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

Thursday’s Headlines Are Still Too Big

Federal laws favor giant pickups and SUVs.

|Angie Schmitt
    • The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced new proposals that would include pedestrian safety features in safety ratings (The Verge). But that won't incentivize automakers to stop producing such heavy vehicles that are more likely to kill pedestrians (Streetsblog USA).
    • Like building more highway lanes, more transit also induces demand because it reduces congestion, encouraging more people to drive. Congestion pricing could fix this. (Governing)
    • On a related note, there's no such thing as a free freeway, even if we've been trained to think there is. Our current method of paying for road construction doesn't even pay for the construction, let alone the societal costs of driving like pollution. (U.S. PIRG)
    • Encouraging people to go back to the office is not a good idea when gas prices are so high (Bloomberg). On the other hand, if stay-at-home workers continue to work from home, downtowns will suffer (CommonWealth). Hmm ... if only there were a way to get commuters to their jobs without driving ...
    • In her first-ever interview, the backup driver of an autonomous car Uber was testing in Arizona when it hit and killed a woman crossing the street says she worried that it would be a setback for the whole industry. (Wired)
    • Transit agency MARTA approved a $300 million plan for bus rapid transit in southwest Atlanta, although some continue to push for more expensive light rail. (AJC)
    • Reducing speed limits to 20 miles per hour in Denver did little to actually slow down drivers. (The Denver Channel)
    • San Francisco Mayor London Breed and key city agencies are backing a car-free JFK Drive. (Standard)
    • Washington, D.C. mayoral candidates argued about streetcars during their first debate. (DCist)
    • Getting around is difficult for a Louisiana State University student trying to navigate auto-centric Baton Rouge without a car. (Reveille)
    • Ann Arbor is already one of just 35 gold-level bike-friendly communities in the U.S., and residents want to be even better. (Michigan Daily)

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Monday’s Headlines Took the Keys Away

A demographic disaster is coming as a generation of aging suburbanites become either dangerous drivers or trapped in their homes.

March 2, 2026

Why Anti-Trans Laws Are Terrible For Transportation, Too

A disturbing new Kansas law revokes trans people's driver's licenses. Here's how it will make our communities more dangerous.

March 2, 2026

Sunbelt Cities Rank Last in National Street Safety Index

Cars and drivers continue to dominate the newest and sunniest cities in the United States.

March 2, 2026

Mass. ‘Micromobility’ Commission Recommends Improved Classification, Regulation of Motorbikes and Scooters

Among other recommendations, the commission supports expanding bikeshare systems and other micromobility options as a safer, less expensive, and more efficient alternative to driving.

February 27, 2026

Americans Demand Congress Fund Active Transportation In Next Infrastructure Bill — And Not Just The Bike/Walk Advocates

A "back to basics" surface transportation bill — as Republicans are seeking — would be devastating for road safety and small businesses.

February 27, 2026

Friday’s Headlines Take a Lot to Laugh, Take a Train to Cry

I ride on a mail train, baby. Can't buy a thrill.

February 27, 2026
See all posts