- President Biden touted climate-change measures like converting to electric vehicles while also admitting the U.S. will be dependent on oil for "at least another decade" during his State of the Union address. (The Hill) He also announced that all construction materials used in federally funded infrastructure projects must be made in the U.S. (CNBC)
- Ezra Klein at the New York Times ponders why American construction is getting less efficient. Most of the problems are bureaucratic or political, according to an NYU study on why U.S. transit projects cost more than other countries,' creating rising costs and long timelines that frustrate the public and sap support for these generally popular projects. (Transit Costs Project)
- Transit riders are frustrated by "ghost buses" that show up on their apps but never arrive. (Pew Stateline)
- I-794 bulldozed through a vibrant Black Milwaukee community in the 1960s, and the easy access to downtown via car spurred white residents to flee to the suburbs. Now activists want the freeway taken down. (Fast Company)
- It has lots of attractions but doesn't really connect anything, so "America's Main Street" of Pennsylvania Avenue is a strong candidate for D.C. to start experimenting with closing streets to cars. (Greater Greater Washington)
- Benefits for Boston city employees now include Bluebike bike-share memberships. (Globe)
- A Houston developer is hoping to turn car-centric neighborhoods into walkable ones. (Greater Houston Partnership)
- An Arlington, Texas project will map sidewalk conditions in low-income neighborhoods as way to help residents access food and find safe routes to school. (KERA)
- Palm Beach, Florida residents are asking Gov. Ron DeSantis to cancel a plan to add bike lanes to A1A and widen a multiuse path. (Daily News)
- A Philadelphia high-school student writes about how biking is a necessity for her family. (Inquirer)
- New Orleans has a 1907 San Francisco streetcar tucked away in a barn, and yes, it's named "Desire." (Boing Boing)
Stay in touch
Sign up for our free newsletter
More from Streetsblog USA
Team Pedestrian Trounces Team Bus in NYC’s Annual ‘Crosstown Bus Challenge’
Pedestrians beat the bus — but maybe for the last time?
Friday Video: How to Gear Up For Your Fall Bike Commute
The only must-haves for a cycling commute are a bike and a place you feel safe riding — but a few accessories don't hurt, either.
August 8, 2025
Can You Tell Me How to Get to Friday’s Headlines?
"Sesame Street," which taught generations of children about life in the big city, might not be long for this world.
August 8, 2025
Talking Headways Podcast: Technical Assistance for Equitable TOD
Emily LaFlamme on how the Elevated Works technical assistance program helps developers bring equitable transit-oriented development to life.
August 7, 2025
Thursday’s Headlines Wonder if Ride-Sharing Is Good, Actually
It's been shown to replace walking, biking and transit trips, but two writers argue it's better than taxis, and at least lifts the burden of car ownership.
August 7, 2025
This Company Wants to Help More Americans Buy Used E-Bikes
Trade wars in Washington are having a chilling effect on the U.S. bike market. Could selling more used cycles fill the gap?
August 7, 2025
