Around the United States, new bike lanes and trails are connecting communities via two (or three) wheels.
In an article for the Associated Press, Jeff McMurray describes how new federal grants could help bike advocates and transportation departments around the country build more protected biking and walking infrastructure and connect existing trails.
Although the 2021 infrastructure law allocated as much as $1 billion to these efforts, Congress has so far allocated just under $45 million. However, advocates are cheered by the commitment to biking and walking that has been absent in prior administrations.
The funding is particularly aimed at closing gaps in existing systems, such as the Great American Rail-Trail, a series of trails across 12 states that amounts to 3,700 miles of bike trails, but has significant gaps between segments.
FULL STORY: Pedal coast-to-coast without using a road? New program helps connect trails across the US
Washington State Plans Ambitious ‘Cycle Highway’ Network
The state is directing funding to close gaps in its existing bike network and make long-distance trips more accessible.
Advocates Champion the Great Western Trail
A Chicago walking and biking trail along a former railroad right-of-way has been a labor of love for local residents.
Revealed: A Plan to Build a Continuous Bike Trail Across the United States
Motorists have been able to drive across the country for more than a century. People on bikes will get their day soon, too.
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.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
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.
Adaptive Reuse Will Create Housing in a Suburban Texas Strip Mall
A developer is reimagining a strip mall property as a mixed-use complex with housing and retail.
Study: Anti-Homelessness Laws Don’t Work
Research shows that punitive measures that criminalized unhoused people don’t help reduce homelessness.
In U.S., Urban Gondolas Face Uphill Battle
Cities in Latin America and Europe have embraced aerial transitways — AKA gondolas — as sustainable, convenient urban transport, especially in tricky geographies. American cities have yet to catch up.
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
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont