California Governor Gavin Newsom over the weekend vetoed a bill that would have required the state's department of transportation to consider public transit as well as bike and pedestrian infrastructure when planning projects on state-owned roads.
"Gov. Gavin Newsom has rejected a bill that sought to turn California highways into walkable civic spines, saying it would have been too prescriptive and costly," according to an article by Rachel Swan.
"On Saturday, Newsom praised the intent of SB127 by state Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco. But he said Caltrans is already investing in pedestrian improvements and bicycle lanes when it’s appropriate and cost-effective, and that the agency didn’t need a new law to tie it down."
SB 127 would have required Caltrans "to consider the needs of cyclists, pedestrians and public transportation whenever it started a major project, such as resurfacing a road," according to Swan. "The bill applies to state highways that function as city streets, such as Van Ness Avenue, 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard in San Francisco, Highway 1 in Half Moon Bay, and Santa Monica Boulevard in Los Angeles."
For more on the bill's intent, see earlier coverage by Planetizen correspondent Irvin Dawid.
FULL STORY: Governor vetoes bill to require walkable, bike-friendly roadways
Bill Would Make California's Urban State HIghways Safer for Non-Motorists
Sen. Scott Wiener introduced legislation to make state highways that run through villages, town, and cities, often acting as main streets, accommodate the safety needs of walkers, cyclists, and transit users when undergoing capital improvements.
Caltrans Releases Complete Streets Action Plan
The agency’s detailed list of actions highlights the many changes needed to truly implement Complete Streets principles into California road construction and maintenance.
NACTO Releases Updated Urban Bikeway Guide
The third edition of the nationally recognized road design guide includes detailed design advice for roads that prioritize safety and accessibility for all users.
How Smaller Supermarkets Could Transform American Communities
Bigger is not always better.
Research Links Urban Design and Human Happiness
An emerging field of ‘neuroarchitectural’ research is revealing how building facades and urban design impact the human brain and body.
Save Lives on Our Roads Using the Safe System Approach
Prioritizing safety and committing to the SSA framework can make a big impact in the effort to reduce traffic fatalities.
How AI Is Revolutionizing Urban Forestry and Climate Resilience
Tree-D Fusion, an AI-driven tool developed by MIT and Purdue researchers, generates 3D models of urban trees to help city planners visualize future green spaces, address climate challenges, and enhance urban livability and sustainability.
Key Climate and Health Issues to Watch in 2025
The escalating health impacts of climate change, from extreme heat to sea level rise, highlight the urgent need for integrated medical education, proactive communication, and sustainable policy solutions to protect public health.
Rising Temperatures and the Escalating Wildfire Crisis
Rising global temperatures driven by climate change are intensifying and prolonging wildfire seasons worldwide, necessitating improved forest management, public awareness, and urgent action to reduce fossil fuel emissions.
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 Oxford
Caltrans - District 7
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport