Bike

Learn the Basics

What are the Benefits of Biking?

• Fast Commute to Work: Biking to work saves time and is often the fastest way to get around in the District, especially during rush hour.
• Meeting People in the Community: Biking helps you get familiar with a neighborhood and increases the likelihood of meeting your neighbors.
• Improved Health: Biking improves your health and lowers your risk of serious illness like cardiovascular disease and type two diabetes.
• It’s Good for the Environment: Twenty bikes take up the same space as one car, and biking produces zero pollution.
• Improved Performance at Work: Biking, as a form of aerobic exercise, improves time and workload management, helping you feel motivated and more prepared to deal with stress.
• Better Sleep: Biking for just 20-30 minutes every other day can help you fall asleep faster, sleep better and longer.

How to Bike Safely

• Wear a helmet. Helmets dramatically reduce the risk of head injury in a bicycle accident.
• Ride on sidewalks only when necessary and always yield to pedestrians. Riding on the sidewalk is NOT illegal in Ann Arbor, but pedestrians have the right of way.
• Follow all traffic laws. Bicyclists are required to obey all regulatory signs and traffic lights. Always ride with traffic.
• Be seen and use hand signals. Use a headlight and blinking tail light to be visible to others. Let motorists, cyclists and pedestrians know what you intend to do by using hand signals. Be predictable!
• Beware of parked cars. Ride at least five feet away from parked vehicles, and watch for people exiting—doors can open at any time.
• Be careful at intersections. Watch for crossing vehicle traffic at intersections, even if you have the right-of-way.
• Be alert. Scan the road. Always know your surroundings.
• Be Vocal. Give an audible signal or use a bell before passing pedestrians or other cyclists and pass only on the left

Community Cycling Groups

Bike Advocacy Organizations

• Washtenaw Biking and Walking Coalition (WBWC): Local advocacy group for cyclists in Washtenaw County.
• Washtenaw Bike Alliance: A joint project of area organizations and enthusiasts aimed at bringing the Washtenaw area bicycling community together.
• Bike Ypsi: Bike advocacy and event group that focuses mostly on Ypsilanti. They lead a ride to Ann Arbor for Bike to Work Day.
• Programs to Educate All Cyclists (PEAC): PEAC’s purpose is to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities by using cycling for transportation, integrated recreation, fitness, and therapy.
• League of Michigan Bicyclists: Advocacy and resources for Michigan Bicyclists
• Common Cycle: A community-based organization empowering Ann Arbor to ride bicycles by providing access to education, workspace, and resources.

Recreational Biking Groups

• Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society: Organizes bike rides and other events throughout Ann Arbor.
• Ann Arbor Velo Club: Also organizes bike rides in Ann Arbor.
• Michigan Mountain Biking Association: For those who like to Mountain Bike.