Around the United States, new bike lanes and trails are connecting communities via two (or three) wheels.
In an article for the Associated Press, Jeff McMurray describes how new federal grants could help bike advocates and transportation departments around the country build more protected biking and walking infrastructure and connect existing trails.
Although the 2021 infrastructure law allocated as much as $1 billion to these efforts, Congress has so far allocated just under $45 million. However, advocates are cheered by the commitment to biking and walking that has been absent in prior administrations.
The funding is particularly aimed at closing gaps in existing systems, such as the Great American Rail-Trail, a series of trails across 12 states that amounts to 3,700 miles of bike trails, but has significant gaps between segments.
FULL STORY: Pedal coast-to-coast without using a road? New program helps connect trails across the US
Washington State Plans Ambitious ‘Cycle Highway’ Network
The state is directing funding to close gaps in its existing bike network and make long-distance trips more accessible.
Advocates Champion the Great Western Trail
A Chicago walking and biking trail along a former railroad right-of-way has been a labor of love for local residents.
Revealed: A Plan to Build a Continuous Bike Trail Across the United States
Motorists have been able to drive across the country for more than a century. People on bikes will get their day soon, too.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Waymo Gets Permission to Map SF’s Market Street
If allowed to operate on the traffic-restricted street, Waymo’s autonomous taxis would have a leg up over ride-hailing competitors — and counter the city’s efforts to grow bike and pedestrian on the thoroughfare.
Parklet Symposium Highlights the Success of Shared Spaces
Parklets got a boost during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the concept was translated to outdoor dining programs that offered restaurants a lifeline during the shutdown.
Federal Homelessness Agency Places Entire Staff on Leave
The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness is the only federal agency dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness.
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.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
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