Friday’s Headlines
- Houston drivers kill 150 pedestrians and cyclists and injure another 350 every year, making it one of the most dangerous cities in America for people on a bike or on foot. Why? The roads are built to move vehicles as quickly as possible, leaving people to deal with buckling sidewalks — or no sidewalks — and a lack of crosswalks or bike lanes. (Chronicle)
- Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh has opted not to veto a law making it easier to build bike lanes by easing fire-code restrictions, letting it take effect without her signature. (Fishbowl)
- Environmental nonprofit U.S. PIRG has some innovating ideas for switching from diesel to electric buses — for example, negotiating with utilities on power rates.
- The New York Times has another article about how Democrats intend to pass an infrastructure bill if they take control of the House.
- Sound Transit’s new light rail station in Kent, outside Seattle, will emphasize lighting and landscaping that helps pedestrians feel safe. (Reporter) The transit agency is also about to start work on a streetcar extension in Tacoma. (News Tribune)
- For a small monthly fee, Uber users in L.A., Austin, Denver, Orlando and Miami can avoid surge pricing. Uber hopes the plan will help it compete with Lyft’s new monthly subscription. (USA Today)
- Take this with a grain of salt, but Elon Musk says Tesla is starting its own ride-hailing service. Right after he puts a man on Mars. (Yahoo)
- Durham, N.C. is emailing commuters personalized maps of bike, bus and walking routes to work and giving away cash prizes to bus riders in an effort to discourage solo driving. (City Lab)
- A driver in Melbourne, Australia, was caught on video intentionally sideswiping a man on a bike. He was charged with reckless driving causing injury, which sounds serious but carries just a $1,000 fine. (Bicycling)
- Sad trumpet sound: West Jordan, Utah removed a sign for a bike lane to nowhere that’s just 50 feet long. Connectivity is coming, though, as the area continues to develop. (KUTV)
Stay in touch
Sign up for our free newsletter
More from Streetsblog USA
Thursday’s Headlines Are Inside Out
Cars and trucks are getting safer for drivers and passengers, but people outside the vehicles are increasingly in danger.
New Federal Committee Will Push for Transportation Equity By Helping DOT Reckon With Its Past
“No one alive today is necessarily responsible for the origins of the [transportation] inequities that we inherited. But everybody who was alive today and in a position of responsibility, is accountable for what we do about it. That's why we're here.”
Report: America’s Historic Bike Boom is Flatlining
"This growth won't continue forever without being facilitated by more infrastructure investment, [and particularly] safety infrastructure."
SF Advocates Explore How Enhancing Disability Access on Transit Helps for Everyone
BART was the first accessible transit system in the country. Advocates want Bay Area transit agencies to do better at keeping buses and trains accessible for all.
Wednesday’s Headlines Ask How Much a Life Is Worth
There isn't much of a financial penalty for drivers who kill pedestrians — even if those drivers are cops.
