- For the first time, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is proposing rules requiring cars to undergo testing for preventing pedestrian head injuries, which is particularly important as trucks and SUVs keep getting taller and heavier (Associated Press, Streetsblog). What's stopped them from doing this earlier? Well, as Streetsblog alum Angie Schmitt explains, a lot of it has to do with styling, and regulators didn't want to stop automakers from designing macho-looking trucks.
- The electric vehicle market has stalled because, at an average price of $44,000, consumers simply can't afford them. (Inside EVs)
- Siemens is building the first bullet train factory in the U.S. (Forbes)
- Smart Cities Dive has a roundup of articles about the ups and downs of the intercity bus industry.
- From mayoral candidates racking up dozens of traffic tickets to a host of recent reckless driving incidents, BikePortland editor and publisher Jonathan Maus writes that Portland's "dysfunctional driving culture" is getting out of control.
- Nebraska's state auditor is questioning whether Omaha can use an economic development tool called tax increment finance to fund its streetcar project. (KETV)
- Ridership on Tampa's TECO streetcar has tripled since it went fare-free in 2019, but a state grant expired, so now it needs a new source of funding. (Trains)
- MinnPost details the long, slow death of St. Paul's Riverview streetcar project.
- Dallas is making slow progress on its Vision Zero plan. (Express)
- Des Moines received a $13 million federal grant for Vision Zero. (KCCI)
- A $10 million federal grant will help Kansas City overhaul Prospect Avenue, one of its most dangerous streets. (KCUR)
- Seattle's new Lynwood light rail extension is useful for getting to a Seahawks game, and a lot cheaper than parking. (MyNorthwest)
Today's Headlines
Thursday’s Headlines Walk on the Wild Side
Federal regulators may soon consider how safe cars are for people outside the vehicle as well as inside. Imagine that!
By Blake Aued
The new rules will save an estimated 67 lives per year.
Read More:
Stay in touch
Sign up for our free newsletter
More from Streetsblog USA
Friday’s Headlines Are Still Confused
Make America's Transportation Policy Make Sense Again.
January 31, 2025
Talking Headways Podcast: Not Eating Exhaust with Your Beer
Author Mike Eliason on single-stair buildings, development on arterials, building back after climate disasters and the problem with RFPs.
January 30, 2025
What a Federal Funding Freeze Would Actually Mean for Sustainable Transportation
How much do U.S. communities really rely on federal funding to keep their transportation networks running — and what would happen if the money stopped flowing?
January 30, 2025
Q&A: This CEO Has Lessons For E-Bike Regulation
Company CEO Mike Peregudov sits down with Streetsblog to talk about his industry and why putting license plates on e-bikes is a non-starter.
Thursday’s Headlines Pick Up the Slack
Now that Donald Trump is back in office, it's up to state and local governments to fund walking, biking and transit projects, according to Fast Company.
January 30, 2025
