Gabe Klein

Essential reading for anyone working on urban mobility (or highway safety). Huge SUVs and trucks are fundamentally incompatible with walkable and bikeable streets, but they're now everywhere in the U.S., and we just saw several in Costa Rica. This is the first report to provide a comprehensive picture of what research says about the safety risks of oversized SUVs, vans and pickup trucks. Compiled by members of the Road to Zero Coalition’s Vehicle Design Task Force, it shows how light trucks are fueling a roadway safety crisis that collectively takes over 40,000 lives annually, enabled by inadequate regulations and outdated policies. https://lnkd.in/e2STvJyB #urbanmobility #roadsafety #walking WalkMass

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CLEE’s new EV Equity Initiative report, Electric Shared Mobility: California Lessons Learned for Equity in Program Design, presents an overview of lessons learned from six EV carshare and mobility hub programs in California. Shared mobility programs, including EV carshare initiatives, are one tool local governments can deploy to advance equitable access to low-carbon, flexible transportation options, and to meet their zero-emission transportation and climate goals. The report includes case studies on shared mobility programs such as BlueLA, Green Raiteros, and Míocar, among others. Based on expert interviews and analysis of these case studies, the report also shares important lessons from these programs that will help ensure that new and expanded shared mobility programs are both equitable and effective. Read the report here: https://lnkd.in/g7vkJ3QY

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(3/5: Urban mobility in #Budget2024) The AAC’s Urban Mobility brief (see below) recommended that the federal government reform the Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) program to support the purchase of lower-cost zero-emission transportation options such as used electric vehicles, e-bikes, mopeds and e-scooters, and shift incentives to better support low- and middle-income households.  #Budget2024 announced a top up to the iZEV program of $607.9 million over 2 years, with funding for the program ending in 2026. There were no other adjustments to the program mentioned in the budget, falling short of the AAC’s recommendations.  

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You're right Sam Sklar, good TDM is *so* underrated. Some of my favorite things about TDM: 1) being a mode broker - orchestrating ALL the modes using outcome and capacity data, 2) levers of demand management at your fingertips, and 3) finding win-wins between public and private players. So much more we TDM practitioners can be useful on. 🏆

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From the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF): "The Case for Electric Fleets" highlights three impactful case studies that illustrate the benefits of transitioning to electric fleets. Here's one example: Case Study 3: Getting started In Portland, historically underserved and marginalized communities of color have endured the city's highest emissions and poorest air quality for generations. Local businesses, including MTRWESTERN, DeSantis Landscapes, and COR Disposal & Recycling, have made the switch to electric fleets, improving not only their operations but also the well-being of the communities they serve. Adopting new technology can feel daunting for any company, and it’s natural to approach the process with hesitation. However, these fleets demonstrate how taking the lead in fleet electrification can transform operations for the better. ▶️See the EDF page: https://loom.ly/WqkgBLU ▶️To support fleet electrification, EDF offers an interactive web tool to help businesses map out their transition. Explore how electrifying your fleet could make a difference today: https://lnkd.in/dtQSf78j ▶️Watch the case study 3 here: https://lnkd.in/eB3FJP6K #ElectrifyYourFleet #ElectricFleet #FleetManagement #EnvironmentalDefenseFund #EV

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The Biden administration’s transit and climate goals face reversal as Trump’s Project 2025 agenda plans to cut USDOT funds for bike paths, halt transit expansions, and shift programs to state block grants. https://lnkd.in/efQrdfxW #InfrastructureShift #Project2025 #TransitPolicy #UrbanMobility

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What does disruptive innovation look like in transportation? 👀 Picture this: You're trying to cross the street to get to a bookstore and buy the last signed copy of your favorite book. However, the traffic signal is 874 feet away, makes you wait 180 seconds before you can cross, and then you have to walk another 874 feet back to the bookstore. By that time, the last signed copy of your favorite book is gone. 😫 It took a disruptive innovation to address this problem: the mid-block crossing. Mid-block crossings are designated locations for pedestrians to safely cross the street in the middle of a block. Other examples are Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons, Leading Pedestrian Intervals, crosswalk visibility enhancements, raised crosswalks, Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons, and road diets or lane repurposing projects. These transportation features apply more "human factors" to the recommendation and make crossing the street more accessible for everyone. ⭐ Read more about disruptive innovation in transportation below. #DisruptiveInnovation #VisionZero #CompleteStreets #Accessibility #TransportationPlanning #TransportationEngineering

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The day has finally arrived! The US Rail Energy and Emissions Innovation Action Plan is now online! The Rail plan highlights actions to: 1) reduce air pollution in communities living near rail operations, 2) initiate plans for long-term electrification of our rail network, 3) reconnect America by expanding rail access to communities and industries of all sizes, 4) bolster the U.S. workforce to support a decarbonized and high-performing rail sector; and 5)increase collaboration between government, industry, and community partners to accelerate adoption of zero-emission technology. Among many other things! Take a look for yourself here: https://lnkd.in/gB5YhWrm A huge thank you to our federal partners and analysts (including but by no means limited to) Michael Johnsen, Catherine L., Morgan Ellis, Theodore Krause, Benjamin Simon, Ben Gould, Aaron Hula, Tina Hodges, Drew Kodjak, and Andrea Wohleber and the rest of the rail community that provided invaluable feedback to this process throughout the last two years. The Maritime Action Plan along with the equally important Medium / Heavy Duty Action Plans can be found here: https://lnkd.in/gr8VA2xc #SustainableTransportation #EnergyEfficiency #EnergySavings #ElectricRail

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As urban development continues to evolve, the condition of our roads often reflects the broader socio-economic challenges facing our communities. Edward Glaeser's recent academic piece, published by the National Bureau of Economic Research, uses Uber records to dive deep into the "bumpiness" of America's roads, providing a literal and metaphorical map of infrastructure investments and underinvestment. Glaeser's findings reveal a disparity in road conditions, particularly affecting poorer neighborhoods and communities of color. Interestingly, the research suggests that road roughness can predict future resurfacing actions, albeit inconsistently across different cities. This paper prompts us to think critically about how we prioritize and fund road maintenance. It is not just about improving travel efficiency but also about fostering equitable urban environments. As local government officials and urban planners, we must leverage this data to advocate for balanced infrastructure development and consider strategies to ensure that road quality, and by extension, quality of life, is not dependent on zip code. Check out the original academic paper by Edward Glaeser here: https://lnkd.in/enKxew_5 #urbanplanning #infrastructure #pavementmanagementindex #americanenterpriseinstitute #icma #dataforurbanaction #allianceforinnovation

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Join Us for a Washington, D.C. Roundtable on Oct. 3 We're hosting an in-person roundtable to explore the impact of new mobility, micromobility, and highly automated vehicles on cities. We'll dive deep into the effects on land use, urban design, transportation, real estate, equity, and municipal budgets. 🌟 Event Highlights: - Federal Highway Administration Deputy Administrator Kristin White discussing the federal policy agenda and funding opportunities for new mobility and automated vehicles - Panels moderated by Open Mobility Foundation (on data communications with connected, automated vehicles)and NACTO (National Association of City Transportation Officials) (on regulatory experiences with new mobility and micromobility) - Discussions on city experiences with new mobility and expectations for the deployment of automated vehicles - Explore how the Mobility COE can assist local government stakeholders with research and engagement 📅 WHEN: Thursday, October 3, 2024 (immediately following COE partner MetroLab Network Summit 2024) 📍 WHERE: Washington, DC 🔗 REGISTER: https://lnkd.in/gtBBYwC2 #automatedvehicles #newmobility #micromobility #transportationresearch

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Can underserved transit systems overcome tech and funding challenges? Nearly 87% of mass transit users rely on these systems for essential travel. Yet, the lack of high-quality transportation in transit deserts still exists all over the world. If every dollar invested in a transportation network can result in up to a four-dollar return on investment to the local economy, it seems like a worthwhile investment to reduce the barriers of inequity in low-connectivity environments and improve local economies... Learn more about the current state of transit deserts and the top ways innovative tech like ultrasonic proximity verification can bridge the urban mobility equity gap in the latest analysis from LISNR. #MassTransit #DEI #EquityforAll #UrbanMobility #Ultrasonic #Proximity #Multimodal #BeInBeOut Eric Allen Will Zimbler Jack Madell Rodney Williams Warren Williams Meep

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⚡️As part of a transportation electrification study tour lead by the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI), we met with Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan who continues to work on improving London’s pollution and air quality through the London Environment Strategy. We discussed public EV charging infrastructure, the rollout of zero-emission buses for public transit, and other clean transportation initiatives and strategies. As we continue on the path toward clean transportation, it’s important we learn from others and continue information sharing on lessons learned. #ZE2028ROADMAP

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If the US president-elect follows through on the #Project2025 agenda, federal #infrastructure investment for people using #bikes and other #micromobility will be eliminated: “The document describes eliminating #USDOT funding for #biking and #walking paths, ending support for #transit expansions, and replacing many federal programs with block grants provided to states.” The one bright spot is that biking and walking investments aren’t as expensive as those for transit. So, it is possible for #cities to continue to expand such networks while those for buses, trams, and heavy rail may have to be put off. https://lnkd.in/efQrdfxW?

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eBus: Government policies and incentives driving electric bus adoption As governments grapple with the pressing need to mitigate climate change and improve urban air quality, the role of electric buses in transforming public transportation has come to the forefront of policy discussions. Initiatives to replace conventional diesel buses with electric counterparts are increasingly supported by a complex tapestry of government-led incentives and regulatory frameworks. These initiatives, while varied in scope and scale, share a common goal: to overcome the initial economic hurdles associated with electric bus adoption and establish a more sustainable transit paradigm. Innovation News Network https://lnkd.in/evZFR5Rv #evbus #greenbus #greentransport #electricvehicles #urbantransport #urbanmobility

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Public EV charging is particularly important in cities. City residents who want an #EV are more likely to rely on public EV charging for their every day needs. In cities, a larger share of residents live in multifamily housing, rent their homes, and/or park on the street — all of which make it difficult, if not impossible, for them to install home charging. My new white paper with Lucas Peilert outlines 10 strategies for U.S. city officials seeking to overcome these complexities, better meet the needs of current and potential EV owners living in urban areas, and create the conditions for broader EV ownership in their city. Better city charging strategies will accelerate EV adoption, which is critical to tackling climate change. #HarvardClimateActionWeek #ClimateChange The Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability at Harvard University Read here:

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New CAP Blog! The Diffusion of Responsibility for Active Transportation  Promoting safer, non-motorized travel—like walking and cycling—in our communities is a challenge that involves multiple stakeholders, including urban planners, engineers, public health professionals, policymakers, and various levels of government. This diffusion of responsibility creates challenges in accountability and ambition, often leading to fragmented actions and policies. Our latest blog explores the complexities of managing active transportation initiatives and describes potential ways to overcome this challenge. Read the blog here: https://lnkd.in/dfJi6-xs

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🚗💡 Can We Incentivize Safer Roads? 💡🚦 Traffic crashes are the #1 cause of death for teenagers in the U.S. and disproportionately impact rural areas. Despite billions in funding, progress is slow—at the current pace, it could take until 2031 just to reach 2014 fatality levels. What if we flipped the script and literally paid State DOTs to reduce fatalities? My latest blog explores a bold idea: 1️⃣ Tie federal funding to measurable safety outcomes. 2️⃣ Use bonuses to retain top talent and foster accountability. Could performance-based incentives transform traffic safety? Let’s discuss solutions that save lives and make an impact. Link in the comments.

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