Year: 2009

When non-transportation-geeks ask me why transportation policy is a topic worthy of more attention on the national stage, I often start by talking about the public health implications. Not only are tens of thousands of Americans killed and injured in car crashes every year, not only are countless thousands of others killed and sickened by air pollution caused by motor vehicles -- on top of that, the link between obesity and automobile dependence is increasingly well-documented. As Elana Schor wrote here a couple of weeks ago, "Transportation reform is health reform."

Muni Conducting Fare Evasion Stings, Claims It’s Yielding “Positive Results” (SF Examiner) BART Threatens Unilateral Contract If Labor Agreement Isn’t Reached by Today (SF Gate, ABC7) Twitter/Caltrain Feed Helps Caltrain Riders “Bypass System By Tweeting Real-Time” Info (Oak Trib) Poll Finds Californians Not As Concerned About Air Pollution But Majority Wants Transit Funding (LAT) Toxic … Continued

When San Franciscans who've been around for a while think about delivery by bicycle, the first thing that comes to mind might be Kozmo.com. Sometimes cited as the epitome of dot-com boom excess, the company promised one-hour delivery of a variety of goods, free of any delivery charges. That model proved flawed, along with many other dot-com dreams that nevertheless attracted generous venture capital funding.

Wade Crowfoot, Mayor Gavin Newsom's Director of Climate Change Initiatives, quietly transitioned out of his role in city government last Friday to become the West Coast Legislative and Political Director at the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), a new post created just for him. His portfolio will be primarily climate, water safety, and oceans. Transportation and transit won't be as central to his work as it was for Mayor Newsom, except as it relates to climate change.

The Senate panel in charge of transportation spending has just released its version of the budget bill that passed the House last week, giving less to high-speed rail and more to highways than the lower chamber of Congress.

Four Democratic senators introduced legislation today that would offer states a choice: ban texting and e-mailing while driving within two years or lose 25 percent of their federal highway money.

"After years of debate, many scientists tracking energy supplies believe we're past the peak rate of oil production. Statistics show that output peaked in 2008. Will the gap be filled using different energy sources? How will declining oil supplies impact societies dependent on cheap, convenient energy? What about our own families and communities? Join SFBC member, Michael Poremba, and get the skinny on peak oil, and learn how local communities are responding to peak oil and related global issues, such as climate change."

"Everyone is welcome."

"This four-hour in-classroom, introductory course is perfect for new cyclists and those want to feel more comfortable riding on city streets. Class will cover the basics for how to choose the right bike and properly fit a helmet. Learn tips for the safest ways to ride in traffic, techniques to avoid or deal with road hazards and emergency maneuvers along with other useful gems of knowledge, like the best way to lock up your bike and how to use a bike in combination with public transit, and cyclists' legal rights and responsibilities. Adults and anyone over 14 years of age are welcome, preregistration is required. Bring your lunch or dinner. No bicycle is needed for this class. Note: This class is the "day 1" course for League of American Bicyclists' Bike Ed Road I certification."