Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Streetsblog

Tuesday’s Headlines Are Asleep at the Wheel

A Tesla Model S following a 2016 crash. Source: NTSB via Flickr

Despite numerous safety problems with self-driving cars, regulators always seem a step behind (Vox). But the government appears poised to loosen rules further, if anything, despite the fact that self-driving cars aren't proven to be safer and could be disastrous for the climate (Washington Post).

Owning a car is even more expensive than you think: A recent German study pegged the lifetime cost at nearly $700,000, including a $275,000 public subsidy. (Forbes)

The philanthropic Final Mile Program has been a resounding success at helping cities build better bike infrastructure. (Planetizen)

Automatic braking systems don't work on dark roads, where a third of pedestrian traffic deaths occur. (Streetsblog USA)

In response to news that seven of 10 pedestrian deaths in Portland were homeless individuals, Mayor Ted Wheeler opted to blame victims by banning camping along high-crash corridors, rather than take transportation and housing advocates' advice, like lowering speed limits and implementing traffic calming. (BikePortland)

Drivers killed eight Philadelphia cyclists last year, the most since 1997. (Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia)

It's still not clear when or if a $13 billion plan for Charlotte regional transit will go before voters. (WFAE)

A bike-lane debate in Columbus is pitting bike advocates against an otherwise beloved independent cinema. The reality, though, is that bike lanes help small businesses, not hurt them. (Alive)

Businesses fought bike lanes in San Diego's North Park fearing a loss parking would mean losing customers, but already hundreds of people are using them each day. (CBS 8)

Tacoma is considering lowering speed limits on residential streets as part of its Vision Zero plan. (News Tribune)

Canton, Ohio's transit agency will study the feasibility of a light rail line between downtown and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. (Repository)

A Seattle construction crew working on a bus rapid transit project uncovered remnants of a 120-year-old streetcar line. (KING 5)

Angry Dutch residents are, perhaps somewhat facetiously, threatening to pelt Jeff Bezos' 400-foot-yacht with rotten eggs if Rotterdam, where the sailboat is under construction, follows through on a plan to dismantle a historic bridge because it can't fit underneath. (New York Post)

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Survey: Most Americans Are Open To Ditching Their Cars

Automakers have spent a century and countless trillions of dollars making car-dependent living the American norm. But U.S. resident still aren't sold, a new survey suggests.

January 21, 2026

You Can’t Afford Wednesday’s Headlines

Americans want to live in walkable areas near transit, but not enough housing is being built there, driving prices out of reach for many and forcing them into a car-dependent lifestyle.

January 21, 2026

NYC Warns Delivery Apps to Follow New Worker Protection Laws

The Mamdani Administration sent letters to over 60 delivery app companies, warning they must comply with new regulations.

January 20, 2026

What the ‘Abundance’ Agenda Could Mean For Equitable Transportation

Could Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson's buzzword usher in an era of bountiful transportation options, or just more highways?

January 20, 2026

Tuesday’s Headlines Weigh Perception and Reality

It may be driven largely by the media — car crashes are too common to make the news — but a feeling that transit isn't safe is hurting ridership.

January 20, 2026

Monday’s Headlines Wonder About E-Bikes’ Future

E-bike sales surged in 2020 and 2021 but have been flat ever since.

January 19, 2026
See all posts