- Racial inequality tops the headlines today. Uber’s star rating system is racially biased, according to a lawsuit filed by a San Diego driver (NPR). A 20-year-old Black man died after crashing his electric moped while being chased by police for riding without a helmet (Popville). And a Southwest Portland light rail line that would be funded as part of a $7 billion transit referendum has strong support (KATU), but City Observatory says it would benefit one of the city’s whitest and wealthiest neighborhoods.
- Joe Biden’s transit plan appears aimed more at creating construction jobs than actually providing good transit. (The Hill)
- A sharp drop in driving during the pandemic has cities, states and the federal government rethinking gas taxes as a way to fund transportation. (Smart Cities Dive)
- Thanks to bigger vehicles and gentrification pushing people who can’t afford cars into auto-centric suburbs, Virginia’s traffic death toll rose 50 percent over the past decade. (Mercury)
- Another lawsuit against Uber alleges that it coerced drivers into supporting Prop 22, its effort to overturn a California labor law (Fox Business).
- In what a police officer called an act of “complete stupidity,” a minivan passenger in Las Vegas leaned out the window and shoved a woman on a bike into the ground, then fell out of the vehicle and hit a light pole. Both died. The driver fled and was later caught and charged with murder. (People)
- When considering big infrastructure projects like Maryland’s Purple Line, it’s more important to think about the potential benefits than the cost. (Forbes)
- Bay Area transit officials think their best chance for federal coronavirus relief is a Joe Biden victory. (San Francisco Examiner)
- Private rail company Brightline is looking to partner with government-run SunRail on a line connecting Orlando and Tampa. (Sentinel)
- Cyclists in Washington state no longer need to stop at stop signs if the coast is clear. (Spokesman-Review)
- Harley-Davidson is getting into the e-bike business. (The Verge)
Streetsblog
Wednesday’s Headlines Mean We’re Still Pedaling Uphill
By Blake Aued
Stay in touch
Sign up for our free newsletter
More from Streetsblog USA
Is St. Louis’ Transportation Structure Set Up to Sustain its Traffic-Calming Boom?
St. Louis could soon become the latest U.S. city to radically restructure how it plans its transportation future. Not everyone thinks that's a good idea.
September 18, 2024
Another Reason We Have a Housing Crisis? Highways!
In urban neighborhoods — especially Black ones — land once set aside for homes was decimated for car drivers.
September 18, 2024
Wednesday’s Headlines Are for the Children
Climate change is forcing schools to give up their playgrounds when we could be giving up our cars, or at least diesel-powered school buses.
September 18, 2024
Tuesday’s Headlines Came Down With Congestion
People are driving more in 90 out of the 100 largest metro areas in the U.S., according to a new report. Is it time to borrow strategies from Europe to cut those miles? Learn more in headlines.
September 17, 2024
Even 500 Episodes In, Jeff Wood Isn’t Done Exploring Everything Cities Can Be
Streetsblog's most prolific podcaster looks back on his legacy, and explores what's coming next.
September 17, 2024
