San Francisco
Basics
“Closing” Lombard Street: The Language of Taking Cars For Granted
A peculiar thing tends to happen when we talk about streets and transportation: We don't talk about cars. Seriously -- listen to conversations, read news headlines, and you'll start to notice that even when cars are the main subject, people will, consciously or unconsciously, fail to explicitly mention them.
May 28, 2014
Parking Madness: Portland vs. El Cerrito, California
The contenders in today's Parking Madness competition prove parking craters can happen anywhere, even in progressive metro areas where the regional economy is booming and transit is a solid travel option.
March 27, 2014
Talking Headways Podcast: Hug This Streetcar
Jeff Wood of the Overhead Wire (now working with NRDC's crack transportation team) and I talk to Randy Simes in this week's podcast about the streetcar movement in Cincinnati -- and how they finally grabbed the long-elusive gold ring.
February 20, 2014
Four Reasons Cities Can’t Afford Not to Invest in Bike Infrastructure
It isn't window dressing. Or a "hip cities" thing. Bike infrastructure -- not the watered-down stuff, but high-quality bikeways that get more people on bikes -- is becoming a must-have for cities around the U.S.
January 16, 2014
Talking Headways Podcast: Get Off My Lawn
Jeff Wood and I talk about the news of the week that most tickled us or burned us -- the BBC's exposé of anti-social urban design features intended to repel people, San Francisco's social tensions over the Google bus, and the decision by Cincinnati's new mayor and City Council to "pause" construction of the streetcar. (Update: The streetcar might be salvaged!)
December 12, 2013
In California Cities, Drivers Want More Bike Lanes. Here’s Why.
Whenever street space is allocated for bicycling, someone will inevitably level the accusation that the city is waging a “war on cars.” But it turns out the people in those cars want separate space for bicycles too, according to surveys conducted in two major California metropolitan areas. Bike lanes make everyone feel safer -- even drivers.
June 13, 2013
Study: Homes Near Transit Were Insulated From the Housing Crash
If you live close to a transit station, chances are you’ve weathered the recession better than your friends who don’t.
March 22, 2013
Poll: The Hunt for the Worst Intersection in America Continues
Earlier this week we looked at the intersection of Route 355 and Shady Grove Road near Rockville, Maryland, flagged by Ben Ross at Greater Greater Washington for being especially hostile to pedestrians, even though it's the site of a bus stop. We asked if it might be the worst intersection in the country and put out a call for readers to send their nominations for the title.
January 31, 2013
NACTO Wrap-Up: Cities Are Doing It For Themselves
The leaders of the nation’s big city transportation agencies have formed a tight-knit circle, brought together by the National Association of City Transportation Officials to share best practices, and yes, battle scars.
October 29, 2012
The Best Amateur Music Videos in Support of Active Transportation
Transit and bike activists are creative folks. More and more young, car-eschewing millennials are making their case in amateur music videos. The result is funnier and more imaginative than anything you'll find on basic cable.
August 3, 2012