Monday’s Headlines Are Too Tall

Unlike on dating app profiles, height isn't a good thing when it comes to vehicles — in fact, it's deadly, as high hoods are more likely to crush a pedestrian's chest or head in a collision.

By Blake Aued

12:01 AM EST on January 29, 2024

File photo: Gersh Kuntzman

A new study confirms that taller vehicles are more likely to kill pedestrians in a crash, with the victim 22 percent more likely to die for every 10-centimeter increase in hood height. Capping front ends at a little over four feet would save more than 500 lives a year. (Economics of Transportation)
The White House announced $5 billion in funding for infrastructure projects, including bridges connecting Minnesota and Wisconsin, Oregon and Washington, and Cape Cod to the Massachusetts mainland; fixes to a Pittsburgh freeway to prevent flooding; and widening a section of I-10 in Arizona (Axios).
A bill sponsored by Georgia congressman Hank Johnson would provide $80 billion in operating funds to transit agencies over four years. (Smart Cities Dive)
Biking or walking for 45 minutes a day significantly lowers inflammation levels, according to a Finnish study. (Momentum Mag)
A Bay Area city tech billionaires are proposing to build from scratch will be a car-centric sprawl development no matter how many bike lanes it includes because it lacks any regional transit connections, Fast Company says.
Uber plans to spend $30 million this year on various California campaigns and causes. (Politico)
A $54 million federal grant will go toward stopping rockslides that interrupt passenger rail service between San Diego and Los Angeles. (Fox 5)
Austin officials are exploring where to put stations along the planned Project Connect light rail line. (KXAN)
The Honolulu city council signed off on its end of a federal grant agreement to finally finish a long-awaited light rail line. (Star-Advertiser)
Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell's first capital budget includes tens of millions for Vision Zero, sidewalks, bike lanes, transit centers and new buses. (Tennessean)
Sixteen years after it was first proposed, a complete streets overhaul of the major Buckhead artery Piedmont Road is underway. (Urbanize Atlanta)
A manager who blew the whistle on alleged corruption involving a Twin Cities light rail project has sued the Met Council for retaliation. (KSTP)
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority is chronically underfunded and needs state support now more than ever. (ecoRI)
Contrary to popular belief, it is in fact possible to live without a car in Houston, though it takes some effort (Chronicle). Similarly, an ex-suburbanite writes about moving to St. Paul and falling in love with the bus (streets.mn).