Looking at public commentary following a spate of recent bicyclist accidents and incidents, Annie Siebert considers some of issues that Pittsburghers face as drivers, cyclists and pedestrians sharing the road.
The death and injury of several cyclists in Pittsburgh over the past several months have spurred an outpouring of commentary from citizens on websites, in editorial sections of newspapers and in social media. According to Siebert, "Some of [the] comments make it sound as though the world contains only two kinds of people: bicyclists and drivers." Drivers criticized cyclists for negligent activities on the road and vice versa.
Yet, as Siebert points out, "more often than not, cyclists are also drivers." Based on a survey that Bike Pittsburgh sent out to its 1,700 members, 90 percent of respondents said they own and drive vehicles. "The whole idea that it's us versus them is completely unfounded," said Scott Bricker, executive director of Bike Pittsburgh, "We're multi-modal people."
So how can the city help to encourage greater respect and understanding between these groups? Law enforcement, infrastructure enhancement, and educational programs are just some of the avenues being pursued.
Stephen Patchan, Pittsburgh's bike-pedestrian coordinator asserts "that cycling in the city is still a relatively new thing, and as more people ride bikes and bicycling becomes a mainstream transportation choice, cyclists will see less tension, frustration and anger from some motorists." He also adds, "I'm not convinced that the comments section in news outlets reflect the majority of drivers' opinions."
FULL STORY: Drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians can take the high road to safety
Bikes Have the Attention of the Ford Motor Company
The age-old conflict between cars and bikes finally has the attention of one of the giants. Ford's Info Cycle project mounts sensors on street bikes to map out how multi-modal city travelers move around.
The Boulevard Makes its Comeback Along Toronto’s Waterfront
“Despite long ago having fallen from favour among North American city planners and traffic engineers, the multi-lane, multi-use, tree-lined avenue will soon return to our fair burg,” writes Christopher Hume.
Cyclists, Pedestrians, and Drivers Clash
With over 8 million people sharing the streets and sidewalks of New York City, there is bound to be a clash between transportation modes. Who's to blame? Lyndsey Scofield says that there is bad behavior on all sides.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Depopulation Patterns Get Weird
A recent ranking of “declining” cities heavily features some of the most expensive cities in the country — including New York City and a half-dozen in the San Francisco Bay Area.
California Exodus: Population Drops Below 39 Million
Never mind the 40 million that demographers predicted the Golden State would reach by 2018. The state's population dipped below 39 million to 38.965 million last July, according to Census data released in March, the lowest since 2015.
Google Maps Introduces New Transit, EV Features
It will now be easier to find electric car charging stations and transit options.
Ohio Lawmakers Propose Incentivizing Housing Production
A proposed bill would take a carrot approach to stimulating housing production through a grant program that would reward cities that implement pro-housing policies.
Chicago Awarded $2M Reconnecting Communities Grant
Community advocates say the city’s plan may not do enough to reverse the negative impacts of a major expressway.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Town of Zionsville
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.
