Today's Headlines

Monday’s Headlines: Why Is Vision Zero Failing?

If there really is a war on cars, the drivers are winning, according to a Washington Post investigation.

By Blake Aued

12:01 AM EST on December 8, 2025

A protest in favor of Vision Zero in Washington D.C. A large group of people stand with protest signs expressing their support for life-saving strategies like road diets.

Los Angeles residents protest in favor of Vision Zero in February 2024. A recent Washington Post story held up L.A. as the poster child for driver rage and political cowardice. Photo: Ted Eytan

In all but one of 27 U.S. cities examined by the Washington Post, traffic deaths stayed the same or rose after adopting Vision Zero policies. In most cases, the programs were hamstrung by driver backlash and a lack of funding.
Businesses, labor and local governments are united in efforts to protect transit funding as Congress writes a new transportation funding bill. (Bloomberg; paywall)
A spike in injuries caused by “e-bikes” is actually driven by electric motorcycles or mopeds known “e-motos”, which are a whole different beast, and it’s important for policymakers to know the difference. (Velo)
Another study confirms that bike lanes don’t slow down emergency vehicles. (Momentum)
Waste from mining lithium for electric vehicle batteries could be used to make low-carbon concrete. (The Conversation)
The Houston Chronicle editorial board calls out Mayor John Whitmire for reversing safety improvements on the city’s already dangerous roads.
Oklahoma City could make it streetcar fare-free permanently. (Oklahoman)
San Antonio named a new 11-member pedestrian and transportation safety commission. (KSAT)
Chatham County is getting closer to a resolution on oversight of Savannah’s transit service. (WTOC)
The Statesman-Journal lists Oregon’s 18 most scenic bike routes.
Honda launched an electric quadricycle that fits in a bike lane for last-mile deliveries. (Car and Driver)

Blake Aued

Blake Aued has been doing Streetsblog's daily national news digest for years. He's also an Atlanta Braves fan, which enrages his editor in New York.

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