No this isn't about a gathering of "Knight Rider" enthusiasts. Rather than speaking to their leather jacket-clad drivers, the cars being tested in Michigan communicate with each other, with the goal of improving safety on the nation’s highways.
Bill Vlasik reports on the roll out of a year-long test of "smart car" technology in Ann Arbor, Michigan, announced this week by federal officials. "Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said 3,000 cars, buses and trucks in
this city near Detroit would be equipped with data recorders and a
technology akin to Wi-Fi that can transmit information about accidents
or hazardous traffic conditions."
According to Vlasik, "Drivers in the connected vehicles will be warned, for example, of sudden
changes in traffic patterns or potential collisions through data
transmitted from similarly equipped cars and roadside devices."
"Mr. LaHood said the $25 million study would yield data useful in
deciding whether the government should require such crash avoidance
technology in future vehicles."
FULL STORY: Smart Cars Get a Connection Test in Michigan
Ann Arbor Delays Right Turn on Red Ban, Citing Equity Concerns
The city council wants more information on how a ban on right turns on red would affect the city’s hourly workers and the details of its implementation.
Let’s End Traffic Stops
The technology to make traffic enforcement obsolete is becoming available. But in the U.S. willing to use it?
How Well Will San Francisco’s Daylighting Program Work?
Unlike other efforts to prevent cars from parking near intersections to improve visibility and road safety, San Francisco has no plans to install physical infrastructure to keep vehicles out of danger zones.
Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.
Central Florida’s SunRail Plans Major Expansion
The expanded train line will connect more destinations to the international airport and other important destinations.
Las Vegas Golf Course to Become Over 1,000 Units of Affordable Housing
The project is part of an initiative to build affordable housing on shuttered golf courses.
Cities and States Taking Action to Limit Rent-Setting AI
Federal prosecutors are charging a software company with using algorithms to artificially inflate rents.
BART to Raise Fares in January
The transit agency says it needs more state and federal support to meet its operating costs and avoid a growing budget gap.
Montreal Bike Share Breaks Ridership Record With 13 Million Rides
The Bixi system introduced a winter pilot project last year, leading to a rise in winter cycling.
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.
Los Alamos County
City of Culver City
Skagit Transit
American Planning Association, Sustainable Communities Division
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners