The long-awaited changes include road design elements and signage aimed at improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists while planning for autonomous vehicles.
The Federal Highway Administration announced an important update to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways, known as the MUTCD. The update marks a victory for safe streets advocates who have long called for changes aimed at reducing risks to all road users.
According to an article by Dan Zukowski in Smart Cities Dive, “The new regulations include improvements for vulnerable road users — including pedestrians and bicyclists — such as rapid-flashing beacons that pedestrians can activate at marked crosswalks and green-colored pavement for bicycle lanes.” Other measures include bike turn boxes at intersections and specialized traffic signals for bikes, as well as elements that prepare for autonomous vehicles
The FHWA acknowledged a need to update the manual more frequently than in the past as technology and transportation change more rapidly. “The new standards also include signage for electric vehicle charging stations and ways to prepare roadways for autonomous vehicles.”
FULL STORY: Rules of the Road Get a Long-Awaited Update in the US
US Street Design Manual Inches Toward Safer Roads
The guiding document for U.S. road design is starting to recognize the needs of people walking and biking, but safe streets advocates say more significant changes are needed to reduce the high number of pedestrian deaths and improve connectivity for all road users.
Has Progress on Travel Safety Run Off the Road?
Changing technology and rebuilding infrastructure to improve road safety are long-term strategies. How can enforcement and interventions that influence driver behavior make a difference in reducing traffic deaths sooner?
Reforms Are Coming to American Road Design
The federal manual governing road design is getting an update. Will it encourage real progress toward road safety?
Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?
Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Updating LA’s Tree Rules Could Bring More Shade to Underserved Neighborhoods
A new USC study finds that relaxing Los Angeles’ outdated tree planting guidelines could significantly expand urban tree canopy and reduce shade disparities in lower-income neighborhoods, though infrastructure investments are also needed.
California's Canal Solar Projects Aim to Conserve Resources and Expand Clean Energy
California’s Project Nexus has begun generating electricity from solar panels installed over irrigation canals, with researchers and state agencies exploring statewide expansion to conserve water and boost clean energy production.
HHS Staff Cuts Gut Energy Assistance Program
The full staff of a federal program that distributes heating and cooling assistance for low-income families was laid off, jeopardizing the program’s operations.
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