Streetsblog

Viva La Tuesday’s Headlines

Want safer streets in the U.S.? Do what France did. Want safer streets in your city? Do what Hoboken did.

By Blake Aued

12:00 AM EDT on June 21, 2022

A bike commuter in France. Photo: Wikimedia

Traffic deaths are surging in the U.S., but we’re an outlier compared to other countries where streets are getting safer. Transportation researcher Yonah Freemark looked at France and found that a combination of pedestrianizing streets, widespread speed cameras and high gas prices that encourage smaller vehicles are among the reasons why. (City Lab)
House transportation committee chairman Rep. Earl Bluemenauer (D-Oregon) is urging President Biden not to suspend the federal gas tax. (The Hill)
In the past four years, drivers haven’t killed anyone in Hoboken, where biking is the easiest way to get around and the city prohibits cars from parking near sidewalks and blocking pedestrians’ view. (Curbed)
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frye vetoed a plan to add bike lanes and 24/7 bus lanes to Hennepin Avenue. (Fox 9)
The rate of serious crimes on the Twin Cities’ Metro Transit is low, but perception of crime due to the presence of homeless individuals is keeping riders away. (Star Tribune)
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is cutting back on subway service after a federal report took it to task for safety issues. (Streetsblog MASS)
Here’s where candidates for Massachusetts governor and lieutenant governor stand on keeping the Boston transit system fare-free. (Politico
Federal funding for a $320 million San Antonio bus rapid transit line appears to be on the fast track. (San Antonio Report)
Virginia lawmakers rejected Gov. Glenn Younkin’s call to suspend the state gas tax. (WRIC)
The Cincinnati Metro is offering free bus service along the stretch of streetcar line that’s blocked by a building’s collapsed roof. (Enquirer)
The new electric Hummers are big enough to eat a typical SUV and still have room for a taxi for dessert. (Jalopnik)