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.
Eugene Ends Parking Minimums
In a move that complies with a state law aimed at reducing transportation emissions, Eugene amended its parking rules to eliminate minimum requirements and set maximum parking lot sizes.
How Paris, Texas Became a ‘Unicorn’ for Rural Transit
A robust coalition of advocates in the town of 25,000 brought together the funding and resources to launch a popular bus service that some residents see as a mobility lifeline—and a social club.
San Diegans at Odds Over ‘Granny Towers’
A provision in the city’s ADU ordinance allows developers to build an essentially unlimited number of units on single-family lots.
San Francisco Approves Zoning Reforms to Avoid ‘Builder’s Remedy’
The county board of supervisors voted to approve zoning changes that bring it closer to compliance with state housing mandates.
Where Are Millennials Moving to?
As the housing crisis rages on, four U.S. states are seeing high levels of new migration from young and middle-aged workers.
California Cities Cite Historic Preservation to Block Development
Are some cities using historic designations disingenuously?
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Park City Municipal Corporation
National Capital Planning Commission
City of Santa Fe, New Mexico
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.
