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.
Maryland Plans Quick-Build Complete Streets Projects
The state will use low-cost interventions to improve road safety in five Maryland counties.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
In These Cities, Most New Housing is Under 441 Square Feet
With loosened restrictions on “micro-housing,” tiny units now make up as much as 66% of newly constructed housing.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)