Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Streetsblog

Faster Isn’t Better, and Cars Aren’t Safer

Much of the Streetsblog Network seems to be distracted by the inauguration -- who isn't? -- but we've got some new stuff up there for you to think about if you can tear yourself away from the wall-to-wall coverage.

1801508204_09abe29a51.jpgPhoto by happyshooter via Flickr.

From Detroit's M-Bike.org, some thoughts about how the American fetish for speed can actually prevent us from getting where we need and want to go:

Accessibility/new mobility -- being able to readily get between locations -- is more valuable than high-speed mobility.

Also, WalkBikeCT offers up an essay from Todd Litman of the Victoria Transport Policy Institute debunking the safety myth that surrounds travel by car,

that air-tight excuse you'llso often hear from people who have just used their car for a short trip that they could have easily made on bike, on foot, or, gasp -- on the bus. I know this excuse well, it's one I've heard from many a friend,and one I've shamefully employed myself on occasion.

The only real problem with this excuse is that it's not actually true. Driving is not safe. It never was, and it isn't now. Over 40,000 Americans die each year from automobile collisions. Any mode of travel that kills 40,000 people per year cannot rightfully be called "safe".

Also, the National Journal's transportation blog challenges its experts to come up with improvements to the stimulus package, and Kaid Benfield at NRDC's Switchboard looks at how transit has helped create an urban renaissance in Charlotte, NC.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

‘Cart Before Horse’: Upper West Siders Demand NYPD Halt Bike Crackdown

Here's a different kind of community feedback for Commissioner Tisch.

May 21, 2025

Proudly Anti-Safety: Brooklyn Pol Boasts of Getting DOT To ‘Pause’ Long Promised Bike Lanes

Even painted bike lanes are too "woke" for the MAGA warrior of Southern Brooklyn, Council Member Inna Vernikov.

May 21, 2025

‘Stop Super Speeders’ Bill Advances in Senate Committee

A bill that would prevent the most-reckless drivers from speeding easily moved forward on Tuesday. But that doesn't mean its passage is assured.

May 21, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines: Rising Out of the Valley Edition

Congestion pricing keeps getting more popular. Plus other news.

May 21, 2025

Why Did Secretary Duffy Decimate University Transportation Centers?

University Transportation Centers are "where innovation happens." Earlier this month, though, the Trump administration took a sledgehammer to their budgets.

May 20, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines: Share the Love Edition

Citi Bike's workers are backing Brad Lander for mayor while their bosses at Lyft chip in on Andrew Cuomo's PAC. Plus more news.

May 20, 2025
See all posts