Active Transportation 

In July, 2008 the City of Ann Arbor joined with local and regional partners to participate in a national initiative to promote Active Transportation, coordinated by Rails-to-Trails.

The City of Ann Arbor’s Non-motorized Plan 2007 supports the assumption that strong pedestrian and bicycle facilities create a community that is physically active, accessible, and exceedingly livable.  Currently, the city’s non-motorized transportation system includes 400 miles of sidewalks, 21.1 miles of on-road bike lanes, and 22.5 miles of shared-use paths.  Several different city units, including Systems Planning, Project Management, Planning and Development, Field Operations, Parks & Recreation, Communications, Community Standards, and Police and Public Safety, have taken great strides to improve the programs and projects that support and expand that system.

The highlight of 2007 was the adoption of a comprehensive Non-motorized Transportation Plan.  The plan identifies the critical need to expand the city’s infrastructure to provide a transportation network of over 38 miles of on-road bicycle lanes, 25 miles of sidewalks, and 129 mid-block crossings, in order to establish the physical and cultural environment to support and encourage safe, comfortable, and convenient ways for pedestrians and bicyclists to travel throughout the city and into the surrounding communities. 

Ann Arbor Area 2010 Campaign for Active Transportation Proposal 

Proposal for Rails-to-Trails Active Transportation 2010 Campaign (10 page pdf)

One-page summary of the 2010 proposal (1 page pdf)

PowerPoint summary of 2010 proposal (19 page pdf)

2010 Active Transportation Partners 

getDowntown program - The getDowntown program provides information and assistance to downtown businesses and employees on commuting options, such as biking, riding the bus, walking, and carpooling

Washtenaw County Biking & Walking Coalition -  The Washtenaw Bicycling and Walking Coalition is a group of local organizations, agencies and retail stores, as well as individual cyclists and walkers, which promotes transportation options that make sense for a sustainable and livable community.

Washtenaw Area Transportation Study (WATS) - As the official transportation planning agency for Washtenaw County, WATS provides a planning function, data tracking, a conduit for Federal Transportation Funding (CMAQ), and development of a countywide transportation plan, and a 2006 Countywide Non-motorized Transportation Plan. 

Washtenaw County Bicycle Map - These are available at most local bicycle shops, or through the City's Parks and Recreation Department.