Despite Houston's reputation for sprawl, the city has made impressive efforts to build out its bike infrastructure.

BikeHouston's new executive director, Joe Cutrufo, sees his new home city as "a place brimming with potential to become one of the nation’s most bike-friendly cities." Cutrufo spoke with Andy Olin of the Kinder Institute about his choice to take the job and the challenges and opportunities presented by the vast and dynamic city.
One of his top goals is to advocate for the construction of a comprehensive bike network, the key to creating safe streets and encouraging more biking. "Houston is very big on the map in terms of cities with good bike networks and growing bike networks," Cutrufo said. "I see some systemic problems when it comes to expanding bike network, but I see a lot of goodwill." He sees expanding bike infrastructure as a step toward a more equitable and inclusive city, where jobs and opportunities are within reach for people who don't drive. "That’s where I think bicycling can step in as a mode that can give people greater access to opportunity."
Cutrufo is laser-focused on creating a comprehensive and accessible bike network that includes on-street infrastructure, safe bike storage, and effective linkages to job centers, parks, and public transit. He recognizes that this effort has to involve a variety of stakeholders at the neighborhood, city, and county level. "When it comes to creating a shared vision for Houston, in terms of safe streets, and creating dedicated, protected bike networks, there needs to be a shared vision."
FULL STORY: The new BikeHouston boss has a vision for safer streets for all

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Map: Where Senate Republicans Want to Sell Your Public Lands
For public land advocates, the Senate Republicans’ proposal to sell millions of acres of public land in the West is “the biggest fight of their careers.”

Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

California Homeless Arrests, Citations Spike After Ruling
An investigation reveals that anti-homeless actions increased up to 500% after Grants Pass v. Johnson — even in cities claiming no policy change.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)