Re-Elect Mayor John Hieftje
Ann Arbor needs more transportation options.
Seventy thousand people drive to work in Ann Arbor each day; this leads directly to more congestion, strains in our infrastructure and more local air pollution.
On June 15, 2006 Mayor Hieftje hosted a historic train ride from Ann Arbor to Livingston County where he detailed his transportation vision to 60+ decision makers from many sectors: environmental and business leaders, executives from the University of Michigan and representatives from local, state and federal government.
« Mayor Hieftje as shown in the Ann Arbor News on 6/16/06. You can read the full Ann Arbor News article online.
This was the launch of the “Model for Mobility,” an ambitious plan to create alternative transportation options for Ann Arbor residents and commuters.
The Model for Mobility includes the north-south rail project, which is progressing well and has received support from other local governments, the University of Michigan and the Michigan Department of Transportation; and the east-west commuter rail to metro airport and beyond. Rail will provide a new transit option for our region while reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality and discouraging sprawl. It will also allow the city and the University to save millions of dollars on building more parking structures.
“Alternative transportation is being integrated into city planning at all levels. We are on track to make Ann Arbor one of the best cities in the nation for bicycling.”
—Mayor John Hieftje
Five years ago, Mayor Hieftje launched an effort to make Ann Arbor a leader in bicycling infrastructure. More people bicycling will save parking spaces and cut down on congestion while improving the health of Ann Arbor’s residents.
Progress has been swift. Ann Arbor is well into implementing a plan to expand the bicycle lane system by 300% in just 5 years. In 2005, Ann Arbor was recognized with two cycling awards. The March 2006 issue of Bicycle Magazine placed Ann Arbor third in its ranking of cities with 75,000 to 200,000 people. Boulder, Colorado, and Eugene, Oregon, are still ahead of us, but we’re gaining on them!
Also included in the Model for Mobility is a policy to integrate pedestrian-friendly design into all projects. Already a city with abundant parks, fine scenery and safe streets, this program augments past success, resulting in an award to Ann Arbor as the 3rd best walking city in the United States from Prevention Magazine and the American Podiatric Association (2008). The award followed an extensive study of “walkability” in American cities.