Monday’s Headlines
New research reinforces that the media is contributing to the public health epidemic of traffic deaths by subtly shifting blame from drivers onto cyclists and pedestrians. (City Lab) Could the Chinese government hack into Chinese-made buses and trains? Congress isn’t taking any chances, and it’s poised to ban transit agencies from using federal funds to … Continued
By
Blake Aued
6:40 AM EST on December 16, 2019
- New research reinforces that the media is contributing to the public health epidemic of traffic deaths by subtly shifting blame from drivers onto cyclists and pedestrians. (City Lab)
- Could the Chinese government hack into Chinese-made buses and trains? Congress isn’t taking any chances, and it’s poised to ban transit agencies from using federal funds to buy buses and railcars made in China. (WAMU, Streetsblog)
- Miami’s North Corridor elevated Metrorail line should have opened in 2016. But revenue projections were too high, cost estimates were too low, and 15 years after voters passed a sales tax that’s raised $3 billion, only three of 10 miles have been built. (Herald)
- Seattle is the latest U.S. city to lower speed limits, joining New York, Boston, Philadelphia and Portland. Research shows that reducing speeds by just 5 percent reduces the number of fatal crashes by 30 percent. (Wired)
- As gas tax revenue falls, Washington State lawmakers are mulling options like mileage charges and congestion pricing to fund transportation. (My Northwest)
- New Jersey needs a better way to fund transit, experts testified at a state senate hearing last week. It relies on farebox revenue for half its funding, compared to 30 percent for most transit agencies, and state subsidies have been inconsistent. (North Jersey)
- A new ad campaign in New York City is aimed at male pickup truck and SUV drivers, who are responsible for a disproportionate number of fatal crashes. (Daily News, Streetsblog NYC)
- In 2019, Atlanta cracked down on e-scooters, unveiled a new bike lane plan, created its own DOT and green-lit a plan for transit expansion. (Curbed)
- Greater Greater Washington gathered reactions to Maryland transportation secretary Pete Rahn’s abrupt resignation. He leaves behind a legacy of canceled transit projects and more highway spending.
- Albuquerque drivers can’t seem to stay out of the bus-only lane, so the city is installing curbs and pylons to keep them out. (KOB)
- Will sleighs be allowed in Santa Barbara’s Santa Claus Lane bike lane? (Independent)
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: Five Bike Advocacy Mistakes You Don’t Even Know You’re Making
For one thing, make sure that political leaders who say "no" to livable streets experience consequences for their decisions.
March 27, 2026
Talking Headways Podcast: Congestion Pricing Data Collection
New York's congestion pricing data whiz discusses the program's first year.
March 26, 2026
How DC’s Mayor and Council Chair Thwarted Every Effort to Better Its Streetcar
There are two reasons why D.C. doesn't have the streetcar system it was promised — and their names are Mayor Muriel Bowser and DC Council Chair Phil Mendelson, one urbanist argues.
March 26, 2026
An Ounce of Prevention Is Worth a Pound of Thursday’s Headlines
There's so much the U.S. could have done to insulate residents from spiraling gas prices, other than suspend taxes.
March 26, 2026
Why Cities Need More ‘Agile’ Streets
When projects are routed through a full capital-improvement workflow, solutions tend toward expensive, permanent interventions — not alternatives that might achieve 80 percent of the benefit at 10 percent of the cost.
March 26, 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.