Cyclist wins a "race" across Philadelphia, beating a car and city transit in fight through morning traffic.
"Sparked by national Bike-to-Work Week, the Bicycle Coalition for Greater Philadelphia held its fourth annual 'Commuter Race' across the heart of Philadelphia during the morning rush hour."
"The contestants began at 45th and Spruce Streets, in West Philadelphia, at 8 a.m. with the goal of being first to the finish line at the Municipal Services Building, in the heart of Center City."
"While the bicyclists knew that their guy would win, his finish time - 10 minutes, 47 seconds - was 4 minutes better than they expected. Finishing second, about 10 minutes behind, was a driver from Philly CarShare. The bus ride took almost 40 minutes."
"Coalition member Alex Doty said the cyclists always win races like this -- and get in some exercise -- and cities win through the reduction of pollution and traffic."
"'When I bicycle commute, it changes a part of the day that is usually one of tedium and turns it into something that is joyful,' Doty said. 'I miss it when I don't do it. I don't think many other people miss their commutes.'"
FULL STORY: Bicyclist beats motorist and straphanger in race to City Hall
How Commutes Influence Happiness, Health
More evidence is piling up that commuting by anything but private automobile can increase happiness, social capital, and health.
Why I Gave Up the Bus...For a Bike
In August, I moved into a high density apartment complex just 1.5 miles from my office and a five minute walk to a bus stop. One of the central advantages of the building's location was its access to alternative transportation modes. While I could park my car for "free" (the real cost is built into the lease), I was interested in keeping it parked as much as possible. Now, after nearly three months of experimentation, I'm ready to give up the bus, and the reasons are central to understanding the future of transit in the US.
Philadelphia Leads the Largest Cities in America for Bicycle Mode Share
A new report from The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia shows that Philadelphia's bicycle mode share is more than double that of Chicago's (the big city with the second-greatest share).
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
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.
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.
In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won
A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.
Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide
Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.
Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code
The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.
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