Here’s the news that caught our eye this week:
– With the Olympics ending, the Vancouver mayor is hoping to keep some of the magic going—including the transportation measures that boosted foot and bike traffic, created a streetcar, and reduced downtown car traffic by thirty percent.
– A round of major federal transportation infrastructure grants were awarded nationwide, with rail (including freight) and mass transit being the primary focus.
– During the Toyota recall hearings, Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood stated that lowering speed limits wouldn’t save lives; here’s the fact check.
– Don’t worry, the CEOs of auto companies bailed out by taxpayers are still making the millions to which they are accustomed.
– In Portland, citizen group the City Club has issued a stern report on the area’s transportation system, and recommends that it be overseen centrally by the Metro regional government.
– Cycling deaths are on the decline in the UK. Meanwhile, a dad drives behind his kid as he walks to school, and children get driving lessons.
– Bike-sharing’s latest frontier is a suburb of Mumbai, India, where a private business has opened up a series of hubs. This video shows how it works, and also gives you a look into India’s urban transportation mix.
– Illinois is scaling back their free rides for seniors program.
– Amtrak is now offering free wireless internet on its fast Acela trains between Boston and DC.
– How do you get more women on bikes? Paid maternity leave, says one blogger.
– The new mayor of Houston has proposed making the city’s transit service free for riders, comparing mobility to free public education.
– The Maryland legislature is considering a bill to use the word “crash” instead of “accident” in the state’s traffic laws.
– Yes, it’s true—the Hummer will soon be a collector’s item.
– Back in 1920, the head of the Los Angeles traffic police had an innovative idea for increasing traffic safety on the roads: Ban women from driving. Here’s the scoop, including some interesting historical traffic stats.