Tuesday’s Headlines Want to Walk in Peace

The carnage on American roads shows no signs of improving. Plus, in some cities driverless cars are already literally right around the corner, but no one seems prepared.

By Blake Aued

12:01 AM EDT on June 27, 2023

Image: Wikimedia

Pedestrian deaths hit their highest point in more than four decades last year, with drivers killing at least 7,508 people on foot nationwide. (Streetsblog USA)
Polluting dust from tire wear is a bigger problem for electric vehicles, which go through tires faster because they're heavier and have more torque. (Forbes)
Like it or not, robotaxis are here, and government at all levels is totally unprepared for them. (MIT Technology Review)
London is expanding its ultra-low emissions zone citywide. (New York Times)
A Paris climate summit ended without a deal to tax greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping. (Al Jazeera)
As vehicles continue to get heavier and more dangerous for anyone in their way, New York State is considering a bill that would charge registration fees based on weight. (Curbed)
A Washington, D.C. pilot program will send warnings by mail and text to drivers with histories of crashes and traffic violations. (Washington Post)
A rash of lawsuits filed by people who tripped and fell on San Diego's crumbling sidewalks have the city pondering whether to put the liability on property owners. (Union-Tribune)
Atlanta NIMBYs started a petition against the Beltline streetcar expansion. (Fox 5)
Birmingham won a $21 million federal grant for a complete streets project and an urban bike trail. (Bham Now)
A similar $14 million RAISE grant will go toward a complete street in Milwaukee. (Urban Milwaukee)
Metro Transit stayed open late for a Taylor Swift concert in Minneapolis, and thousands of Swifties took advantage. (Star Tribune)