Transportation

Back in the (Bike) Saddle Again?

While Americans have not turned to the bicycle as a mode of transportation in the same numbers seen elsewhere in the world, some predict that soaring gas prices and increased infrastructure investments could change that.

May 20, 2008 - Reuters

Living Well In The Era Of High Gas Prices

Want to learn how Americans can maintain a high standard of living in an era of sky-high gas prices? Just look at Europeans, who've been going it for decades, argues economist Paul Krugman.

May 20, 2008 - The New York Times

Cars Don't Cause Traffic, Drivers Do

Some planners hope that driverless car technology can finally put an end to traffic jams.

May 19, 2008 - The North County Times

Debunking The Myths About TOD

Responding to critics of Denver's planned TOD developments, TOD expert John Renne responds to four common misconceptions about transit-oriented development.

May 19, 2008 - The Rocky Mountain News

Virginia Governor Seeks Sales Tax Raise For Transit Projects

Virginia Governor Tim Kaine has proposed a plan to raise sales taxes in the state to help fund public transportation projects -- a plan similar to one voters turned down in 2002. But this time, voters won't be involved in the decision.

May 19, 2008 - The Washington Post

Congressman Says U.S. Needs To Get Onboard High Speed Rail

The top Republican on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is leading a bill to fund new high-speed rail, stating he's ready to fight the air travel lobby that has traditionally opposed plans for high-speed rail.

May 18, 2008 - CNN

L.A.'s Subway Planners Thinking Bigger Is Better

The city is already struggling to fund its planned $5 billion subway extension. But planners think adding a spur through West Hollywood could convince federal officials to chip in more funding for the project.

May 17, 2008 - WeHo News

Should Seattle Wait To Plan Its Light Rail Expansion?

Instead of asking residents to consider a timid plan this November, the region's transit agency should wait until its first light rail line opens, and gas prices rise even higher. Voters will then be ready for a grander plan, argues a recent column.

May 17, 2008 - The Seattle Times

Bike Production Dwarfs Car Production

Production of bicycles is more than double the production of cars worldwide -- and the gap between the two vehicles is widening. Many see this as an indicator of the global shift towards encouraging bicycle use as a viable transportation option.

May 17, 2008 - Earth Policy Institute

Is Chicago Reaching For The Stick Before Offering A Carrot?

Chicago shouldn't be surprised if drivers don't take to transit once its new pricing scheme is enacted. No matter the cost, most motorists won't make the switch until the city's transit system is more reliable, argues a recent column.

May 16, 2008 - The Chicago Tribune

Tampa Starts Planning For Light Rail System

With the Tampa region one of only two top 25 metro areas without rails in the ground or on the drawing board, local leaders want to kick start the planning process. But is the region ready for light rail when only 1 percent of locals ride the bus?

May 16, 2008 - The St. Petersburg Times

Where Cyclists And Motorists Are Friends

To make North American cities more bicycle friendly, planners should look to Stockholm, Sweden and Freiburg, Germany -- two European cities were bikes and cars happily co-exist on the street.

May 15, 2008 - The Ottawa Citizen

The Long Road To A Green Atlanta

Typically considered a poster child for sprawl, Atlanta's leaders and residents are now trying to steer the city's growth and development down a greener path.

May 15, 2008 - Grist.org

New Train Tunnel Ads Irk Riders, Draw Revenue

Flashing lights on the walls on train tunnels that display a 15-second video to passengers have been introduced in L.A., bringing new revenue to the area's transit agency, but bothering some riders. Some say the ads intrude on public space.

May 15, 2008 - The Los Angeles Times

Bike Beats Car and Bus In Race to City Hall

Cyclist wins a "race" across Philadelphia, beating a car and city transit in fight through morning traffic.

May 15, 2008 - The Philadelphia Inquirer

Oregonians Driving Less, Riding Transit More

Rising gas prices are pushing more and more Oregon drivers out of their cars. High public transit ridership figures and a reduction in vehicle-miles traveled suggest former drivers are now using transit instead of driving.

May 14, 2008 - The Oregonian

Omaha to Create Bike Lanes

The city of Omaha, Nebraska, has announced plans to build a network of bike lanes throughout the city, boosted by private contributions of more than $600,000.

May 14, 2008 - KETV

Will Nissan Revive The Electric Car?

The automaker has announced plans for a fully-electric vehicle by 2010, and says it wants to lead the industry towards zero-emission vehicles.

May 13, 2008 - The New York Times

A Champion For Cycling In Boston

After personally taking up cycling and seeing the city's poor reputation among cyclists firsthand, Mayor Thomas Menino is leading a campaign to make Boston a more bicycle-friendly city.

May 13, 2008 - The Boston Globe

New Details About Chicago's Bus Rapid Transit System

Chicago's federally funded pilot program will target some of the city's most congested arteries with new bus-rapid transit lines that will feature dedicated lanes, pre-paid boarding, "next bus" signs, and potentially bicycle sharing.

May 13, 2008 - The Chicago Tribune

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.

Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold

The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.

Community Development Director

City of Wisconsin Rapids

Professor of Urban Planning

Harvard University Graduate School of Design

Transportation Planner I

KFH Group Inc.

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