Beyond 4 Wheels

[Brother Ray]

This is a bit late for posting, but maybe some of you in A2 can still make it. - BR

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Friends,

For the last 70 years, our communities have been designed to make life easier for cars -- and more intimidating for pedestrians and bicyclists. Forward-looking cities are beginning to challenge that paradigm and think beyond four wheels when it comes to urban design and transportation. They're adding sidewalks and bike paths to existing streets and creating greenways that allow residents a safe, attractive way to move around town.

On Tuesday, November 16, Norm Cox of The Greenway Collaborative will explore how this vision could become reality in Ann Arbor. "Beyond Four Wheels: The Future of Biking and Walking in Ann Arbor" will explore these key elements in making one of America's great places to live even better. Norm's presentation is particularly timely given the increasing interest in building a greenway through downtown Ann Arbor (see www.michigan.sierraclub.org/huron/aagreenway.htm).

This free event is sponsored by the local Sierra Club group and is open to the public. It begins at 7:30 pm at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens (directions below). Newcomers are welcome; no membership is required.

You're also invited to stay for our social hour after the presentation, during which you can meet others who share your interests in nature. You can also learn about Sierra Club activities including hikes, service projects, and conservation campaigns. We'll have EarthCash shopping vouchers available for purchase by cash or check. EarthCash vouchers let you help stop sprawl when you buy groceries, books, CDs, and other items at the stores where you already shop -- at no additional cost to you. It enabled us to contribute $42,000 to pass Michigan's boldest anti-sprawl initiative. With your help, we can do even more. We'll also have 2005 Sierra Club calendars for sale.

I hope to see you at Tuesday's event. Please feel free to forward this message to others who might be interested.

Doug Cowherd

Co-Chair, Sierra Club-Huron Valley Group