Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Today's Headlines

Thursday’s Headlines Have an Epiphany

Automakers are starting to realize what Streetsblog has known all along: Many U.S. drivers want a small, inexpensive electric vehicle, but all they're being offered are ginormous cars most of them can't afford.

WMRapids, CC|

The Ford F-150 Lightning weighs 6,015 pounds.

  • The CEO of major automaker Stellantis acknowledged that electric vehicles are too heavy, too expensive and not efficient enough (Car Buzz). Meanwhile, a top Ford executive also admitted that his company's electric offerings are unaffordable, but he fingered the wrong culprit — according to The American Prospect, it's Ford's decision to produce only trucks and SUVs and the fact that prospective buyers are badly underpaid.
  • Much like oil, U.S. demand for EV battery minerals has foreign policy consequences. (Politico)
  • Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg talked up complete streets during a visit to the University of Illinois. (News-Gazette)
  • Uber reported its first-ever profitable quarter. (Forbes)
  • Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs signed a compromise bill to put a transportation sales tax extension before metro Phoenix voters this fall (ABC 15). But with Republicans stripping funding for light rail expansion while prioritizing roads, is it really much of a compromise?
  • San Francisco is lowering speed limits on 23 streets. (Standard)
  • Honolulu bus riders are unhappy that the city transit agency changed some bus routes to accommodate passengers on its newly opened light rail line. (Civil Beat)
  • The Southwestern heat wave could have played a role in recent delays on Dallas light rail. (Morning News)
  • Trenton officials hope that redesigning State Route 29 will restore access to the Delaware River. (WHYY)
  • Cedar Rapids and Iowa City are prioritizing their most vulnerable residents, like immigrants, when making transportation decisions. (The Gazette)
  • Meet Boston's "bicycle mayor," whose job is to think about equity, inclusion and safety. (WGBH)
  • Many Atlanta refugees were never taught how to ride a bike because it was forbidden in their home countries for women and girls. But now they're learning. (AJC)

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