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

A couple of articles published recently in the Twin Cities area highlighted some of the problems with the contemporary American way of getting around.

Walking to school in Minneapolis. Photo: Alleen Brown/TC Daily Planet

One writer at the Star Tribune was concerned by the carnage he witnessed on a road by his home. Another suggested that "changing the way we drive" is the optimal way to tackle highway congestion.

Sam Newberg at Streets.mn was struck by the limited responses both writers suggested, since neither pointed out that it's possible to drive less:

I can’t help but notice the residences of the two writers -- Ham Lake and Shoreview. Both are decidedly car dependent when compared with a location like Minneapolis. The land use pattern of separate uses combined with few practical options for getting around other than the car result in frustration. But both writers seem to indicate there isn’t another choice. There is! ...

Already today I have dropped my kids off at school, met a colleague, went to lunch and a seminar (three separate trips, no less) without needing my car. If that sounds smug, fine, but it’s also a lifestyle choice – I haven’t paid for gas yet today, I’ve gotten a little exercise, and have not risked life and limb on or near a highway or freeway. Sure, I have to drive for many things, but when I do it is typically on a slower-moving, sane, sometimes crowded city street.

Elsewhere on the Network today: The Political Environment catches Wisconsin highway officials making telling statements about how the political climate shapes planning decisions. The League of American Bicyclists explains the progress states are making on encouraging and educating people about bicycling. And Bike Portland reports that the city's famous "Welcome to America's Bike Capital" mural is coming down.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

NYPD’s Push To Criminalize Cycling Spells Trouble For Immigrant Workers

Safety for the community? Great. But aren't delivery workers part of the community, too?

May 9, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: Habemus Knicksum Edition

It was a big day yesterday, but we're not on the sports or the religion desk, so let's get to our news.

May 9, 2025

Friday Video: Who Ruined Outdoor Dining?

We sent our own video team to find out.

May 9, 2025

Decision 2025: Mayoral Hopefuls Discuss E-Bikes … With Joy and Concern

E-bikes are a vital tool for delivery workers and for people seeking to reduce their use of private cars. What would you do to both expand e-bike use and make streets safer? And the answers are...

Live from Albany: Hochul’s ‘Safety’ Measures Stripped from Budget

Lawmakers dropped three initiatives that Gov. Hochul said would have made roadways safer (though, as we'll see, that's very much in question). Let's review them.

May 9, 2025
See all posts