Ann Arbor looking to find ways to calm traffic, become more pedestrian friendly

People like to joke that pedestrians and bicyclists are so prized in Ann Arbor that running one over is a crime worthy of public capital punishment. Although that’s a bit of hyperbole it’s not too far from the truth.

Example 1: The city is holding an informational meeting on “traffic calming techniques” at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30 in the City Council’s chambers, corner of Fifth and Huron streets. Translation: Coming up with ways to make walking and bicycling easier while slowing down motorized traffic.

Although this often comes off an anathema in suburbanized Metro Detroit where the cars are kings and pedestrians foolishly use their legs like a sucker it’s just what’s needed to make dense city centers like Ann Arbor more vibrant.

The meeting will explore ways slow vehicular traffic on streets and showcase facts and misconceptions of various traffic calming techniques. For instance, more stop signs do not necessarily create a safer pedestrian environment and traffic circles are not inherently dangerous.

Members of the city’s engineering staff, police department and traffic consultants will discuss the principles of traffic calming, review common traffic calming tools and explain the city’s 10-step process to initiate neighborhood traffic calming procedures on specific streets. Copies of the city’s Traffic Calming Guidebook will also be available at the meeting.

For information, call Patrick Cawley at (734) 994-6095.

Source: City of Ann Arbor

Writer: Jon Zemke