Thursday’s Headlines
People on bikes died in record numbers in 2016, according to a new League of American Bicyclists report, and pedestrians and cyclists are a growing portion of all traffic deaths. That’s partly because there are more cyclists — and drivers — on the road, and many of those roads haven’t gotten any safer. (Outside, Washington … Continued
By
Blake Aued
7:11 AM EST on February 28, 2019
- People on bikes died in record numbers in 2016, according to a new League of American Bicyclists report, and pedestrians and cyclists are a growing portion of all traffic deaths. That’s partly because there are more cyclists — and drivers — on the road, and many of those roads haven’t gotten any safer. (Outside, Washington Post)
- Sometimes slow and steady wins the race. Dockless bike-shares that rushed into cities unannounced — promising cheaper and more flexible service — are now pulling out, but older docked bike companies that worked with regulators and citizens are still around. (Governing)
- L.A. Metro is considering taxing Uber and Lyft in an effort to reverse a 20-percent drop in transit ridership over the past five years. Metro officials say the ride-hailing apps are undercharging for their services, thus competing unfairly with buses and trains and causing congestion. (CBS LA)
- Way to go, Philly cops! The Inquirer reports that Philadelphia police are cracking down on bad drivers, while enforcement against pedestrians and cyclists declined last year. Tickets for bike-lane infractions increased eightfold last year.
- GoTriangle, the group behind the proposed Durham-Orange, N.C. light rail line, says Duke has been throwing up one roadblock after another. The university’s board of trustees has until today to decide whether to get onboard. If it doesn’t, the project might be dead, because it needs Duke-owned land. (Raleigh News & Observer) As Streetsblog reported yesterday, the university is under pressure from faculty who are concerned about climate change to allow the rail line to move forward.
- Rhode Island is a blue state, but it definitely ain’t green when it comes to prioritizing the automobile. (eco RI)
- A Seattle resident visited Atlanta, got addicted to e-scooters and wondered what her hometown is waiting for. (The Stranger) But be careful what you wish for: Lime scooters’ front wheels are locking while going downhill in Atlanta, causing injuries. (Curbed, Reporter Newspapers)
- The “Barnacle Bike” that mysteriously reappeared at a Manhattan docking station covered in shells is the talk of New York. Could it be some sort of art project? Or is a Citi Bike serial killer on the loose? (Gothamist)
Blake Aued has been doing Streetsblog's daily national news digest for years. He's also an Atlanta Braves fan, which enrages his editor in New York.
Read More:
More from Streetsblog USA
Friday Video: RIP, The D.C. Streetcar
Advocates are mourning the loss of the D.C. streetcar ... but they'e not entirely sad to see it die.
April 10, 2026
You’re Authorized to Read Friday’s Headlines
An important federal transportation funding bill is in the works. Here's what to look out for.
April 10, 2026
Review: ’60 Minutes’ Take On High-Speed Rail Ignored Facts And Offered Nothing New
When 60 Minutes announced a segment on high-speed rail construction in the United States,I feared the worst. What I got was unexpected.
April 9, 2026
Trump Wants to Slash Federal Funding for Public Transit, Rail (Again)
The president’s proposed budget threatens transit projects across the country.
April 9, 2026
Thursday’s Headlines Are the Taxman
Suspending gas taxes might be politically popular, but it doesn't save drivers money and takes away funding for infrastructure.
April 9, 2026
Comments Are Temporarily Disabled
Streetsblog is in the process of migrating our commenting system. During this transition, commenting is temporarily unavailable.
Once the migration is complete, you will be able to log back in and will have full access to your comment history. We appreciate your patience and look forward to having you back in the conversation soon.