Month: April 2011
Research Bolsters Case for Cycle Tracks While AASHTO Updates Guide
For decades, dueling camps of cycling advocates have feuded about how to best accommodate riders. Some have pushed for the construction of Dutch-style cycle tracks, arguing that separated lanes make bicycling safer and less intimidating, while others have insisted such infrastructure isolates riders and makes cycling more dangerous than simply remaining within the flow of traffic.
April 27, 2011
Signal Timing and Pedestrian Safety: A Case Study From Baltimore
Here's a good way to get a sense of the importance a given city assigns to the well-being of pedestrians: press the "walk" button at an intersection. Then look at your watch.
April 27, 2011
Today’s Headlines
As Gas Prices Go Up, Obama’s Poll Numbers Slump (Politico) Meanwhile, Battle Brews Over Tax Breaks for Oil Companies (WSJ) Study: Suburbs Expanding on Both Ends (USA Today) Commute From Hell Comes Free with a House in the Burbs (Grist) In New Hampshire, Lawmakers Push Gas Gimmick (Concord Monitor) Poll: GOP Attack on Capital Bikeshare … Continued
April 27, 2011
Put Your (Transportation) Money Where Your Mouth Is, Gov. McDonnell
On Earth Day last Friday, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell issued a “transportation challenge” to the people of his state: to “try a form of transportation other than driving alone once every two weeks.” The language he used would please any reformer:
April 26, 2011
The New Dynamics That Are Eroding the Market for Sprawl
The argument that sprawl is the natural product of market forces and consumer preferences is ringing a little more hollow with each passing day.
April 26, 2011
Today’s Headlines
Boehner Considering Ending Tax Breaks for Oil Companies (The Hill) State Proposals to Tax Electric Vehicles Send Mixed Signals About Govt Support for Fuel Economy (AP) If You Can Look Past the Ode to Gov. Christie, Fox News Has a Point Here About Life Cycle Budgeting Checking In With America’s New Angry Governors (NYT) The … Continued
April 26, 2011
Under Pressure, AASHTO Withdraws Objection to Stronger Bike-Ped Rules
The Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials is withdrawing its opposition to an important federal policy change that puts cyclists and pedestrians on a more equal footing with motorists.
April 25, 2011
Without Adequate Federal Funding, Will States Raise Their Own Gas Taxes?
Connecticut state senators just voted to increase the state gas tax by three cents. The New Hampshire House Speaker has proposed cutting theirs by five cents – but only for two months, to help drivers bear the pain of high gas prices. In Georgia, the gas tax jumps every time gas prices go up by 25 cents. And at least one U.S. Senator is suggesting that more states start taking transportation funding into their own hands.
April 25, 2011
Arlington Republicans Come Out Against Bike-Share Expansion
It seems like everyone's talking about the success of Washington's Capital Bikeshare, currently the largest bike-share network in the country. Earlier this month, CaBi sold more than 8,000 memberships through a LivingSocial promotion, and the system has already met its goal of 10,000 members for 2011, prompting some to worry that there may actually be a shortage of bikes.
April 25, 2011
Today’s Headlines
Pols Cast About For Somebody to Blame for $4 Gas (The Hill) Is a Train That Gets Stuck in Traffic Worth $1.3 Billion? (Transport Politic) On Climate, Americans Cling to Skepticism (Gallup) Great Historian, Flawed Thinker on High-Speed Rail (NYT, CHSR) Transit and Development Go Hand-in-Hand (Denver Post) Satellites See All Sorts of Things, But … Continued
April 25, 2011