- Due to stricter federal regulations, air pollution in U.S. cities has been falling for decades, but that decline is slowing, and researchers aren't sure why. (Bloomberg)
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating GM's Cruise division over reports that its autonomous vehicles don't know how to act around pedestrians (AP). In related news, a rogue robotaxi in San Francisco was caught on video driving down a footpath as a pedestrian cried, "I don't want to be a beta tester!" (Jalopnik)
- The Guardian calls for a federal ban on cars turning right on red to combat the rise in pedestrian deaths.
- In an interview with the New York Times, Ford CEO Bill Ford said red states are politicizing electric vehicles, comparing it to the COVID vaccine. He also discussed the United Auto Workers strike.
- Tesla is urging the NHTSA to adopt stricter fuel efficiency standards, with other automakers claiming they can't meet them. (Reuters)
- The Stranger takes a deep dive into how a 30-year-old Seattle planning document pitted urban residents against car-loving suburbanites and still shapes the city, for better or worse.
- Now that car manufacturing jobs have dried up and the football team moved to downtown Detroit, nearby Pontiac is trying to revitalize itself as the Motor City has done. (Washington Post)
- An Albuquerque report cites lack of funding for the city's lack of progress on Vision Zero (KRQE). In Milwaukee, any progress on reducing speeds seems to be blunted by the increasingly heavier vehicles on the road (WUWM)
- Satisfaction with Denver transit increased by double digits since the Regional Transportation District stepped up law enforcement, according to an RTD survey. (KDVR)
- Black Philadelphians face longer commutes than white residents, according to a Federal Reserve Bank study. (Inquirer)
- The D.C. Metro was one of the first transit systems built with disabled riders in mind. (Greater Greater Washington)
- Virginia's Hampton Roads Transit is seeking public input as it ponders bus rapid transit and light rail. (Pilot)
- Mumbai is a global example for how to roll out and manage a fleet of zero-emissions buses. (The City Fix)
Today's Headlines
Thursday’s Headlines Are Down but Not Out
The decades-long decline in American cities' air pollution is slowing down. But why? Plus, autonomous vehicles' latest foibles and more headlines.
![](https://lede-admin.usa.streetsblog.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2021/12/LA-Smog.png?w=2880)
Smog over Los Angeles.
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.?
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.
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.
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.
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.