Analysis: Cities with More Walkers, Bike Commuters are Less Obese

*This article is crossposted from the Governing Magazine website.  Click to see the full article*
Analysis: Cities with More Walkers, Bike Commuters are Less Obese
By: Mike Maciag

The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention affirms an alarming trend: we’re fat and not getting any slimmer. An estimated 35 percent of U.S. adults are obese, and another third still maintain weights exceeding those deemed healthy. This doesn’t bode well for governments and individuals paying insurance premiums, especially with the country’s aging population.

But there are antidotes to the problem, and among the best could be sidewalks and bike lanes. The infrastructure not only allows residents to enjoy outdoor recreation and bypass congested roadways, but data shows it delivers slimmer waistlines in some of the nation’s largest metropolitan regions.

A Governing review of census and CDC data finds communities where more residents walk or bike to work boast significantly healthier weights. The analysis of 2010 statistics for 126 metropolitan areas finds these communities arestrongly correlated with higher numbers of residents who are neither obese nor overweight.
.........
Along with commuting habits, other measures showed statistically significant relationships with healthy weights in the analysis. Healthier metro areas were most closely correlated with the portion of a region’s population holding at least a bachelor’s degree. The Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, Conn. metro area, a wealthy region ranking near the top in education attainment, recorded the lowest obesity rate in the CDC's 2010 survey.

Still, the correlation between commuting and residents not considered obese nor overweight was strong--16 percent greater than the relationship with median household income. An area’s average commute time was slightly correlated with weight, but was not statistically significant.
Scatter plot of metro areas' walkers/bike commuters correlated with healthy weights:


The CDC recommends a range of infrastructure for communities to rein in obesity. Bike lanes, shared-use paths and bike racks promote cycling. Urban design with adequate sidewalks, lighting, street crossings and similar features supports walking and other physical activity. The agency also suggests localities work to cut miles driven on roadways.

See the full article (including additional maps, data sources, and charts) at the Governing Magazine website.

East Stadium Traffic Control Update

Notice of Updated Temporary Traffic Control Plan from the City of Ann ArborE. Stadium Improvement Project-Phase IA
June 18, 2012 to July 9, 2012

Location and Limits of Affected Area:E. Stadium Blvd. between Packard Road and Brockman Blvd.

Description of Work:
The E. Stadium Improvement Project includes the installation of new 8-inch water mains on north and south sides of the street between Packard and Brockman and resurfacing of the E. Stadium Blvd. from Packard Rd. to Washtenaw Ave. The construction includes four major phases, where Phase I includes the installation of the new water main along the north side of E. Stadium Blvd. between Packard and Brockman, Phase II includes the installation of the new water main along the south side of E. Stadium Blvd. between Packard and Brockman, and Phases III and IV will resurface the pavement along the north and south sides of E. Stadium Between Brockman and Washtenaw

Updated Temporary Construction Traffic Control Plan:
This notification adds a sub-phase to the Phase I traffic control already in effect on E. Stadium Blvd. Phase IA is scheduled to begin on Monday June 18, 2012, after the end of 2012 school year. With the Phase IA traffic control, the southbound traffic on Brockman Blvd. between the Shadford Rd. and E. Stadium Blvd will be directed west on Shadford Rd. and then south on Harding Rd. to E. Stadium Blvd. Pedestrian traffic will be maintained during this phase of construction.
 

Learn the U of M Bus System with Billy Magic

Midterms, dorm life, and Friday morning classes are a few from the long list of hurdles that a new student faces at the University of Michigan. But thanks to a new video from student run Filmic Productions, they can cross learning the bus system off that list.  In this comedy filled romp through Ann Arbor, Billy Magic introduces new UM student, The Kid, to transportation alternatives on campus.  The video will be shown to all students at New Student Orientation.  Check out the video below.

Center line Rumble Strip "Share the Road" PSA

Here is a short video, from the Michigan Department of Transportation, reminding drivers to treat cyclists as any other vehicle when passing with center line rumble strips present.

Hill Street Resurfacing Project

Notice of Temporary Traffic Control Plan
HILL STREET (S. FOREST AVE TO WASHTENAW AVE)
June 4, 2012 to July 18, 2012 

Location and Limits of Affected Area:
Hill Street between South Forest Avenue and Washtenaw Avenue.

Description of Work:
The Hill Street Resurfacing project includes the full-width repaving of Hill Street. 

Temporary Construction Traffic Control Plan:For the duration of the construction, Hill Street between South Forest Avenue and Washtenaw Avenue will only be open to eastbound traffic, with a signed detour in place for westbound traffic.

To maintain the safety of all, please reduce speeds and drive cautiously through work zones. 

Pedestrian traffic will be maintained during this project.

Project Information:
A project website will be updated weekly and can be found by going to the City’s Website at www.a2gov.org.

Project Contacts:
City of Ann Arbor
Anne M. Warrow, P.E., Project Manager (734) 794-6410 x43639 or at awarrow@ a2gov.org
Karl Shuler, Civil Engineering Specialist, (734) 323-8823

C & D Hughes, Inc.
Brad McKay, Construction Contractor, (517)749-3606
Steve Strasser, Construction Supervisor, (517)645-0111

 

West Liberty Construction

Between May 24-June 30, 2012 the City of Ann Arbor will be repairing portions of West Liberty.  The construction affects the portions of West Liberty between Seventh and First Street, and includes repairs the the pavement to eliminate pot holes, smooth the driving surface, and increase pavement life. 

Eastbound traffic will be maintained and westbound traffic will be detoured.  Local access for vehicular and pedestrian traffic will be maintained except when temporarily restricted due to paving or concrete work.  View the map below for detour or see the city's official notice for additional details.

On-Board Survey Shows Rider Satisfaction Continues to Increase

 The number of riders who have expressed satisfaction with the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority’s (TheRide’s) service has increased steadily over the past several years, according to a survey conducted by CJI Research Corporation. The survey was conducted in October 2011 onboard TheRide’s buses.

Rider satisfaction increased to 89 percent in 2011, with 8 percent of riders stating they were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied with the service. That’s up from 84 percent satisfaction in 2009 and 83 percent in 2006.

“Providing convenient, reliable and comfortable service are top priorities,” said TheRide CEO Michael Ford. “Customer satisfaction is key. The easier and more enjoyable we can make the trips for our riders, the more people there will be who are gaining the environmental, economic and health benefits of public transit.”

Satisfaction ratings increased from 2009 to 2011 for 12 of the 13 items included in both surveys. These items include specific aspects of service including safety, driver quality, vehicle features, bus stops and service quality. Eighty-nine percent of those surveyed gave TheRide’s schedule book, TheRide Guide, a satisfactory rating.

“A big part of the reason for our increases in customer satisfaction has to do with our drivers. They are on the buses every day interacting with riders and making sure their experience is as good as it can possibly be,” said Ford.

The rider survey also provided valuable insight on how TheRide’s services are being used. Respondents who indicated they were traveling to or from work or school increased from 76 percent in 2006 to 82 percent in 2011.

Two thirds of riders (66 percent) said they use public transit service five or more days per week, with 88 percent of those surveyed using TheRide three or more days per week. This is up from 2009, when 86 percent rode three or more days per week.

The survey also indicated the number of choice riders – those who have regular access to a vehicle, but choose to ride public transit – also increased. More than one-third of riders surveyed (39 percent) had a license and vehicle available to make their trip, but chose to use TheRide for their trip – an increase from 37 percent of choice riders in 2009.

When asked what improvements they would most like to see, more riders (38 percent) chose increased frequency as the most important improvement when compared to other choices. The next most important improvement chosen was more direct routes at 16 percent.

“We’ve heard several times over the last few years that more frequent and more direct routes are important for riders, and we’ve seen it once again in this survey,” said Ford. “We’ve already begun making several improvements, including increased service on Route 4. If the improvements proposed under the 5-Year Countywide Transit Program are approved, riders throughout much of Washtenaw County’s urban areas wouldn’t even need to look at a transit schedule – that’s how frequent service would be.”

Methodology: The survey was conducted onboard TheRide buses from October 4 through 10, 2011. Survey workers handed out the survey under the supervision of CJI Research Corporation. Surveyors accompanied bus drivers at the beginning of the shifts and handed surveys to all riders throughout the entire run. Completed surveys were collected at the end of the run by survey personnel, placed in an envelope marked with the route and run and reported to survey supervisors who completed a log form detailing the run. The questionnaire was self-administered and included serial numbers so records could be kept for the route and day the survey was completed.

Lucinda Means Bicycle Advocacy Day

This is a notice for an event sponsored by the League of Michigan Bicyclists, visit their website for more information.

The League of Michigan Bicyclists, Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance,Michigan Mountain Biking Association and MSU Bikes are pleased to join forces once again for the Lucinda Means Bicycle Advocacy Day to be held at the State Capitol on May 23rd, 2012 as a culmination of National Bike Month.

Whether you enjoy riding on Michigan roads, trails or dirt single track, Advocacy Day is your opportunity to speak with one voice to help advance the interests of all cyclists in the state. We hope that casual riders and die-hards alike will join us in advancing the interests of all bicyclists by communicating the great importance of cycling to the Michigan Legislator.

This year's key issues include:

• Protecting vulnerable roadway users by establishing enhanced penalties for injuring or killing cyclists
• Revising the right turn hand signal to make an extended right arm legal in Michigan
• Supporting bikes on trains through the implementation of the Michigan State Rail Plan
• Supporting a new Michigan trails and greenways license plate to fund local trail projects
• Opposing efforts to eliminate the Michigan Complete Streets Advisory Council
• Opposing efforts to eliminate dedicated non-motorized funding in the state's transportation funding formulas
• Opposing "Right to Ride" legislation which elevates equestrian trail users above all other user groups, including mountain bikers

Learn more about these issues by downloading our 2012 Legislative Priorities packet (PDF).

Escorted by local police bike patrols, the day will start with a short road rally ride from MSU Bikes to the State Capitol where volunteers from all three organizations will educate legislators on the above policy issues that facilitate a bicycle-friendly Michigan. Lunch will be provided after legislative visits, followed by an optional afternoon ride.

Tentative Schedule:

• 8:30 am - Bike rally leaves from MSU Bikes to State Capitol
• 9:15 am – Welcome & Guest Speaker Representative Anthony Forlini
• 9:30 am - Issue Overview & Questions
• 10:15 am - Meetings with Representatives and Senators
• 12:45 pm - Lunch on Capitol grounds
• 1:45 pm - Group photo on Capitol steps
• 2:00 pm - "Lansing by bicycle" (self-guided ride)

Price:
Registration for Advocacy Day is $10 and includes lunch.
Registration:
Visit the League of Michigan Bycyclists website for more information or to register

S. Fifth Avenue Repaving

Between May 18-12, 2012, the City of Ann Arbor will be closing S. Fifth Avenue for repaving.  During the work Day, S. Fifth Avenue will be closed to through traffic.  The Washington and Liberty cross streets will remain open for most of the construction.  Local access and pedestrian traffic will be maintained during the project.   Through traffic will be restored at the end of each day.  For more information see the official notice or the map below.

TheRide's Memorial Day Transit Schedule Announced

The Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (TheRide) will not operate regular fixed-route bus, A-Ride paratransit, Good As Gold senior taxi or ExpressRide services on Monday, May 28, 2012 in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. All regular services will resume on Tuesday, May 29. On Memorial Day, AirRide service between Ann Arbor and Detroit Metropolitan Airport will operate on its regular schedule.

Passengers may take advantage of TheRide’s HolidayRide shared-ride taxi service on May 28 for just $5 a person. Seniors and persons with disabilities with an identification card issued by TheRide may ride for $2.50. Individuals with a go!pass may ride for $3, with the balance funded by a grant from the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority.

HolidayRide taxi service operates within the city limits of Ann Arbor and east to downtown Ypsilanti between Clark Road/Huron River Drive on the north and Ellsworth Road/Michigan Avenue on the south. To schedule a HolidayRide trip, call 734.528.5432.

TheRide will close its offices at 2700 South Industrial Highway and the Blake and Ypsilanti Transit Centers on May 28, in observance of Memorial Day.

The three facilities will re-open for business on Tuesday, May 29.

Bus route and schedule information is available at 734.996.0400 and on TheRide’s web site at www.TheRide.org.