Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Streetsblog

Tuesday’s Headlines Are Asleep at the Wheel

12:00 AM EST on February 8, 2022

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

Tuesday’s Headlines Triple the Fun

Amtrak is staffing up and ready to spend the $66 billion it received from the bipartisan federal infrastructure law.

September 26, 2023

Pols: Congress Must Bolster Sustainable Commutes to Reduce Carbon and Congestion

The feds should bolster sustainable commuting modes and transportation demand management strategies.

September 26, 2023

Monday’s Headlines Are All About Pete

From trying to avert a government shutdown to promoting rail safety, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is in the midst of a busy week.

September 25, 2023

What is the Life of a Dead Pedestrian Worth?

A Seattle police officer sparked outrage when he joked that the death of pedestrian Jaahnavi Kandula might be settled for as little as $11,000. Some families get even less.

September 25, 2023

Why Reducing Vehicle Miles Traveled Matters

“Our job now is to prioritize solutions that mitigate the impacts of climate change while equitably improving quality of life. To do so we need to rethink how we build so Californians can drive less."

September 22, 2023
See all posts