Big trucks and big cities just don't mix. But a federal panel that's developing a strategic plan for national freight transportation is reportedly paying little attention to the conflict. Tanya Snyder explains why that may not be a bad thing.
"Big freight trucks are incompatible with cities in many ways, bringing danger, pollution, noise, and traffic congestion. They park in bike lanes and have shockingly big blind spots, putting everyone around them at risk," observes Tanya Snyder. "And yet, most cities haven’t found a way to reconcile the need to move goods with all their other priorities."
According to Snyder, "the interplay between urban freight transportation and smart growth" is receiving scant attention from a Freight Advisory Committee convened as part of the MAP-21 transportation bill. But that may not be a significant loss, argues Genevieve Giuliano, a member of the national Freight Advisory Committee, because freight management is best handled at the local level.
For those cities willing to take a more active role in managing their freight conflicts, Snyder details four potential solutions:
- Smaller trucks
- Off-peak delivery times
- Load consolidation
- Cargo bikes
FULL STORY: Trucks and Cities Are Like Oil and Water. Is There a Solution?
Trump Approves Futuristic Automated Texas-Mexico Cargo Corridor
The project could remove tens of thousands of commercial trucks from roadways.
DC, Columbus Bike Share Fleets Introduce Cargo Bikes
Shared mobility is ‘growing up,’ with rental options increasingly expanding to include e-bikes, scooters, and cargo bikes.
Opinion: Prioritize Amtrak, but Don’t Demonize Freight
A proposed bill would tighten enforcement of a 1973 law that gives passenger trains priority over freight shipments.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.
Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.
Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.
Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont