USA Today

A growing number of American cities are taking steps to encourage cycling as an pollution-free and healthy transportation alternative.

Years of successful growth show little sign of stopping in Idaho, the nation's fastest-growing economy since 2003.

In six states, test runs will assess public attitudes and acceptance of road taxation systems that ditch gas taxes and charge drivers based on how many miles they drive.

More Americans are leaving home earlier to wrestle with congested commutes, with 1 in 8 leaving before 6 a.m.

The population shift from rural to urban areas is making big changes in the Great Plains. While many rural small towns are disappearing, the shift is opening new doors for business and preservation.

Responding to an internet ad, architect Danny Forster won the chance to host the Discovery Channel's 'Build It Bigger' series.

The idea of creating "complete streets" for cyclists, pedestrians, mass transit, and cars is gaining popularity across the country.

Tom Monaghan, the founder of Domino's Pizza, has built a Catholic college and a Catholic-focused community in Ave Maria, Florida. The 5,000-acre community will include 11,000 housing units, 1.2 million s.f. of mixed use space, and a 55-foot crucifix.

Public housing residents in crime-ridden urban areas are migrating to outlying communities in hopes of securing better housing and living in a safer neighborhood.

As of July 1, Virginia drivers have lots to fear if they break traffic laws –- huge traffic fines, so as to help pay for the roads they drive on.

The U.S. Census released its new population estimates as of 7/1/06 showing that southern and western cities continued their rapid population growth. However, the city that added the most population since 2000 was NYC with a gain of 205,750 residents.

Citing the need for larger battle spaces for military exercises, the U.S. Army has announced plans to acquire up to 5 million acres to expand its bases.

Internet search giant Google will give $10 million to support the development of plug-in hybrid cars.

With pedestrian-friendly urban design increasingly popular, many suburban communities are building urban village-type developments usually designed around transit stations -- except they don't have transit.

Using a technique typically used by advocates, California's Attorney General is trying to use lawsuits to persuade local governments to curb sprawl and prevent global warming.

Citing the threat posed by climate change, the State Attorney General of California Jerry Brown has filed suit against a community for failing to rein in sprawl.

Not since oil prices peaked in 1981 have vehicle-miles-traveled dropped as they have for the past 18 months. Rising gas prices, expanded public transportation, aging of the population, and urban revitalization deserve much of the credit.

A new report is aimed at helping America's cities and counties prepare to meet the needs of an aging baby boomer population.

A new web tool offers a way to check the climate risk of individual homes. The service is a collaboration between a private firm and three University of Arizona scientists.

Some cities are imposing restrictions on organizations that feed the homeless.