Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Streetsblog

Wednesday’s Headlines in a Downward Spiral

    • Nationally, transit ridership is still just 70 percent of pre-pandemic levels. While smaller systems that serve mostly blue-collar workers have rebounded, in big cities with white-collar commuters, the problem persists. And some say going fare-free would only hasten their demise. (New York Magazine)
    • Experts say fast, frequent service than can compete with driving on convenience is the answer to preventing a transit death spiral. (The Energy Mix)
    • States are mainly spending federal infrastructure funds on highway-widening projects that undermine the Biden administration's climate goals. (E&E News)
    • E-bikes are growing in popularity because they're attracting people who hadn't previously considered cycling. (Inverse)
    • Instead of fighting cities, shared mobility companies have now released a framework for regulation, many of which appear intended to keep those companies from competing themselves out of existence. (Smart Cities Dive, Streetsblog USA)
    • The free market, not government, should decide how much parking is enough, writes Matthew Yglesias. (Washington Post)
    • Dozens of parking garages in Manhattan are at risk of collapsing (New York Times), which means some probably are in other cities, too.
    • Washington became the first state to guarantee Uber and Lyft drivers family and medical leave and access to unemployment benefits. (Bloomberg)
    • Dallas officials are worried that trenching I-345 will simply replace an elevated barrier with a chasm, but the Texas DOT is pushing them hard to go along with it. (D Magazine)
    • Term-limited Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner hopes his successor continues on with his plan to build 1,800 miles of bike lanes. (Axios)
    • Raleigh's bikeshare will resume operations in June after shutting down because its operator filed for bankruptcy. (CBS 17)
    • Willamette Week readers are very much in favor of DIY street repair if the city of Portland won't do its job.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Friday Video: Are We All Living in a ‘Carspiracy’?

How does "car-brain" shape the way we think about the world — even in relatively bike-friendly countries like the U.K.?

July 26, 2024

Friday’s Headlines Share and Share Alike

Bikeshares, and e-bikes and scooters generally, are becoming more popular. That's led to more injuries, highlighting the need for better infrastructure.

July 26, 2024

What the Heck is Going on With the California E-Bike Incentive Program?

The program's launch has been delayed for two years, and currently "there is no specific timeline" for it. Plus the administrator, Pedal Ahead, is getting dragged, but details are vague.

July 26, 2024

Talking Headways Podcast: Have Cities Run Out of Land?

Chris Redfearn of USC and Anthony Orlando of Cal Poly Pomona on why "pro-business" Texas housing markets are catching up to "pro-regulation" California and what it might mean for future city growth.

July 25, 2024

The Paris Plan for Olympic Traffic? Build More Bike Lanes

A push to make Paris fully bikable for the Olympics is already paying dividends long before the opening ceremonies.

July 25, 2024
See all posts