But I quickly realized that the stories we’ve covered over the past decade and a half have been more than just about traffic and transportation. They’ve been about people, communities, and the fight for a more just and equitable future. Here are ten significant stories that have shaped Streetsblog’s journey and the fight for better transportation:
2) 2018, June 14. A Q&A with a San Francisco Public Works employee about Vision Zero. This post explored the challenges and successes of Vision Zero in San Francisco, highlighting the role of public works in implementing it.
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) board voted to approve a controversial plan to build a new bus rapid transit line in San Francisco. The plan, which was initially proposed by the SFMTA, was met with opposition from various stakeholders, including residents, businesses, and environmental groups. The plan faced criticism for its potential impact on traffic, noise pollution, and the city’s overall aesthetic.
1. The article discusses the recent ballot measure in New York, which aimed to return cars to JFK Airport. 2. The measure was proposed by Dede Wilsey, a prominent figure in the New York real estate and business community. 3.
The de Young Museum in San Francisco, California, is home to a hidden gem: a collection of skateboards and other related items. This collection, curated by the museum’s curator, is a testament to the history of skateboarding and its impact on popular culture. The de Young Museum’s skate collection is a fascinating journey through the evolution of skateboarding.
High School senior Pearl de la Motte entertains parking garage guests. Photos: Streetsblog/Rudick 5) 2023, July 18. OakDOT Killing Grand Avenue Road Diet at AC Transit’s Request. This was a post leaked by Oakland DOT staff via advocates, about how AC Transit was standing in the way of protected bike lanes on Grand around Lake Merritt. This post had such an impact that Mike Hursh, the general manager of AC Transit, attacked it in his own post the next day. Why is it notable: by exposing the internal politics/turf war between AC Transit and Oakland DOT, it helped advocates push back against AC Transit’s objections about bike lanes and bus speeds, which were unfounded. This war isn’t over, but it helped advocates for sure.
BayPass was a pilot program that aimed to improve public transportation in the Bay Area. The union local, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, is known for its strong stance on labor rights and its commitment to protecting its members’ interests. However, their actions in this case have been widely criticized as being counterproductive and detrimental to the success of the BayPass program. The BayPass program was designed to address the growing pains of the Bay Area’s public transportation system.
The article discusses the challenges of navigating complex fare structures and the need for clear and accessible fare information. It highlights the Clipper card as a potential solution to simplify fare payments and provide a more user-friendly experience. The article also explores the potential benefits of a center-running bike lane on Valencia Street, emphasizing its positive impact on cyclist safety and traffic flow.
An injured cyclist on Valencia. Photo: Dylan Yep 8) 2021, June 30. Editorial: Own it, L.A. Politicians–You’re Trying to Kill California’s Bullet Train. This was part of a series of investigative pieces and commentaries about then Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon and Assembly Transportation Committee Chair Laura Friedman’s attempts to tie up HSR funding and kill the program. It was hydrogen trains, battery trains, delays on electrification; both politicians came up with a stream of reasons why the project needed “re-thinking.” Why was this series notable? Friedman responded directly to Streetsblog and complained that she was being treated unfairly. However, over time she relented and released the HSR funding they were holding up. Streetsblog also endeavored to set the record straight against the LA Times’s incessant and inaccurate attacks on the project. CaHSRA managers credit Streetsblog with keeping up morale at the agency, as the only real outlet countering the constant stream of anti-rail propaganda.
The article discusses the incident of Milvia, a self-driving truck, being pulled over by police for violating the truck’s claimed dimensions. This incident highlights the potential dangers of relying on inaccurate data and the need for robust safety features in self-driving technology. 10) 2022, March 10.
2023. The photo shows a large, white, semi-truck with a distinctive blue and red livery. The truck is equipped with a large oxygen tank, and its purpose is to deliver oxygen to patients at Alta Bates Medical Center. This truck is part of a larger system of oxygen delivery trucks that are used by hospitals across the country.
Maybe they were just trying to avoid a lawsuit. Either way, the story is notable because it highlights the city’s inconsistent and often frustrating experience with public works projects. This story is notable because it illustrates the lack of accountability and transparency in the public works department. The lack of communication and coordination between different departments is also a significant issue.
