Bike sharing systems have been huge successes in cities like Paris and Barcelona. But due to their extensive infrastructure requirements, they're expensive to build. One man suggests a system run primarily by smart phones.
Ryan Rzepecki's idea for a Social Bicycles System puts the power of finding and unlocking bikes in the palm of the hand. By adding a locking mechanism to the back wheel, bikes don't have to be locked at a docking station, and can be unlocked by system users with a simple on-phone application.
"A few advantages: You don't need docking stations, a la B-cycle systems. The bikes can theoretically be a lot cheaper than the $3,500 (!) cycles in the world's first citywide network in Paris. And, as with any of the fast-spreading bike-sharing networks, you get mobility without needing a car."
FULL STORY: Running bike-sharing networks through smartphones
This is How the British Started Cycling More
Cycling has never felt more relevant or encouraged in the UK. Since May, the London Councils have upgraded 60 km of bike lanes in the capital city, added 20,000 square metres of extra pavement space, and installed 1,500+ additional cycle parking.
Mobility Data: How Your Travel Patterns Could Inform Policy
Data generated by travel modes can inform planners and regulators in improving the transportation system, but private mobility companies often restrict their access for concerns about privacy and competition.
The Present And Future State Of Bike Share Systems In Florida
A quick run down of Florida's existing bike share programs and a look at what's coming in 2017.
Rethinking Redlining
For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California High-Speed Rail's Plan to Right Itself
The railroad's new CEO thinks he can get the project back on track. The stars will need to align this summer.
US Senate Reverses California EV Mandate
The state planned to phase out the sale of gas-powered cars by 2035, a goal some carmakers deemed impossible to meet.
Trump Cuts Decimate Mapping Agency
The National Geodetic Survey maintains and updates critical spatial reference systems used extensively in both the public and private sectors.
Washington Passes First US ‘Shared Streets’ Law
Cities will be allowed to lower speed limits to 10 miles per hour and prioritize pedestrians on certain streets.
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.
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions