Transportation on The Green Room

Washtenaw County’s "The Green Room" explores our local transportation system.

Green Room Radio Shows on WEMU, 89.1 FM

• March 30, 2018:  Washtenaw County’s Big Trees Controversy
  Centuries-old trees have many benefits:  they provide habitat, absorb stormwater runoff, sequester carbon, and beautify the rural landscape.  Many of our largest got their start when buggies or farm tractors were the fastest things on the road.  Now, in the age of speedy (and often distracted) driving, trees close to the road are being hit by drivers that lose control.  Should they be removed for safety’s sake?  In the last few months, there has been much talk about this question in Washtenaw County.  The controversy continues.
• August 25, 2017: Crosswalk confusion in Ann Arbor
  The City of Ann Arbor’s Climate Action Plan says walking reduces overall greenhouse gas emissions and traffic congestion, while improving our health. But, walking can be risky. According to the Centers for Disease Control, a pedestrian dies after being hit by a car every 1.6 hours in the United States. Understandably, many people feel safer behind the wheel, than in front of it. How can people get across the street safely? There is considerable debate over best strategies.
• June 30, 2017: Road Rage: Bike vs. Car
  More and more people are opting to cycle rather than drive for at least some of their transportation, whether for personal health, or for the health of the planet. But safety is an issue, and emotions run high. Conflicts occur over who has a right to the roadway. Should we encourage bicycles in the street, or should we try to separate bikes from cars?
  
• January 29, 2016:  The Allen Creek Greenway - A Matter of Time
  The Allen Creek Greenway is a three-mile walking and biking trail proposed to run north-south, near the railroad, through downtown Ann Arbor. The City of Ann Arbor has taken a $200,000 first step, by funding its master plan process. In this installment of WEMU’s "The Green Room," Barbara Lucas explores hopes and dreams for the Greenway, whose proponents say, "It’s about time!"  
• July 31, 2015: Eco-considerations of Driverless Cars. 
Once thought of as fantasy, autonomous and connected cars are real and are being researched right here in our backyard. In this installment, Barbara Lucas looks at the environmental implications of this cutting edge technology.
• February 27, 2015: Pedestrian And Bicycle Access In Winter
. To decrease its carbon footprint, the Climate Action Plan of Ann Arbor calls for increasing walking, biking and public transit. However, heavy precipitation events have increased 37% in the Midwest in the last century, and keeping pathways clear can be a challenge.
• April 25, 2014: Increasing Bus Ridership in the Ann Arbor-Ypsi Area. While disagreeing on the question of a tax increase, both supporters and opponents of a proposed millage support expanded services. Environmentalists say buses help communities achieve their climate action goals, and so increasing ridership is crucial.
• October 25, 2013:Speed Limits
. An exploration of the environmental impacts of car speeds, including issues of bicycle and pedestrian safety.
• June 28, 2013:Bicycle Commuting. 
Cycling is a pollution-free from of transit, and is rising in popularity. Here and elsewhere measures are being taken to improve the safety and convenience of on-road bicycling.

Green Room Television Shows on CTN, Channel 17

• March 8, 2016:Safely Sharing the Roads. Nate Phipps from Common Cycle discusses safety for all users of the roadways: drivers, cyclists, and walkers.
• December 8, 2015: Vision Zero. Erica Briggs discusses the Vision Zero campaign and its goal to create a transportation system without fatalities for bikers, walkers, or drivers.
• April 8, 2014: Motor Vehicle Speeds. Interview with Norm Cox, president of the Greenway Collaborative, about how car speeds affect the quality of life in a community and what factors influence them.
• January 14, 2014: Bicycle Repair. Interview with Jayanthi Reddy and Jonny Lennon of Common Cycle, a local volunteer organization which helps kids and adults to repair their bikes.
• June 11, 2013: Engine Idling in School Parking Lots. Interviews with Susan Hutton, Sheetal Patcheak, and Grace Lafreniere, citizens working to reduce unnecessary engine idling.
• May 1, 2012:Engine Idling. Interviews with Dr. Sara Adar, of the UM School of Public Health, and John German, of the International Council on Clean Transportation. Learn more about Engine Idling.