Wednesday’s Headlines Are Built Different

Human error is not to blame for crashes, according to a former traffic engineer's new book. It's road design that prioritizes speed over safety.

By Blake Aued

12:01 AM EDT on June 5, 2024

A dangerous intersection in Asheville, North Carolina.

"Killed by a Traffic Engineer: Shattering the Delusion That Science Underlies Our Transportation System," a new book by civil engineering professor Wesley Marshall, puts the blame for skyrocketing traffic deaths squarely on his own profession. (City Lab)
The Summer Olympics is a chance for Paris to showcase how it's spurned cars in favor of greener alternatives. (NBC News)
Bike lanes delineated by something sturdier than paint, even just cones, slow down drivers and reduce crashes, according to a Rutgers study.
New York City's High Line inspired other cities to turn abandoned infrastructure into public spaces. (Arch Daily)
The Colorado DOT has stopped widening highways and turned its attention to multimodal projects instead. (New York Times)
Breaking news from the Times: Drivers oppose paying more to drive into Manhattan, while subway riders like the idea of more money for subways.
Charlotte officials may have oversold what transit projects they can actually build under a transportation tax compromise with Republicans. (WFAE)
Atlanta leaders are upset that transit agency MARTA is closing its Five Points station for four years to renovate the heavy rail hub. (AJC)
Philadelphia transit agency SEPTA is looking to at least partially solve its budget crunch by ending free parking at stations. (WHYY)
The director of the Phoenix Department of Street Transportation talked to KTAR about the city's Vision Zero program.
A KCUR podcast discusses the lack of money and political will to achieve Vision Zero in Kansas City.
A new San Antonio Municipal Court program teaches teenagers how to drive safely. (News 4 SA)
Boise's transit agency is going fare-free this week as riders get used to a reconfigured route network. (Idaho News 6)
A Seattle city council member is proposing to add $100 million to Mayor Bruce Harrell's transportation levy proposal, mostly for sidewalks. (The Urbanist)
The "Belltown Hellcat" driver who's been keeping Seattle sleepless was ordered by a judge to pay $83,000 in fines and fees. (Seattle Times)

Blake Aued

Promoted

Stay in touch

More from Streetsblog USA

Streetsblog

The Real Reason the Far Right is Demanding Action on Transportation Violence

A series of brutal deaths on U.S. roads and trains is sparking outrage on the far right – and a push for some disturbing policy solutions that will only make our country more violent.

Kea Wilson

September 25, 2025

Federal Funding

Everyone to Congress: Stand Up and Fight for the Infrastructure Funding You Allocated (And Your Constituents Need)

"The president has made it clear that programs outside the administration’s narrow vision for transportation will not be faithfully implemented," advocates said this week — and it's time for congress to stand up and defend their will.