Protected bike lanes, this writer argues, are just one part of a broader rebuild of Detroit that prioritizes engagement.
In just a few years, John Gallagher writes, Detroit has expanded its bike lane network substantially. "These new protected bike lanes have sparked no end of grumbling. Many of the howls of protest come from commuters from the suburbs who complain that their morning and evening drive is being inconvenienced."
Taking the other side, Gallagher asks "What is the city designed for? Is it designed to move vehicles along streets at a high rate of speed? Or is it designed for engagement, for people to interact with each other socially and commercially in the neighborhoods and along our commercial corridors?"
He goes on to refute several arguments against the new bike lanes, including the traffic complaint. Namely, since downtown Detroit's revival began, there are simply more people trying to get there everyday. As the revival continues, bike lanes may provide space for all manner of tiny vehicles, including scooters, to share the road.
FULL STORY: New Detroit bike lanes spark unnecessary controversy
Feared Traffic Increase From New Bike Lanes Failed to Materialize
Data from a much-criticized bike lane project in Montgomery County shows no noticeable decrease in vehicle capacity and a sharp decrease in bike fatalities.
Reorienting Business Districts for Walkability
Traditionally car-friendly Business Improvement Districts are turning to walkability and bike infrastructure to replace the 9-to-5 crowd and boost local economies.
Detroit Opens Segment of Joe Lewis Greenway
The newly opened segment, which features playground equipment and public lawns, is part of a 27.5 mile greenway that will loop through four cities.
Rethinking Redlining
For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California High-Speed Rail's Plan to Right Itself
The railroad's new CEO thinks he can get the project back on track. The stars will need to align this summer.
US Senate Reverses California EV Mandate
The state planned to phase out the sale of gas-powered cars by 2035, a goal some carmakers deemed impossible to meet.
Trump Cuts Decimate Mapping Agency
The National Geodetic Survey maintains and updates critical spatial reference systems used extensively in both the public and private sectors.
Washington Passes First US ‘Shared Streets’ Law
Cities will be allowed to lower speed limits to 10 miles per hour and prioritize pedestrians on certain streets.
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.
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions