Streetsblog

Tuesday’s Headlines Go Green

Better transit and bike facilities don't have to lead to displacement, and they're crucial to avoiding a climate catastrophe.

By Blake Aued

12:00 AM EST on November 15, 2022

Photo: Paul Krueger. Paul Krueger.

Green infrastructure can lead to gentrification, which means cities have to figure out how to add climate-crucial amenities without displacing residents. (Bloomberg)
Both fleet electrification and more compact, walkable cities with better transit are needed to avoid a climate apocalypse, according to a new UN report. (Greater Greater Washington)
Even when accounting for manufacturing, electric cars produce half as much carbon over the life of the vehicle as gas-powered ones — but that’s still nowhere near the carbon reductions achieved by walking, biking and transit. (Yale Climate Connection)
After a pandemic-related slowdown in bike-share usage, Washington, D.C. is offering contracts to five companies to bring 20,000 new bikes into the system. (WaPost)
Kansas City is keeping its pledge to build 15 miles of new bike lanes a year. (Star)
While perhaps an example of too much democracy at work, San Francisco’s successful referendum to close JFK Drive to cars could embolden other city leaders to take similar steps on their own. (Slate)
The Charlotte Area Transit System wants to build a new bus station underground rather than at street-level, a less expensive option, because officials said it would provide better rail connections and allow for a mixed-use development aboveground. (WFAE)
The Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority is getting pushback from intown residents on a streetcar extension that would be the first step to long-awaited transit on the Beltline. (AJC)
Portland is changing its unique system of government where commissioners elected citywide serve as legislators but also run departments like transportation. (Oregon Public Radio)
The UK is considering raising its windfall tax on oil and gas companies. (Reuters)
They’re on freeway ramps, in between merge lanes, and blocked by poles, trees and outdoor cafes — here are some of the world’s worst bike lanes. (Momentum)