- Cyclist and pedestrian deaths have skyrocketed in the U.S. over the past 20 years — an anomaly among developed nations — and the victims are disproportionately Black and Hispanic. For decades governments prioritized wide roads in poor and minority neighborhoods that outsiders can speed through, and neglected to invest in safety. (New York Times)
- Two-mile long freight trains often block intersections for hours, requiring children who walk to school to risk their lives climbing over a train that could start at any time or stay home. (ProPublica)
- Automakers pretty much refuse to sell small cars and trucks in the U.S., believing Americans don't want them. So rural farmers are importing tiny pickups from Japan. (The Economist; paywall)
- "Desire paths" trampled by people where there are no paved paths help urban planners understand how to build better public spaces. (Australian Broadcasting Corp.)
- California transit agencies and sympathetic legislators unveiled a five-year, $5 billion budget proposal to keep transit from going over a fiscal cliff. (CalMatters)
- The Culver City council removed a protected bike lane from a downtown safety pilot program that was widely watched in the L.A. region. (LAist)
- The "pause" on Philadelphia's King of Prussia rail line is also an opportunity to draw riders back by improving existing transit service. (Governing)
- Gov. Maura Healey hired the Massachusetts DOT's first-ever chief safety officer. (Boston Herald)
- Miami planners are floating a plan to turn U.S. Highway 1 into a boulevard with traffic calming measures and a bike path. (Miami Today)
- A light rail crash near Denver in March was likely caused by the operator falling asleep, according to a state investigation. (Colorado Public Radio)
- A Charlotte Magazine writer tried riding the bus and found it slow and frustrating, as did many of her fellow passengers.
- Lisbon is the latest city to ban car traffic through downtown, if only temporarily. (City Lab)
Streetsblog
Thursday’s Headlines Reap What We Sowed
Stay in touch
Sign up for our free newsletter
More from Streetsblog USA
When Journalists Give Even Intentional Traffic Violence a Pass
The driver who killed Paris cycling advocate Paul Varry has been charged with murder — but America's top-selling newspaper seemingly implied that he's a victim of the "war on cars."
The 2024 Streetsblog Gift Guide For Sustainable Transportation Advocates Who Love to Read
The previous 11-plus months have been epic for urbanism-related books. Why not buy a few for the advocates on your holiday list?
Monday’s Headlines Are Stuffed Full of Stories
Enjoy this mega-post while you digest the rest of your Thanksgiving leftovers.
What the Potential Pedestrianization of Europe’s Busiest Shopping Street Can Teach U.S. Cities
Oxford Street is poised for a pedestrian-friendly makeover. What can the U.S. learn from their journey to get there?
Pennsylvania Shifted Cash From Highways to Transit – But Other States Could Go Even Further
"If your governor says they don't have money for transit, they are lying," said one advocate.