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
- 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 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.
Read More:
Streetsblog has migrated to a new comment system. New commenters can register directly in the comments section of any article. Returning commenters: your previous comments and display name have been preserved, but you'll need to reclaim your account by clicking "Forgot your password?" on the sign-in form, entering your email, and following the verification link to set a new password — this is required because passwords could not be carried over during the migration. For questions, contact tips@streetsblog.org.
More from Streetsblog USA
Monday’s Headlines Are For the Children
Electric buses and e-bikes are leading to a healthier lifestyle for kids and teenagers.
October 5, 2026
Walkable Cities Can Make Life Better for Drivers, Too
...at least when communities embrace a handful of design strategies that make transportation better for everyone.
October 5, 2026
Friday’s Headlines Do Things Backwards
The best cities have street grids with small blocks, but in recent decades cities have ceded the important responsibility of designing streets to private developers.
October 2, 2026
Op-Ed: How Urban Planning Can Succeed in America
Urban planners should study successful experiments throughout the country.
October 2, 2026