The outrage over the chain’s decision to limit the use of its bathrooms should prompt more questions about why the U.S. lacks public restrooms.

As Starbucks shifts its policy to limit people from using its restrooms and facilities, Lloyd Alter argues that “what is truly outrageous is that citizens are forced to use private washrooms because there are almost no public ones in North America.”
In many countries, the Starbucks problem wouldn’t exist — because there are ample public restrooms available for use. “According to the Public Toilet Index, New York City has four toilets per 100,000 people; in Iceland, there are 56.”
Authorities say providing public washrooms can't be done because it would cost “hundreds of millions” but never have a problem spending billions on the building of highways for the convenience of drivers who can drive from home to the mall where there are lots of washrooms.
Alter concludes that public restrooms should be a common good provided by the government, “This is why we pay taxes — for public services that meet human needs.” As Harvey Molotch wrote, “That there is so often no way to satisfy a necessary bodily function is symptom of the larger callousness — of ignoring basic human needs. The trouble is a dearth of civic responsibility.”
FULL STORY: Starbucks is No Longer ‘America’s Bathroom.’ It Never Should Have Been.

Legendary Parking Guru Donald Shoup Dies at 86
Urbanists are mourning the loss of a dynamic voice for parking reform and walkable cities.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

Federal EV Charging Program Suspended
The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program planned to fund the construction of hundreds of EV charging stations across the country.

Public Libraries May Be More Relevant Than Ever
Libraries around the country are expanding their services in an effort to become ‘third spaces’ for the community.

Rents Rose Between December and January
After dropping to a three-year low, U.S. rent costs grew in many major cities.

NYC Camera Program Captures 400,000 Bus Lane Violations
Bus speeds increased by as much as 25 percent on some routes after enforcement began last August.
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Planning for Universal Design
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