The patterns of urban development over the past few decades have pushed more and more people into cars by necessity. But as design priorities change, so are people's walking and driving habits.
This piece from Sierra looks at how urban form is ushering changes in the way people move about cities, and other influences for getting people out of their cars.
"All that extra driving--people using a gallon of gas to get a gallon of milk--has turned us into high-octane petro-vores. Between 1960 and '70, the U.S. population grew by 13 percent while gasoline demand rose by 54 percent; the next decade, with the same population growth, gas demand increased by 17 percent.
The shift to sprawling development patterns and the turning away from once-common practices like walking to school are often defended as a matter of "choice"--one, of course, fueled by decades of government laws and incentives. The irony is that many communities today have no choice when it comes to transportation: We have created a vehicular monoculture. But there are signs that this is changing. First, we seem to be maxing out on just how much driving we're willing to do."
FULL STORY: Living Large Driving Less
When ‘Prioritizing All Modes’ Is a Lie
In many cases, it’s impossible to prioritize the safety of pedestrians and other vulnerable road users without sacrificing some speed.
Study: Half of Global Commutes Made by Car; Rates Vary Widely
The United States is conspicuously consistent in its high rates of car usage, a new analysis finds.
D.C. Could Offer Cash for Walking and Biking to Work
Washington, D.C. already has the highest percentage of commuters in the country walking and biking to work; a new bill aims to provide even more incentives to leave the car at home.
How Would Project 2025 Affect America’s Transportation System?
Long story short, it would — and not in a good way.
But... Europe
European cities and nations tend to have less violent crime than the United States. Is government social welfare spending the magic bullet that explains this difference?
California Law Ends Road Widening Mandates
Housing developers will no longer be required to dedicate land to roadway widening, which could significantly reduce the cost of construction and support more housing units.
Norwalk to Lose State Funding After Shelter Ban
A California city will lose access to state housing funds after refusing to end a prohibition on new emergency shelters.
Will Voters Fund Transportation Measures in November?
An overview of key transportation-related ballot measures that will be decided in November’s election.
Using Sound to Revive Ecosystems and Enhance Biodiversity
This innovative approach leverages the power of sound to stimulate beneficial soil microbes, offering a novel and eco-friendly tool for ecosystem restoration and biodiversity enhancement.
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.
Placer County
Mayors' Institute on City Design
City of Sunnyvale
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Cornell University's College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP), the Department of City and Regional Planning (CRP)
Lehigh Valley Planning Commission
City of Portland, ME
Baton Rouge Area Foundation