Congressman David Wu.(Photo © J. Maus) A new bill introduced today by U.S. Congressman David Wu aims to bolster research that makes the case for more earth-friendly transportation policies. The “Promoting Green Transportation Infrastructure through Research and Development Act” (H.R. 2317), which would expand the scope of existing federally-funded transportation research centers and create new … Read more
Sec. LaHood has suspended an FHWA program that sent Americans overseas to learn transportation best practices.(Photo © J. Maus) After ABC News questioned spending on a trip to Europe by American bureaucrats to study outdoor advertising practices, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has suspended all funding for the FHWA’s International Technology Scanning Program. … Read more
Jan Morgan A story from Mississippi deserves everyone’s attention. One month ago, a motor vehicle operator struck 57 year old Jan Morgan from behind as she pedaled her bike on a road south of Tupelo, Mississippi. According to the police dispatch log, Morgan was thrown up onto the windshield and then catapulted onto the ground … Read more
Give people choices and they’ll use less oil says Blumenauer.(Photo © J. Maus) In a press conference in Washington D.C. this morning, the Congressional Livable Communities Task Force released a set of policy proposals they say will lead to “Freedom from Oil.” The task force, which is made up of House Democrats and chaired by … Read more
Photo from filming of the video in Los Angeles.(Photos © J. Maus) People for Bikes, the national effort by Bikes Belong to raise awareness and support for bicycling, has just released a new video they hope will spread the idea that “Bikes Make Life Better.” The short video, filmed in Los Angeles, uses projection technology … Read more
Say it ain’t so, John.(Photo © J. Maus) National advocacy groups are having a busy spring thanks to numerous threats to important pots of federal bike infrastructure funding. From the Recreational Trails Program to Safe Routes to School, many crucial funding pots that have provided millions to bicycling and walking projects over the decades are … Read more
There’s an interesting situation brewing in San Francisco over how to deal with bicycle traffic on the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Richard Masoner, a veteran blogger and citizen bike advocate based near the Bay Area, reports on a bike safety study published on April 15th by the Berkeley office of Alta Planning + Design. Here’s … Read more
“I want to express my disappointment at AASHTO’s recent comments… Oregon takes bicycling and walking very seriously.”— Matthew Garrett, Director of ODOT The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has responded to a recent policy stance by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) that some fear would weaken federal guidelines that exist … Read more
An FHWA decision now makes it easier for cities to use green to designate a bikeway.(Photo © J. Maus) Living and biking in Portland, you might take the green pavement marking you see on bikeways throughout town for granted. But, like the blue color that came before it, this is an innovative treatment that was … Read more
“This request is misguided… AASHTO should be a leading voice in shaping holistic and comprehensive transportation systems, not resisting them.”— League of American Bicyclists The League of American Bicyclists says that the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), a powerful, Washington, D.C. based non-profit with broad influence on national transportation policy, is … Read more
“A regional breakdown showed the greatest drop [12%] in fatalities occurred in the Pacific Northwest states.”— US DOT The US Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced today that National Highway Safety Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) projections show that between 2009 and 2010 traffic fatalities dropped to their lowest level in recorded history (PDF of … Read more
Rep. John Mica is Chairman of the Committee.(Photos © J. Maus) At the outset of the “listening session” in Vancouver yesterday, Congressman John Mica tried to make it clear that he wanted specifics. Unfortunately not everyone got the message. Mica, a Republican from Florida, is Chairman of the powerful House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure … Read more