Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
4068337603_3c402f6acc.jpgBetter bicycle infrastructure is no threat to trucks. (Photo: Wayan Vota via Flickr)

Statements made by U.S. DOT Secretary Ray LaHood in recent weeks -- including one regarding "the end of favoring motorized transportation at the expense of
non-motorized" -- have gotten a lot of favorable coverage from members of the Streetsblog Network. But they've caused apparent consternation and anxiety in other quarters, including the trucking industry. You can find a variety of arguments on the new DOT position at the National Journal's Transportation Expert Blog.

Today, network member Cyclelicious responds to some of the backlash to LaHood's words, pointing what should be obvious: being in favor of bicycles as transportation doesn't mean being against trucks. Here's part of what he says:

American Trucking Association President Bill Graves is correct in telling us, "These [livable] communities will not be livable without an efficient highway system and trucks to deliver the food, medicine, clothing and other necessities that make walking and bicycling possible."

Transportation policies that encourage more dense development means money that previously was spent to serve sprawling outlying communities can now be spent on fixing the highways we already have. Policies that encourage "alternative" transportation for commuters means more room on the highways for trucks to deliver their goods.

Bicycle Transportation Examiner Adam Voiland has more links to Republican anti-bike rhetoric.

More from around the network: Human Transit on the difference between light rail and streetcars. Sustainable Cities Collective asks whether we should "'can' the car or 'green' the car." And Copenhagenize itemizes the folly of bicycle licenses.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Sec. Duffy Moves to Rescind Billions for ‘Woke’ Transportation on Feb. 18 — So Advocates Must Speak Up Now

The U.S. Transportation Secretary has promised to call on Congress to slash vast funding for climate and DEIA.

February 14, 2025

Friday’s Headlines Let There Be Light

Pedestrian deaths are most common at night and on multilane roads, according to AAA, and the most at risk are people who may not be able to afford cars.

February 14, 2025

Friday Video: How America Got Hooked on Cars

CNBC put together a solid 15-minute explainer on car dependency that's perfect for sending to anyone who's never thought about the role of automobility in their life.

February 14, 2025

Catch the Green Wave In NYC

Even the Times loves it.

February 14, 2025

Talking Headways Podcast: The Cognitive Experience of a Transit User

Ren Yee of UN Studio on the cognitive workload of pedestrians and creating safe opportunities for mind wandering and absorbing information.

February 13, 2025
See all posts