Monday’s Headlines Got a Little Ol’ Convoy

Using big diesel trucks to make deliveries in cities isn't great for the environment or the streets, but there are alternatives, as outlined by Transportation for America.

By Blake Aued

12:01 AM EDT on September 16, 2024

Penske via CC|

A major safety bill moving through the senate right now would mandate the installation of automatic emergency braking system on big rigs, but not on smaller box trucks like these — much less light trucks and cars. Image:

Diesel trucks carrying freight are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, but alternatives like cargo e-bikes are making inroads in cities (Transportation for America). Meanwhile, people are also increasingly choosing cargo bikes over cars (Momentum).
Which traffic-calming measures work best? According to a Minnesota DOT study, it's single-lane roundabouts, which reduce speeds by 7 miles per hour, followed by raised medians, on-street parking, crosswalks and curbs with gutters. (Crossroads)
Transit Center has updated its Transit Equity Database, which measures access to transit in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has been busy on the campaign trail defending Kamala Harris' policy flip-flops (NBC News), criticizing Donald Trump's ties to right-wing provocateur Laura Loomer (The Hill) and for "demonizing" immigrants (CNN). He also traveled to the swing state of Georgia to deliver $5 million to improve a deadly Macon highway (WMAZ).
What's it like to ride in a robotaxi? The Washington Post has answers.
Philadelphia leaders are lobbying the state for more transit funding to avoid big fare hikes and service cuts. (CBS News)
North Texas officials want the state legislature to create a high-speed rail authority that could use eminent domain to build bullet train lines. (Fort Worth Report)
Transit-oriented development in Dallas generated $1 billion in spending and created 11,000 jobs, according to a University of North Texas study. (Mass Transit)
Dallas voted to lower the speed limit on deadly Loop 12, but only by 5 mph. (NBC DFW)
Advocacy group Beltline Rail Now is urging the Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority to apply for maximum federal grants to stretch funding for local projects. (Saporta Report)
Streets.mn explains the Minneapolis street grid.
A study in Chennai, India found that improving pedestrian infrastructure prevented thousands of tons of greenhouse gases from polluting the atmosphere and saved 340 lives. (Transport Matters)
A majority of Londoners support low-emissions neighborhoods, a speed limit of 20 miles per hour and better separation between bikes, cars and buses, according to a new survey. (Forbes)
Take a video tour of the bike-friendly Dutch city of Houten. (YouTube)