- The Atlantic has more evidence that transit isn’t responsible for the spread of COVID-19, despite the CDC’s recommendation that people drive alone and the ongoing panic that’s cut ridership by three-quarters. Still, a recent poll found that 70 percent of Londoners are anxious about commuting by bus or subway (City Lab). In the U.S., the federal DOT will distribute 100 million masks to airports, transit agencies and Amtrak (Reuters).
- Meanwhile, in the U.K, demand for mopeds and scooters has tripled as commuters shun transit. (The Guardian)
- One urban planner has another way to make transit safer: Go fare-free, which will reduce the likelihood of interactions with police. (Grist)
- The push for new cycleways in Great Britain isn’t about pollution or the pandemic anymore. It’s about social justice and ensuring people without cars have transportation options. (Forbes)
- To survive post-COVID, transit agencies have to do a better job of communicating their benefits, such as convenience, safety, and less pollution and congestion. (Planetizen)
- Since the start of the pandemic, cities have been turning to microtransit to get seniors to the doctor or essential workers to their jobs, especially at odd hours. But the approach has its flaws (Undark). One such city is New Orleans, where the RTA is starting an Uber-like on-demand option in areas that lack transit service (Times-Picayune).
- From the “trolley problem” to economic inequality, driverless cars are fraught with ethical issues. (ABC News)
- New rankings put San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara, California; Madison, Wisconsin and Washington, D.C. at the top of the best cities for biking in the U.S. (WTOP)
- Streetsblog NYC board member Gabe Klein has an op-ed in the Washington Post calling for cities to reckon with their racist pasts.
- Sound Transit’s Tacoma Link extension is facing a $35 million shortfall. (News Tribune)
- Two Las Vegas casinos want Elon Musk’s Boring Company to dig his stupid tunnels for Teslas on tracks. (The Verge)
Streetsblog
Tuesday’s Headlines from All Over the Place
By Blake Aued
Stay in touch
Sign up for our free newsletter
More from Streetsblog USA
Advocates: Here’s What to Tell The Feds You Want From the Next Big Transportation Bill
You only have two more days to comment on the next surface transportation bill (the biggie!). So here are some thoughts about what you should say.
August 18, 2025
Monday’s Headlines Are Lukewarm, Neither Hot Nor Cold
Do micromobility devices that can reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour, or even 60, belong on sidewalks, in bike lanes, on streets with cars or somewhere else?
August 18, 2025
Talking Headways Podcast: The Powerless Brokers
Colin Parent of Circulate San Diego on why California can't build transit.
August 15, 2025
Friday’s Free-Range Headlines
Bad drivers and giant trucks are ruining our children's childhoods, and more parents are speaking out.
August 15, 2025
‘A Tombstone’: Abandoned Bicycles Outside Federal Courthouse Are a Symbol of U.S. War on Immigrants
At least four bicycles and one moped are chained up and seemingly abandoned outside NYC's federal courthouse. They are symbols of America's war on immigrants.
Friday Video: The Ingredients of a Truly Great Street
This short film offers a recipe for a great right of way, and a wealth of inspiration for communities to design for people.
August 15, 2025
