The city will test the efficacy and durability of an electric bike lane sweeper during a six-month pilot program.
The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is introducing a new all-electric device designed for sweeping bike lanes for a six-month pilot program, reports Ron Johnson in Momentum. “This endeavor represents the first time SDOT is renting and testing an electric protected bike lane (PBL) sweeper, a move intended to inform future purchasing decisions and further align with the city’s climate goals.”
As Johnson explains, the pilot program will help SDOT assess demand, maintenance needs, charging time and charge hold, and durability of the device during adverse weather conditions. “Additionally, the electric sweeper offers a quieter option for cleaning the city’s PBLs compared to traditional street sweepers.”
The program will help keep Seattle’s bike lanes clean and safe year-round. “As climate emissions from transportation remain a significant concern in Seattle, especially from short one to three-mile vehicle trips, ensuring debris-free and leaf-free PBLs plays a crucial role in reducing the city’s climate impact.”
FULL STORY: Check out Seattle’s innovative new bike lane sweeper
Seattle’s Bike Infrastructure Hamstrings Growth
Design standards that call for minimal road space allocated to bikes are limiting the growth of cycling in the city.
Why Bike Lanes Are Good: An Explainer for the US Transportation Secretary
Sean Duffy says there’s no evidence that bike lanes have benefits. Streetsblog — and federal agencies’ own data — beg to differ.
Houston Mayor Promises Dedicated Austin Street Bike Lane After Public Backlash
Although the one-way bike lane won’t be protected by physical barriers, the proposal is an improvement over the mayor’s initial plan to only include sharrows on the Austin Street project.
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.
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.
USDOT Waters Down Self-Driving Car Regulations
The agency is reducing reporting requirements for autonomous vehicles and cars with self-driving features, prompting concern among safety advocates who say transparency is essential to the safe deployment of AV technology.
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