In Slate, I explained why a newborn, job change, or closed highway can disrupt our travel habits, prompting us to form new ones -- and perhaps leave the car at home. It's a lesson with huge implications for policy.
Slate Magazine
The Psychological Traps That Keep Us Stuck Commuting Via Car
Even when better options are available, switching modes is tough.
 #cities #urbanplanning #policy image
My latest in Fast Company: We need to stop saying “road safety is a shared responsibility.” Road engineers, automakers, and policymakers have the power to reduce the sky-high number of US crash deaths. Individual road users don't. https://www.fastcompany.com/91233037/whos-really-to-blame-and-who-isnt-for-americas-traffic-death-epidemic #crash #safety image
In a new Fast Company story, I argued that focusing on range and acceleration -- the most popular metrics for EV quality -- will lead to confused customers, wasted resources, and needless road deaths. https://www.fastcompany.com/91227386/forget-about-ev-range-and-focus-on-this-instead #electricvehicles #cars #climate #climatechange image
In US cities, ~2/3 of crash deaths occur on streets owned by the state – not local gov. Outdated, deadly state roads are preventing cities from building the safe, comfortable, and transit-friendly streets that residents want. My deep dive, in Vox.
Vox
The most dangerous roads in America have one thing in common
We can fix our staggering car fatality crisis. Start with these roads.
 #transportation #cities #states #visionzero image
Me, in Bloomberg CityLab: Robotaxi companies are presenting themselves as transit’s new best friend. Don't fall for it. Cities full of robotaxis would be a disaster for public transportation. #AVs #selfdriving #cities #transit
Bloomberg.com
Robotaxis Are No Friend of Public Transportation
AV companies like Waymo are promoting the idea that driverless technology can complement transit service. Recent ride-hailing history suggests othe...
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On NPR 's On Point, I discussed the feds' proposal to restrain car bloat: "It's a watershed moment for NHTSA, [proposing] not a suggestion, but a rule within the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards to protect pedestrian safety." Recording/transcript:
Trucks and SUVs are bigger — and more dangerous — than ever. New safety rules aim to fix that
Pedestrian deaths in this country are at an all-time high. And now, the government is stepping in. For the first time ever, the National Highway Tr...
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The only way to avoid crash deaths from oversized SUVs & pickups is to reduce car bloat. Technology alone won’t do it – even if automakers claim otherwise. Me, in Slate
Slate Magazine
The Solution to Giant Killer Cars Is Really, Really Simple
It’s not cars that are more sophisticated.
 #cars #safety image
Want cheaper housing? Better transit service? More restaurants within walking distance? Zoning rules can make it easier – or impossible. In CityLab, I spoke with Sara Bronin about her new book, Key to the City, and zoning's hidden powers.
Bloomberg.com
Unlocking the Hidden Power of Zoning, for Good or Bad
In her new book, lawyer and architect Sara Bronin shows how land use regulations shaped US cities and makes a case for using these rules for progre...
 #cities #zoning #housing #books image
My initial reaction: This is a huge step in the right direction — and long overdue. The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards have real teeth. If this proposal comes into effect, carmakers will finally have to address how car bloat endangers pedestrians.
AP News
US seeks new pedestrian safety rules aimed at increasingly massive SUVs and pickup trucks
The U.S. government’s road safety agency wants the auto industry to design new vehicles including SUVs and pickup trucks so they reduce pedestria...
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This week’s Economist cover story is brought to you by US automakers and the federal government, both of which have been ignoring car bloat for decades. image