New research on the supposedly irrational patterns of behavior by drivers shows that bad driving decisions are predictable.
Transportation planners and engineers are beginning to draw upon psychological experiments cataloguing irrational patterns of behavior-as well as their own experience about real world travel-to find creative ways to discourage roadway antics and other bad travel choices and improve infrastructure design.
Their efforts are part of a wider movement by the new academic discipline of behavioral economics, established in the early 1990s, which is exploring how to factor "the human factor" into the computer models and decision processes used in financial markets, the transportation sector and other fields. There are tantalizing indications these efforts to understand and harness the quirks of human nature can help speed progress towards improved safety, energy efficiency, reduced carbon emissions and achievement of other goals.
Thanks to S. Hague
FULL STORY: Behavioral Economics Offers Insights and Strategies for Improving Transportation
The Effects of Tiny Home Downsizing
People living in tiny homes drastically reduce their ecological footprints and make more sustainable lifestyle choices, research shows.
The Predictability of Humans in Public Spaces
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Enforcing Jaywalking With Mimes?
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
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Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie