Walking and biking in becoming increasingly dangerous in many Chinese cities. This article looks at what some cities are doing to discourage these traditional forms of transport, and what they can do to make the streets safer.
"In an attempt to curb the twin evils, greenhouse gas emissions and obesity, Americans are encouraged to walk and bike instead of hopping into a car."
"Ironically, just the opposite is occurring in China. There, where residents make about 50 percent of daily trips on foot or bicycle, they are increasingly discouraged from using those two traditional transportation modes."
"In the case of one city, Jinan, transportation officials are actively seeking to move bicyclists onto buses. In another city, Fushun, metal barriers constructed along sidewalks to protect pedestrians have the unanticipated effect of creating inconvenience and a rash of jaywalking."
"Further complicating pedestrians' safety was a decision by transportation officials to move bicycles, motorbikes, and the newest fad-electric bikes-from roadways to a center lane on sidewalks. Now pedestrians must dodge swarms of bikers as they make their way to bus stops and intersections at the edge of the sidewalks."
"'These kinds of conflicts cause a lot of tension between the bicyclists and the pedestrians, and this is why, I think, there are calls to reduce the number of bicycles because they're causing the trouble,' explained Thomas, who has spent more than half a dozen years in China studying transportation and energy problems."
FULL STORY: A tale of Two Cities–and an Island Resort–in Asia: Hazards Grow for Pedestrians and Bicyclists

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.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie