funding expires if a contract hasn't been executed within two years of the approval, according to the county.
The construction of the trails is within the goals laid out by voters when they supported a parks millage and could make a big impact on recreation, said Kristin Judge, a county commissioner.
"What it really ends up doing is making this a vibrant community," Judge said.Â
Trails offer opportunities for community connectivity and more recreation, which help make for cooler cities for young professionals and companies to locate in, she said.Â
"Bottom line is it comes down to economic development," she said.
Surveys of county residents about priorities for parks and recreation funds showed overwhelming support for creating more trails, said Robert Tetens, Washtenaw County director of Parks and Recreation. He pointed to the Pittsfield Township project as a good example of the goals for the Connecting Communities program.
"(Bike) riding in a lane of traffic is dangerous. Traveling in a bike lane is less dangerous," Tetens said.Â
Creating a completely separate trail provides a safer option for non-motorized transportation that appeals to a variety of uses, including commuting and recreation for families, he said.
"The more of a trail network we create, the more convinced I am (country residents) will use it," he said.
Tina Reed covers health and the environment for AnnArbor.com. You can reach her at tinareed@annarbor.com, call her at 734-623-2535 or find her on Twitter @TreedinAA.
Comments
ShawnS
Fri, Apr 16, 2010 : 11:09 a.m.
This is a fantastic idea, it's about time there is some kind of bike path in or around Saline. I've been harassed in Saline by rude drivers on both the main roads and the side streets (people that do not seem to realize the laws governing bicycles, yelling "get on the sidewalk," etc). It's actually illegal in Saline (city) to ride on the sidewalk I believe, and besides we have a right to be on the road. If I'm given a good alternative I'll be more than happy to get out of the motorist's way, which is good for all involved. And those complaining about money diverted from fixing roads,etc, should perhaps read the article more carefully---this is parks and rec money.
Bob Krzewinski
Sun, Mar 21, 2010 : 10:35 a.m.
For the people complaing that tax funds are being used for bicycle and walking facilities, please, please, please try and understand that in the last general election, Washtenaw County residents, by almost a 2/3rds majority, approved a Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission tax renewal, for ten years, to build more trails and preserve more parkland. If you are not happy with this millage, I suggest you take steps to start a referendum to repeal this millage. Good luck, though, as it seems like most voters, in these tight economic times, want to have more free recreational opportunities close to home.
Warhawk
Fri, Mar 19, 2010 : 7:52 p.m.
Generally speaking (it varies from city to city) cycling is prohibited on sidewalks in downtown areas where pedestrian traffic is very high, but legal on pretty much all other sidewalks. There is also the issue of insurance, which depending on the policy will treat the cyclist better if riding in the road as a vehicle rather than on the sidewalk as a pedestrian. Although counter intuitive to many, riding on the sidewalk is actually more dangerous than the road, due mainly to the large number of collisions where sidewalks cross driveways (commercial or side roads) at which so many motorists fail to stop as they are required. I think this path is a fine idea. People talk about the misuse of tax dollars, and maybe it is, but don't forget that improving roads does little to help those too poor to afford a car, of which there are more everyday. I'm not sure how anyone can make such statements about taxation when it is fair to say that 95% of the population votes for those clearly in favor of high taxes, and even higher government spending. I welcome such a path and more like it. The recently completed Pittsfield path along Platt allows me to ride all the way from my neighborhood into downtown hardly ever leaving either a dedicated bike path or bike lane.
goodfriend
Fri, Mar 19, 2010 : 1:01 p.m.
This is a wonderful idea! Too few of our streets have dedicated bike lanes, and most of our streets are simply not wide enough to be safe enough for bicyclists. I love bicyclists, but they are traveling on streets and roadways designed for motor traffic. Giving bicyclists - and walkers, too - a dedicated trail is a great way to keep people as safe as possible.
CycloChemist
Thu, Mar 18, 2010 : 2:16 p.m.
About one year ago the Washtenaw Bicycling and Walking Coalition (WBWC) organized an intergovernment task force to address the remediation of the Ann Arbor-Saline Rd intersection with I-94 to provide pedestrian/bicycle facilities. The bridge belongs to MDOT, so the state must participate in the process. In addition to MDOT, Pittsfield Township, Saline, Ann Arbor and the county participated in several meetings which resulted in a project proposal that was submitted twice to the MDOT Transportation Enhancement selection committee (two different funding proposals). TE funding is federal money and applicantions compete state-wide. As of the last review period (three times/year) our proposal has not been funded. You can help! Write to your state representative - Jan Byrnes is the chair of the Transportation Committee and should be able to put some pressure on MDOT to reconsider their decision. The WBWC is reconvening the task force to discuss future actions to pursue to get this project accomplished. The Ann Arbor-Saline Road bridge over I-94 is just one of many projects that the WBWC is pursuing. Learn more about the WBWC by visiting their website (www.wbwc.org).
debling
Wed, Mar 17, 2010 : 9:22 p.m.
Wouldn't it be great if everytime an existing road in Washtenaw county was repaired or repaved, a bike lane was installed. Should be mandated.
bottleinfrontame
Wed, Mar 17, 2010 : 8:38 p.m.
I would like to know how many $$'s are earmarked for the maintenance of our dirt roads. I have never seen worse roads over the past several years and why does Ohio have no dirt roads? They are all paved with some form of hard surface. I think I will shop for a used Conastoga wagon.
Jeremy Hallum
Tue, Mar 16, 2010 : 3:36 p.m.
Ann-John: According to Google maps overhead view, the only section of that path that leads from the Lohr Road/Ellsworth interchange south to Textile and west to Woodland Rd that doesn't have a sidewalk/bike path is that section they are proposing to add. I think it's a brilliant idea and can't wait for it. The only thing Ann Arbor needs to do is get a pedestrian bridge across 94 in that Ann Arbor-Saline/South Main area, and things are all set.
ann-John
Tue, Mar 16, 2010 : 9:23 a.m.
A bike path between AA and Saline is a great idea. Unfortunately, the path being built doesn't go between AA and Saline--it just runs for a mile or so along the west side of the AA airport. Looks like a bike path to nowhere to me. How about building something along AA-Saline Road that would actually connect the two cities?
debling
Mon, Mar 15, 2010 : 11:15 p.m.
Wonderful idea and long overdue. I welcome the initiative to make our streets safer for bicyclists. The roadway is not safe for bicyling. As long as inattentive drivers are allowed on the road, tragedies are bound to occur. Like time NICHOLAS WAHL of Clinton, MI (and current student of Grand Valley State University) killed Timothy Pincikowski on July 28, 2009 on Maple Road in Pittsfield Twp. http://www.annarbor.com/news/motorist-sentenced-to-probation-in-bicyclists-death. Negligence like this destroys families, but is never forgotten.
Atticus F.
Mon, Mar 15, 2010 : 4:01 p.m.
I'd like to see a trail from A2 to Whitmore Lake...At leats you cloud bike out to the lake for some recreation...I can't think of anything worth biking to in saline. Also, would the trail be open to mopeds? that would be a great Idea.
BobR
Mon, Mar 15, 2010 : 3:56 p.m.
Super idea, post the map.
sbbuilder
Mon, Mar 15, 2010 : 3:45 p.m.
a2doc Yes, I do support the airport expansion, but that is a completely different issue involving State and Federal monies, and is far more complex. The irony here, is that we may have beautiful bike trails adjacent to roads in disrepair.
BPositive
Mon, Mar 15, 2010 : 3:29 p.m.
A great idea and great for the communities. Like the feedback except for a few sour grapes.
Mike
Mon, Mar 15, 2010 : 3:18 p.m.
@in4mation You may want to look at how County parks are funded. Right now, they receive about 4.5 mills from the general fund. An additional 1.2 mills or so are paid by the taxpayers from 5 separate millages/funds for parks. The County Board is required to set a park millage every year. The County Board has the ability to reduce the 4.5 mills from the general fund and allocate the money elsewhere, where it is needed.
American Family
Mon, Mar 15, 2010 : 3:15 p.m.
Nice idea. Who is going to pay for it? Tax increase? Because I am sure the two cities do not have the money sitting around just collecting dust. No to another tax increase. If taxes would pay for this, then re-route allocated money from another "touchy - feely" project. Can't have it all my Liberal friends. Simply not that much money to go around. Pick one "fuzzy bunny" project, and stick with that. You are not going to reach in to my pockets with out a voting fight :)
aatownie
Mon, Mar 15, 2010 : 2:48 p.m.
I guess I am the only one living in the real world... I love the idea of bike trail,etc...but how about road maintenance, and staffing the police and fire departments?
braggslaw
Mon, Mar 15, 2010 : 2:30 p.m.
I selfishly like the idea. I would love the continuity between saline and annarbor. We need to somehow bridge I94 to truly connect the two cities.
Mike
Mon, Mar 15, 2010 : 2:22 p.m.
So let me see if I have this straight. The property between Ann Arbor and Saline is all County Park right?
Mike
Mon, Mar 15, 2010 : 2:10 p.m.
@semper fi Our State and region weren't in the critical position that they are in now when the millage was passed. As a matter of fact, I voted against the millage when it was on the ballot. The times they are a changin. At this point, we should be focusing our limited resources where they are need the most. A bike path between Saline and Ann Arbor is a luxury not a necessity. Let us use our limited resources on necessities.
a2doc
Mon, Mar 15, 2010 : 1:53 p.m.
@sbbuilder "But, the timing, folks, the timing. I think I hear... Yes, I'm sure. Faintly in the distance, Nero, playing on his fiddle. Anyone else hear it too?" Kind of like Airport Expansion... You have posted on other forums, supporting the expansion of the Ann Arbor airport: moving it 950ft South West towards Lohr road and the residential subdivisions. So what is it? - tax payer money for more concrete, bigger planes and jets with dubious safety and economic benefits or a proposal that could improve the quality of life for all in this area? Maybe getting a few cars off the road at the same time.
SemperFi
Mon, Mar 15, 2010 : 1:11 p.m.
@Mike It's a Parks Millage. That means it was put to a vote of the people already and it was passed. Good job of reporting.
sbbuilder
Mon, Mar 15, 2010 : 1:06 p.m.
Bike trails are great. They are practical for those who use them to commute, and fun and safe to use for those who like recreational biking. I've nothing against them at all. But, the timing, folks, the timing. I think I hear... Yes, I'm sure. Faintly in the distance, Nero, playing on his fiddle. Anyone else hear it too?
a2huron
Mon, Mar 15, 2010 : 12:51 p.m.
The whole concept of expanding non-motorized transportation facilities is an excellent idea that should have been pursued decades ago when land was first developed. Now the newer folks face the challenge of fitting in pathways within existing road systems. If you want to look at ways to improve property values, attract purchasers to homes that are for sale or in foreclosure, and generally improve a community's health and environment, then this is a fabulous way to do it. The spillover benefits can be enormous.
scott
Mon, Mar 15, 2010 : 12:43 p.m.
We now just need a rapid bike route between A2 and Ypsi. The current "bike route" is more of a maze than corridor for non-motorized transit. It should run along the Huron, all the way to Michigan Avenue!
Mike
Mon, Mar 15, 2010 : 12:27 p.m.
Oh and by the way, I'm pretty sick of hearing its the only thing we can spend the money on because the money comes from a park millage. That's a cop out. We need to re-evaluate what is important right now. If need be, put it to a vote of the people to reapportion that money.
Mike
Mon, Mar 15, 2010 : 12:08 p.m.
Let's see... We have to let prisoners go because we have no money to keep them locked up. We are talking about laying off police officers and firefighters because there is no money. Our roads are a mess. But we have hundreds of thousands of dollars for this folly. I think we need to start talking about recalling some politicians.
Dan
Mon, Mar 15, 2010 : 10:29 a.m.
I think the real challenge is the next step: connecting this segment to the bike lanes on Main and State Street. I'd love to bike down to my job on Airport Road - but crossing 94 and Eisenhower seem too dangerous to me.
RhondaM
Mon, Mar 15, 2010 : 9:15 a.m.
I think this is an awesome idea! I don't live in the area that they are planning to put the path in, but this would make me consider it. I love walking with my little ones, and safety is a big issue for us. There are always going to be negative thoughts on any issue, some people just like to complain no matter what.
Plubius
Mon, Mar 15, 2010 : 9:14 a.m.
Sure, this is nice. But, STOP spending money you don't have! The various government bodies have to STOP spending all funds which are not critically needed until we get past this financial crisis.
a2doc
Mon, Mar 15, 2010 : 9 a.m.
@stunhsif Whilst I agree that the roads are in an overall embarrassingly poor condition this should not prevent money being spent on other worthwhile projects. If these trails actually result in a continuous bike and pedestrian corridor into town, it will get vehicles off the road reducing the damage to the road surfaces. IMHO - the obviously inadequate funding for roads in Michigan is flawed. Those that use the roads more, should contribute more to their upkeep. The most efficient way to do this is by increased gas taxation. "There is no such thing as a free lunch".
Tina Reed
Mon, Mar 15, 2010 : 8:44 a.m.
To make sure it is clear, this funding is coming from a parks millage and can only be used on park projects. Robert Tetens, Washtenaw County director of Parks and Recreation, said the parks department is consistently told by residents that they support creation of trails above other parks projects. A group from Michigan State University recently completed surveys of county residents about priorities for parks and recreation funds, he said, which also showed overwhelming support for creating more trails.
Griffen
Mon, Mar 15, 2010 : 8:31 a.m.
FANTASTIC! Thank you on behalf of all the cyclist in A2!
stunhsif
Mon, Mar 15, 2010 : 7:46 a.m.
What a slap in the face to taxpayers during this prolonged recession. How about repairing/patching the potholes on the roads from this past winter. What a joke!
Stefan Szumko
Mon, Mar 15, 2010 : 7:41 a.m.
I would be delighted to bike or hike between communities without having to dodge cars. This is a great plan. Bicycle registration fees might be a great way to provide additional funding for these trails?
a2doc
Mon, Mar 15, 2010 : 7:34 a.m.
As a commuting cyclist this plan would revolutionize my trip to work. Connecting communities with dedicated pedestrian and cycling paths is an inspired idea. My only reservation is whether this will help cyclists traverse the I-94. This is the major obstacle for a safe cycle commute from the South Ann Arbor townships into the city. My current option is to bike up to Stone School and cross there - this is not as easy when coming from Saline. Congratulations to the Pittsfield Township leadership for this bold move.
Ignatz
Mon, Mar 15, 2010 : 7:34 a.m.
I like this idea just from the standpoint of giving citizens an opportunity to get some exercise. We are way too big around here and this may give some the incentive to get out on their feet or wheels and burn off some of those excess calories. I just hope that there will be funding to keep the trail maintained. This includes snow/ice removal.
a2huron
Mon, Mar 15, 2010 : 7:27 a.m.
How about a map in this article to show where the route connects the cities of Saline and Ann Arbor?
a2huron
Mon, Mar 15, 2010 : 7:20 a.m.
Well, buying park land makes little sense if you can't get to it other than driving a car. This plan sounds like a safe and reasonable method to get bikers, joggers, walkers and children out of their cars and into the parks more safely. About time someone came up with a plan to connect communities with something other than a road. A 10' path is more than wide enough for bikers and walkers/joggers to share the same trail. There is nothing wrong with all of these folks sharing the same sidewalk if it is well designed, especially if it can also save some lives. Personally, if I was buying a house, this would make the region more attractive to me, so I commend the leadership of Pittsfield Township and the Cities of Saline/AA for their creative thinking. Glad to see other communities following their lead.
Ron Torrella
Mon, Mar 15, 2010 : 7:03 a.m.
Too bad the WCRC refused to fund a traffic light crosswalk on Carpenter Rd at Cloverlane OR a sidewalk on the east side of Carpenter for the 1/4 mi from there to Ellsworth so pedestrians from the neighborhood on that side of the street don't have to cross 5 lanes of 55+ mph traffic to get to a sidewalk! I'm glad Mandy, et al, are onboard with the plan. Sure makes more sense to fund bike paths than to buy up land for "parks!"
sellers
Mon, Mar 15, 2010 : 6:59 a.m.
I like the idea of connecting, I think it's great. But, can someone verify that bike-riding on a sidewalk is against the law? I know in many areas where there is high speed traffic the law enforcement does not care because it's safer for all if the bike is on the sidewalk, but in downtown areas it is the reverse, where pedestrians are clobbered by bicyclists. (anyone visiting a major campus in the past 20 years knows the kind of accidents I'm talking about - books flying and papers everywhere!) With that said, a 10' trail seems sufficient to share the trail, much like a wide street is sufficient for a bike to share the road.
Craig Lounsbury
Mon, Mar 15, 2010 : 6:44 a.m.
Its a bit ironic that Washtenaw county wants to combine pedestrian and bicycle traffic while the city of Ann Arbor wants to ban it.
stan
Mon, Mar 15, 2010 : 6:14 a.m.
I'm actually in favor of this idea, especially if it gets more people riding bikes there and NOT on the roads.
FreedomLover
Mon, Mar 15, 2010 : 5:56 a.m.
This sounds like a great use of our tax dollars during this prolonged recession. Maybe some of our our laid off county employees can use it since they won't have money to buy gas for their cars.