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
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.
Bike Lanes Don't Cause Congestion
Research from Europe shows bike infrastructure doesn't add to urban traffic and can shift mode share from cars to bikes and reduce the need for solo car trips.
Opinion: Los Angeles Must Prioritize Bikes and Buses
L.A. has a plan for improving mobility. Why are city leaders ignoring it?
The Right to Mobility
As we consider how to decarbonize transportation, preserving mobility, especially for lower- and middle-income people, must be a priority.
America’s Best New Bike Lanes
PeopleForBikes highlights some of the most exciting new bike infrastructure projects completed in 2022.
Early Sharrow Booster: ‘I Was Wrong’
The lane marking was meant to raise awareness and instill shared respect among drivers and cyclists. But their inefficiency has led supporters to denounce sharrows, pushing instead for more robust bike infrastructure that truly protects riders.
L.A. County Towns Clash Over Homelessness Policies
Local governments often come to different conclusions about how to address homelessness within their respective borders, but varying approaches only exacerbate the problem.
A Mixed-Use Vision for Houston Landfill Site
A local nonprofit is urging the city to consider adding mixed-use development to the site, which city officials plan to turn into a stormwater detention facility.
Milwaukee County Makes Substantial Progress on Homelessness
In 2022, the county’s point-in-time count of unhoused people reflected just 18 individuals, the lowest in the country.
Town of Palm Beach
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
York County Government
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Harvard GSD Executive Education
City of Fitchburg, WI
City of Culver City
Sonoma County Transportation Authority
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.
