complete streets / road diets

President-elect Obama proposes office of Urban Policy

Matthew Lang — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 10:58:26 -0600

President-elect Barack Obama is creating the first Office of Urban Policy in the history of the United States. The public can vote for and suggest the priorities of the office at a new website. Read more >

Designing the 21st Century Street

Isaac Bros — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:36:34 -0600

Transportation Alternatives announces the winners of their open design competition to revision the public street in New York City for the 21st century. Read more >

Report: Active Transportation for America

Antonio Rosell — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 15:00:25 -0600

A new report from the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and Bikes Belong that makes the case for increased Federal investment in bicycling and walking facilities and infrastructure.

By making active transportation a viable option for everyday travel, we will cost-effectively reduce oil dependence, climate pollution and obesity rates while providing more and better choices for getting around town.
Read more >

Hennepin Avenue with Separated Bike Lanes

Lisa Bender — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 17:50:47 -0500

Separated bike lanes, first used in Copenhagen, Denmark, are catching on in Melbourne, New York and other cities. Why not Minneapolis? Here's Hennepin Avenue design to allow for separated bike lanes. Streetfilms has a nice overview of separated lanes at http://www.streetfilms.org/archives/physically-separated-bike-lanes/

Research: The Impact of Bicycling Facilities on Commute Mode Share

Matthew Lang — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 11:56:46 -0500

New research by the Minnesota Department of Transportation shows that context factors are an important element in determining the effectiveness of new commuting facilities. The level of publicity surrounding new facilities, the utility of routes to commuters, and the overall connectivity of the city's bicycling network are all important factors in the success of any given bicycle facility. Read more >

Commuter Cycling Soaring in NYC

Matthew Lang — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 09:51:31 -0500

Recent data collected by the New York City Department of Transportation shows a 35% increase in commuter cycling between 2007 and 2008. This data backs up other research and experience that shows well designed bicycle facilities invite more people to use bicycling as a means to take care of their daily mobility needs. Read more >

MnDOT Pedestrian and Bicycle Coordinator position includes car parking facilities management

Matthew Lang — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 11:34:40 -0500

Thanks to Congressperson James Oberstar Federal transportation law requires all 50 state Departments of Transportation (DOTs) to employ Pedestrian and Bicycle Coordinators which are intended to advocate the needs of pedestrians and bicyclists in state transportation projects. I'm wondering why a recent job announcement for this position from MnDOT includes management of the I-394 ABC auto parking garages in the Pedestrian and Bicycle Coordinator's job description. Read more >

Streetfilms: A Conversation With Janette Sadik-Khan, NYC DOT Commissioner

Matthew Lang — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 11:17:56 -0500

Since taking over as New York City's Commissioner of the Department of Transportation in mid-2007, Janette Sadik-Khan has taken on the challenge of making NYC streets more bike & pedestrian friendly while emphasizing livable streets and re-orienting them to accommodate all modes. She and her staff have done it quickly with innovative concepts, thinking outside the box and drawing on successful street designs from around the world to come up with a NYC model that is already changing the way the city feels.

Through Minneapolis (a poem)

Matthew Lang — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:57:18 -0500

Through Minneapolis you travel
On a freeway
Not to, but rather
Through Minneapolis you travel Read more >

Portland Study shows - build it and cyclists will use it

Tony H. — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 15:06:44 -0500

Despite the harrumphing of talk-radio hosts and the carping of car chauvinists, bike lanes do, in fact, work — and Portland State University researcher Jennifer Dill thinks she can prove it. Read more >