Streetsblog
Streetsblog Basics
When Commuter Rail Has the Potential to Be Something More
American commuter rail lines tend not to draw many riders. That's what happens when service is limited and the line is set up to shuttle suburban park-and-ride commuters to an urban center in the morning and back home in the evening.
October 3, 2016
It’s Not Good Transit If the Streets Nearby Aren’t Good for Walking
All transit stops aren't created equal. The street environment around the station -- especially safe, convenient pedestrian access -- has a major influence on how people use transit.
September 30, 2016
Portland Cracks Down on an Old Urban Scourge: Drive-Throughs
Drive-through services at restaurants and stores can be a real headache for pedestrians. They generally require multiple curb cuts across the sidewalk and generate a lot of conflicts with motor vehicles.
September 29, 2016
Why Are American Traffic Fatalities Rising So Quickly?
Summer is barely over but this much is already clear: Traffic safety on American streets is taking a big step backward in 2016.
September 28, 2016
City Streets in State Officials’ Hands Can Be a Recipe for Disaster
Cities shouldn't have to fight with state departments of transportation to ensure streets are safe for their residents. But too often that's exactly the case, and when cities lose, the result can be deadly.
September 27, 2016
This Week: Get the Ball Rolling on the 14th Street PeopleWay
Gondolas and self-driving taxis are not going to cut it during the L train shutdown. When the line goes out of service for an 18-month repair job, the city will need a system in place to move massive numbers of people. The only way to do it is to set aside street space for faster buses and safer biking and walking.
September 26, 2016
More Evidence That Speed Cameras Work
The evidence is clear: Speed cameras save lives.
September 26, 2016
Restrictive Housing Policies in a Few Cities Hurt the Whole U.S. Economy
It's no secret that major coastal cities are dealing with a housing shortage that's causing runaway rents. What's less well understood, however, is how low-density zoning not only limits the supply of housing but affects the U.S. economy more broadly.
September 23, 2016
The Threat of Racial Profiling in Traffic Enforcement
Can urban police forces with histories of racial profiling and brutality be entrusted to carry out traffic enforcement as part of Vision Zero initiatives? In a Twitter chat yesterday, the Safe Routes to School National Partnership asked how to ensure that "law enforcement doesn't profile or discriminate" when asked to uphold traffic laws.
September 22, 2016
What Can a Mileage Tax Tell Us That a Gas Tax Can’t?
Can taxes on driving mileage replace gas taxes as a source of transportation funds? Right now the state of Oregon is testing a mileage tax with an opt-in pilot program called "OreGo." Participants install a device that tracks their driving and pay 1.5 cents per mile, which is assessed from a special account.
September 21, 2016