Friday’s Headlines Want You to Stay Safe
As so many people will be traveling for this Fourth of July holiday weekend, it's worth remembering that trains are safer than cars (and more comfortable than planes).
By
Blake Aued
12:00 AM EDT on July 1, 2022
- Despite a few recent high-profile Amtrak derailments, trains remain the safest way to travel on the ground (USA Today). And, we might add, far less damaging to the environment than flying.
- Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced a $1 billion equity program to help repair the damage done by roadways that divided or segregated neighborhoods. (NPR)
- In the latest Supreme Court outrage, the high court handcuffed the Biden administration’s ability to fight climate change by stopping the EPA from regulating power plants’ carbon dioxide emissions. (Politico)
- The man who invented the shopping mall now regrets how they destroyed cities. (The Guardian)
- Cargo bikes are becoming more popular worldwide as a climate-friendly way to take kids to school or carry groceries home. (New York Times)
- Barack Obama is a YIMBY now. The former president spoke to a conference of architects about the importance of high-density development to reduce reliance on cars. (dezeen)
- Newfangled parking meters can be annoying for drivers, but they also make it possible to reduce congestion and pollution by easily changing the price of parking at different times of day. (MarketWatch)
- The lack of benches in urban areas makes them less hospitable to walking. (Arch Daily)
- With a series of safety scandals, ridership that remains in the tank, a budget crisis looming and governance divided among three agencies, the D.C. Metro is in deep trouble. (Governing)
- The L.A. Metro is starting a land bank to alleviate gentrification along new transit lines. (Daily News)
- Cleveland and 13 other transit agencies in Michigan, Ohio and Kentucky are integrating their fares on one app. (Route Fifty)
- Dallas needs $54 million to install ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps. (Fox 4)
- Portland is rethinking how its use of concrete contributes to climate change. (KOIN)
- London is now using cameras to fine drivers in bike lanes. (The Guardian)
Blake Aued has been doing Streetsblog's daily national news digest for years. He's also an Atlanta Braves fan, which enrages his editor in New York.
Read More:
Streetsblog has migrated to a new comment system. New commenters can register directly in the comments section of any article. Returning commenters: your previous comments and display name have been preserved, but you'll need to reclaim your account by clicking "Forgot your password?" on the sign-in form, entering your email, and following the verification link to set a new password — this is required because passwords could not be carried over during the migration. For questions, contact tips@streetsblog.org.
More from Streetsblog USA
Talking Headways Podcast: Evolution, God and Transportation
Let's consider the totality of the human experience on this planet. Yes, it connects to livable streets, we promise. It's a very special episode of Talking Headways!
June 4, 2026
A Rolling Protest Helped Win Some of the Best Provisions in Congress’ New Infrastructure Bill
...and the advocates behind the ride are doing it again soon.
June 4, 2026
Thursday’s Headlines Are Tired of Tires
Yale has found more evidence that tires cause air pollution as they wear.
June 4, 2026
Want to Win a Statewide Race? Embrace Transit Early and Often
Steyer got a nice media hit when he "rode the D." Too bad it happened after most voters cast their ballots.
June 3, 2026
Most World Cup Host Cities Are Pedestrianizing Streets This Summer – But Not Boston
In a few days, host cities across North America will welcome huge World Cup crowds by pedestrianizing major streets – and in some cases, entire neighborhoods – to keep traffic jams out of the fan parades and festivals associated with the international event.
June 3, 2026