Despite a recent designation from the League of American Bicyclists, one writer argues that the city's infrastructure is failing to protect pedestrians and cyclists from dangerous car traffic.
In a guest post for the Gainesville Sun, Emily Hind questions the League of American Bicyclists' recent designation of Gainesville, Florida as a Bicycle Friendly Community at the Silver Level, citing the city's "murderously fast" traffic and three pedestrian deaths to date this year. "In 2021, Florida was rated the worst state in the nation for pedestrian deaths and the second worst for red-light running."
According to Hind, "[t]he problem is not in our individuals, but in our infrastructure." Implementing–not just adopting in name–Vision Zero policies such as reduced speed limits and protected bike lanes would keep pedestrians safe and encourage more people to walk, bike, and use transit. In addition to reducing speed limits to 20mph, Hind suggests redesigning Gainesville streets such as Northwest 16th Avenue "to provide protected space for those who want to walk and roll outside of a car. With less space given to cars, the crosswalks will be less unpredictable, in part because motorists will watch a narrower space for the warning lights, and in part because traffic, given less space, will slow."
"If it’s just about survivability, we all have to be in a car. When we add livable sustainability to our goals, we make Gainesville survivable not just for the moment, but for the children."
FULL STORY: Gainesville roads deserve a medal for scares, not shares
Southeast LA Road Safety Advocates Call for Improved Infrastructure
Streets in southeastern Los Angeles County have a severe lack of protected bike lanes and traffic safety measures, leading to high numbers of fatalities in a community where many residents depend on walking and biking for daily needs.
Jacksonville Takes Action on Vision Zero
The city is implementing its first-ever Vision Zero Action Plan in an effort to reduce pedestrian and cyclist deaths and serious injuries.
Philly Road Safety Advocates Call for Action From the City
Mayor Parker’s administration is proposing massive cuts to the city’s Vision Zero program while pedestrian and cyclist deaths remain high.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap
A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.
From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience
Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.
New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan
As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service