Walk Bike Drive

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​​We Share The Responsibility​ To Keep Ann Arbor - And One Another - Safe!​

​​​One of the reasons residents and visitors love Ann Arbor is the plentiful number of transportation options. You can take a stroll around the historic downtown, bike down miles of tree-lined roads and drive between all the wonderful destinations Ann Arbor has to offer. ​

Because Ann Arbor is committed to assuring the safety of walkers, bikers and drivers, we want to remind everyone of their responsibility to one another. No law or regulation can replace common sense, patience, and attentiveness. Whether you walk, bike or drive, you share a responsibility to keep yourself and others safe.  As you enjoy Ann Arbor, please keep these tips in mind:  

If you walk...

You're in luck! Ann Arbor was recognized as a Gold Status Community for its leadership in Livability in 2012, voted the third Best Walking City in 2008, and was named a Gold-level walk friendly community in 2010. Over 15% of Ann Arbor residents walk to work, which is more than 6 times the national average (U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2006-2010). Ann Arbor has 475 miles of sidewalks and over 157 parks to enjoy on-foot, and why not? A 30-minute walk burns about 100 calories! While you're enjoying Ann Arbor on foot, please keep in mind:

• ​Cross at the crosswalk. Ann Arbor's crosswalk ordinance requires that motorists stop for pedestrians at or in crosswalks, but only at crosswalks.​

• Look both ways before entering the street. Be sure you give drivers enough time to see you and stop.

• Use the signals. Traffic signals are there to help pedestrians communicate with drivers. In Ann Arbor's downtown, all traffic signals include a pedestrian crossing interval in each signal cycle. Outside the downtown area, some signals have a pedestrian call button which, when pressed, adds a pedestrian crossing interval. Ann Arbor also has the first "Hawk​ Beacon" on a state trunkline in Michigan. This signal helps pedestrians to cross W. Huron at Chapin/3rd Street.

• Take refuge. Some crosswalks have a pedestrian refuge island in the street. Cross easily and safely, one side of traffic at a time.

• Be visible. In the dark, wear light-colored clothing and reflective gear to ensure your visibility.

• Report sidewalks that aren't treated or plowed. Sidewalks should be treated for ice or plowed of snow in a timely fashion. You can report untreated sidewalks ​by calling Community Standards at 734.794.6942​. The city's sidewalk snow and ice removal page has more information.

If you cycle...

You've come to a great city! Ann Arbor was proud to receive a Silver-level Bicycle Friendly City designation in 2013 from the League of American Bicyclists, and the City was named the 14th most bike-friendly city in America by Bicycling Magazine in 2010. Ann Arbor has 71.4 lane miles of on-road bicycle lanes, 57.2 lane miles of shared-use paths, and 11.1 lane miles of roads marked with shared-use arrows. Download the Ann Arbor/Washtenaw County ​​bike map to plan your commute, adventure, or workout. Just remember:

• ​Lights on. Ann Arbor law requires cyclists to use front headlights and rear reflectors after dark.

• Follow the rules of the road. Ride on the road when possible, and use bike lanes where present. Ride in the direction of traffic, even in bike lanes; obey all traffic signals; and use hand signals before stopping and turning.

• Yield to pedestrians. If you choose to ride on the sidewalk, consider yourself an invited guest in the pedestrian space. Ride slowly, announce your presence to pedestrians who may not see you, walk your bike on crowded sidewalks, and always yield to pedestrians. 

• Wear a helmet. Your brain is your most precious asset; protect it.

• Report potholes in bike lanes. Call 99-holes to help the city maintain its bicycle infrastructure. 

If you drive...

To smooth your journey, subscribe to online notices of road and lane closures. The Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority provides information on where to park downtown. Even if you drive everywhere, you are a pedestrian at some point of your day. Help keep our streets safe for everyone:

• Stop for pedestrians. Ann Arbor law requires drivers to stop for pedestrians at or in crosswalks. Please stay alert and be prepared to stop. 

• Stay out of bike lanes. Bike lanes are for bikes. It is illegal for cars to drive in them or park in them.

• Watch f​or bikes and give them space. Bicyclists are legally entitled to ride in roads both with and without bike lanes. Check for bikes when turning and before opening your door. Pass cyclists carefully, providing 3-4 feet of space between your car and the cyclist. On 2-lane roads, pass only when the road is clear of oncoming traffic and you can swing wide enough to pass safely.

• Take care near buses. Watch for riders existing buses, and yield the right of way to buses.

• Stop on red. Yellow lights mean slow down, not speed up. Traffic crashes are a significant cause of preventable death and injury in the U.S.

• Don't pass vehicles stopped at crosswalks. You cannot see if a pedestrian is in the crosswalk while you are driving around or past a stopped vehicle.

• Report potholes. Help the next driver by reporting potholes.