The move raises concerns among road safety advocates who point out that traffic deaths continue to rise.
Complete Streets projects in Houston could be in jeopardy after Mayor John Whitmire called for a reevaluation of projects involving pedestrian and bike infrastructure, alarming safety advocates and other local leaders. Writing in Governing, Jared Brey explains that“More than 300 people died on Houston's streets last year, a substantial increase from pre-pandemic figures that aligns with an upward trend of traffic violence nationally.”
The administration called for a pause on all projects involving road diets, crosswalks and other pedestrian infrastructure, and bike lanes, including those already under construction and some that received federal funding.
According to a Houston Chronicle article, “To date, Whitmire's perceived approach has focused on curing the symptoms of the disease, but not the cause, calling on increasing police activity to enforce traffic laws and suggesting bikers stay in recreational lanes to avoid danger.” A spokesperson for the mayor’s office says the administration wants to focus on the city’s high-injury network, a database of the most dangerous streets and intersections that account for the most deaths and injuries.
FULL STORY: Houston’s New Mayor Pumps the Brakes on Street Safety Projects
Philadelphia Swaps Car Lanes for Bikeways in Unanimous Vote
The project will transform one of the handful of streets responsible for 80% of the city’s major crashes.
Southeast LA Road Safety Advocates Call for Improved Infrastructure
Streets in southeastern Los Angeles County have a severe lack of protected bike lanes and traffic safety measures, leading to high numbers of fatalities in a community where many residents depend on walking and biking for daily needs.
Philly Road Safety Advocates Call for Action From the City
Mayor Parker’s administration is proposing massive cuts to the city’s Vision Zero program while pedestrian and cyclist deaths remain high.
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.
Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.
Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.
Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
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