Tag Archive: USA

  1. Bloomberg Philanthropies provides $100,000 grants for art-focused street redesign projects

    Comments Off on Bloomberg Philanthropies provides $100,000 grants for art-focused street redesign projects

    Source: Zag Daily

    Bloomberg Philanthropies is expanding its Asphalt Art Initiative grants, increasing funding fourfold to support projects focused on traffic safety and public spaces that protect cyclists and pedestrians through asphalt art interventions.

    Asphalt art involves visually striking designs on roadways and pedestrian areas, using vibrant colours to enhance visibility and reduce collisions.

    Originally launched in 2019 for cities across North America and Europe, the initiative offered $25,000 grants. Now, Bloomberg Philanthropies, based in New York City, will provide grants of up to $100,000 to 10 cities in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. for arts-driven street redesign projects.

    “Incorporating art into street safety improvements affirms that city streets are used not only by drivers, but by pedestrians and cyclists too, and should be designed to accommodate all users safely,” said David Andersson, a member of Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Arts Team, in an interview with Zag Daily.

    “Based on the success of the initiative’s past projects, we have increased the grant size to $100,000 to invite even larger and more ambitious traffic safety and public space projects with the potential for catalytic impact.

    “We want to support interventions that transform signature streets, create dynamic new pedestrian plazas, or enact other similarly transformative roadway redesigns.”

    To date, Bloomberg Philanthropies has backed 90 projects across North America and Europe, including the pedestrianisation of Times Square during Michael Bloomberg’s tenure as mayor. This project closed sections of Broadway to vehicular traffic, opened them to pedestrians, and transformed 2.5 acres of asphalt with vibrant murals, leading to a 35% drop in pedestrian injuries, a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, and Times Square being named a top 10 global retail destination.

    A 2022 Bloomberg Philanthropies Safety Study of 22 asphalt art projects in the U.S. found a 50% reduction in crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists and a 27% increase in drivers yielding to pedestrians. These findings contributed to the inclusion of asphalt art in U.S. street design guidelines for the first time.

    All cities in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. with populations of at least 50,000 are eligible to apply for the grant. Project teams must include a city agency or department as the lead applicant. Selected cities will receive technical support from Bloomberg Associates in collaboration with tactical urbanism firm Street Plans Collaborative and evaluation assistance from transportation firm Sam Schwartz.

    “The selection criteria for applicants includes a project’s potential impact, viability, and quality and visual interest. Projects should be ambitious arts-driven street redesigns that address a meaningful and specific safety challenge, engage community members, and include metrics to measure success.”

  2. Japanese micro Kei cars banned in multiple US states

    Comments Off on Japanese micro Kei cars banned in multiple US states

    Safety concerns stemming from the size and age of the small vehicles have led to individual states imposing restrictions

    Source: ars technica

    Japanese Kei cars, known for their compact size and efficiency, are a real contrast to the large SUVs that dominate American roads. These small vehicles, governed by strict regulations in Japan that limit their size, weight, and power, have become a popular option for those seeking affordable and simplistic alternatives to modern cars. Their appeal in Japan as low-cost, efficient vehicles has extended beyond the country’s borders, leading to a significant interest in importing these cars into the United States.

    Kei cars have gained a niche following in the U.S., particularly among enthusiasts who appreciate their minimalistic design and practicality. However, despite their popularity, these vehicles have come under increasing scrutiny from state authorities, resulting in a growing number of bans that restrict their use on American roads.

    At the federal level, U.S. regulations allow the importing of vehicles that are over 25 years old without requiring them to meet modern federal motor vehicle safety or fuel economy standards. This loophole has made it possible for Kei cars to be imported and used in the U.S., provided all import duties are paid. However, it is the responsibility of individual states to regulate the use of these vehicles on public roads, and many states are beginning to take a hard stance against them.

    Several states have imposed restrictions on Kei cars, particularly Kei trucks, often limiting their use to farm work or prohibiting them from being driven on highways. For instance, states like Alabama and Arkansas allow these vehicles under certain conditions, such as enforcing speed restrictions or banning highway usage. On the other hand, states like Georgia, Maine, and New York have implemented outright bans, refusing to register Kei cars for road use. Recently, Massachusetts joined this trend, going as far as publishing a list of specific Kei models that are no longer eligible for registration.

    The primary concern driving these bans is safety. Some states classify Kei cars as “off-road vehicles,” arguing that they are unsuitable for public roadways. Others cite the vehicles’ non-compliance with federal safety standards as justification for their exclusion from state roads. These concerns are not unfounded. Kei cars are significantly smaller than even the smallest cars commonly seen on U.S. roads, such as the Mini Cooper or Fiat 500e. Their diminutive size raises serious questions about their crashworthiness, particularly in collisions with the much larger vehicles prevalent in America, such as full-size SUVs and trucks.

    The safety risks associated with Kei cars are compounded by the fact that many of these vehicles are at least 25 years old, meaning they lack the advanced safety features found in modern cars. While these cars may perform adequately in the congested and narrow streets of urban Japan, their small size and outdated safety measures make them vulnerable on the vast and high-speed roads of the U.S.

    The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), a leading vehicle safety testing organization, has expressed concerns about the use of small, light vehicles like Kei cars on busy public roads. Although the IIHS has not crash-tested Kei cars specifically, its stance is clear: vehicles that do not conform to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) should not be allowed to mix with regular traffic, as they pose significant safety risks.

    While Kei cars offer an intriguing alternative for those seeking simplicity and efficiency, their growing popularity in the U.S. is being met with increasing resistance from state regulators. The safety concerns surrounding these vehicles, coupled with their non-compliance with modern standards, have led to a wave of state-level bans. As more states move to restrict or outright prohibit Kei cars, the future of these unique imports on American roads appears increasingly uncertain.

  3. Congressional watchdog launches probe into pedestrian and cyclist fatalities from cars

    Comments Off on Congressional watchdog launches probe into pedestrian and cyclist fatalities from cars

    Source: Street Blog USA

    Congress has initiated an investigation into whether America’s limited vehicle safety standards contribute to the rising deaths of vulnerable road users and what measures are needed to stop automakers from selling vehicles that numerous studies show disproportionately kill pedestrians, cyclists, and others outside vehicles.

    The Government Accountability Office (GAO), Congress’s investigative arm, is leading this review at the request of Rep. Jamie Raskin (D–Md.). Raskin highlighted the alarming increase in pedestrian and cyclist deaths in the U.S., noting that the country is an “appalling exception” among developed nations with significantly fewer fatalities.

    Experts argue that the growing size of American vehicles, particularly trucks and SUVs, contributes to this problem. Between 1993 and 2023, the average vehicle in the U.S. has gained 1,000 pounds, grown four inches wider, ten inches longer, and eight inches taller. This size increase, driven by the popularity of larger vehicles, raises the hoods of many models, such as the Ford F-series pick-ups, to chest level for many adults. This design change increases the likelihood of fatal injuries to vital organs rather than less severe leg injuries. Additionally, the larger blind zones of these vehicles prevent drivers from seeing pedestrians, including children, directly in front of them, and make it more likely for pedestrians to be pulled under the vehicle rather than pushed onto the hood, increasing the risk of death.

    One study indicates that 18% of pedestrian deaths could be prevented by capping the hood height of trucks and SUVs to that of a modest crossover. “All the research shows that the design of cars and trucks—including their height, the geometry of the vehicle, and their weight—affects the safety of vulnerable road users,” Raskin told Streetsblog. He emphasized that as vehicles have become larger, blind zones have also increased, leading to more pedestrian fatalities. Raskin called for the best research to address these design issues.

    Raskin’s advocacy is partly inspired by personal tragedy, having lost his cousin in a Florida crash and his constituent, Sarah Debbink Langenkamp, a diplomat killed while cycling in Bethesda in 2022. In response, Raskin and other lawmakers pushed for legislation in her name, including a bill to help states secure federal funds for protected bike lane networks and a Maryland bill to increase penalties for drivers who hit cyclists in bike lanes or shoulders.

    Despite advocacy efforts, vehicle safety regulations remain inadequate. The truck that struck Langenkamp had large blind spots and lacked pedestrian and cyclist-specific “side-underride” guards that could have prevented her from being swept under the wheels. A ProPublica and PBS Frontline documentary revealed that regulators were close to mandating such equipment but retreated after industry lobbying.

    For passenger vehicles, the situation is similarly troubling. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law mandated that regulators provide information on safety technologies for pedestrians and cyclists, but they focused only on advanced pedestrian automatic emergency braking technology. Studies show these technologies often fail at high speeds and in dark conditions where most pedestrian deaths occur.

    The GAO investigation aims to examine various vehicle design features that could reduce traffic fatalities, such as height, geometry, driver visibility, and direct vision. Raskin has also requested an evaluation of successful safety measures in other countries and the potential challenges of implementing them in the U.S.

    While the GAO cannot enforce changes, Raskin hopes that compiling and presenting extensive research on vehicle safety risks will spark meaningful discussions and lead to substantial improvements. “We need to promote the idea that no one should die on our roads,” he asserted. “That should not be an acceptable cost of doing business.“

  4. Coalition protests against proposed e-bike regulations in New Jersey

    Comments Off on Coalition protests against proposed e-bike regulations in New Jersey

    Source: NJ Spotlight News

    The new bill proposed registration and insurance for low-speed electric bikes

    Representatives from over 40 organisations gathered to protest a bill (S-2292) that would impose strict regulation on e-bikes in New Jersey. The bill, sponsored by Senate President Nick Scutari (D-Union) and Sen. Vin Gopal (D-Monmouth), mandates that low-speed electric bikes and scooters be registered with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. It also bans the use of any unregistered e-bikes and scooters and requires owners to have insurance coverage.

    “Adding an extra layer of cost to insure these level 1 e-bikes would be a burden and would exclude not just e-bike delivery workers but anyone who cannot afford a car,” said Karin Vernoppan of Bike JC.

    The coalition, comprising bike and pedestrian advocates, clean-energy groups, and members of the insurance industry, sent a letter to Scutari and Gopal criticizing the proposed legislation for its ineffectiveness and its inconsistency with the state’s net-zero emissions goal. Gopal mentioned that he expects the bill to be amended, while Scutari offered no comment.

    The coalition advocates for a Vision Zero policy enacted across the state instead. “Jersey City has a great Vision Zero policy. They eliminated fatal crashes on Jersey City streets recently. And neighbouring Hoboken has gone seven years without a fatal crash,” said Corey Hannigan, active transportation program manager at the  Tri-State Transportation Campaign. “And because of that success, Secretary Pete Buttigieg called out Hoboken on a national level and said it’s an example. And every county in New Jersey is working on a Zero Vision policy right now, but they don’t have jurisdiction over state roads where a plurality of fatal crashes happen in New Jersey.”

  5. Vosper: “E-bikes step up in a down market”

    Comments Off on Vosper: “E-bikes step up in a down market”

    Source: Bicycle Retailer

    2023 wasn’t a great year for the e-bike market, with high inventory & low sales, and struggling relationships between suppliers and retailers. This is unlikely to improve in the immediate future.

    Decreased Imports

    A recent analysis by Rick Vosper in Bicycle Retailer shows that the number of imports for both classes of bikes fell significantly in 2023 (Figure 1) as suppliers attempted, and succeeded in, decreasing the number of orders in the pipeline.

    Pedal only bike imports for 2023 were down by 41% from 2022, which itself was down 31% from 2021. In 2023 5.3 million units were imported, which represents the lowest number of pedal-only imports since the first recorded year in 1981. To compare, e-bike imports were 990,000, down 10% from 2022, which represents a 25% increase from 2021.

    Figure 1: USA E-Bike imports vs pedal only bikes
    Source: eCyclceElectric & U.S Department of Commerce (USDOC)

    Not only that but e-bikes are steadily gaining market share, from 2% in 2016 to more than 18% of pedal-only bike sales in 2023 (Figure 2). This increase inversely correlates with the decrease in pedal only bike imports.

    Some have speculated that when e-bike imports reach 20% of pedal only, it will mark an infection point for e-bike sales in the U.S., and that a large increase in market share will happen as a result.

    However, Vosper disagrees commenting “I am sceptical of this projection. Here’s why: some large majority of e-bike sales are in the very bottom of the mass market as low-end bikes shipped D2C from China and other Asian manufacturers. These units have no direct parallels in the pedal-only market segment, so there’s no basis for an apples-to-apples comparison, which renders that 20% number arbitrary. To really see the relationship, we’d have to look at dealer and mass retailer sales and filter the bottom feeders out of the equation somehow. At present I don’t believe the industry has the resources to do this.”

    Figure 2: E-bike imports as a percentage of pedal only (20″+)
    Source: USDOC

    An ongoing problem

    Despite the cuts in imports in 2022 and 2023, there’s still inventory excess due to the huge number of imports during the years of COVID (2020 & 2021), this indicates that the inventory excess is a long-term problem. On the bright side, e-bikes seem to be doing better than other product categories. In an informal poll on the Facebook group Cycling Industry Recover, 56% of retailers reported that their e-bike sales are up relative to their pedal only models. Perhaps this is indicative of future buying trends.

  6. Stromer ST5 Pinion now available in the U.S.

    Comments Off on Stromer ST5 Pinion now available in the U.S.

    Following a successful launch in Europe, Stromer’s high-tech ST5 Pinion brings all its features to American riders.

    Source: American Luxury

    Stromer continues to advance its high-performance e-bike legacy with the introduction of the ST5 Pinion edition, a model that builds upon the features of the 2020 ST5 ABS model. This new iteration incorporates automated Pinion gear-shifting, enhancing the electric cycling experience. The core of the ST5 Pinion is a sophisticated collaboration between human and machine, where Pinion’s electronic Smart Shift system efficiently selects optimal gear ratios among nine speeds. Stromer’s anti-lock brakes contribute to stability during braking, preventing traction compromise.

    In addition to its functional features, the ST5 Pinion includes integrated audio alerts for actions like startup sequences or charging status. These audible cues add to the bike’s overall sophistication. The inclusion of a Gates Carbon Belt Drive and a 750-watt rear hub motor contributes enhanced efficiency and power. The bike is equipped with Bluetooth and cellular connectivity, enabling GPS tracking and over-the-air updates.

    The ST5 Pinion ensures safety with head and tail lights for both day and night use, coupled with TRP hydraulic disc brakes for robust stopping power on varied terrains. Despite pushing the boundaries of performance and technology, the ST5 Pinion maintains an elegant aesthetic, featuring handmade grips, a Selle Royal saddle, and recyclable carbon fenders that reflect a dedication to luxury craftsmanship.

    Available in limited edition hues starting at $11,990, the ST5 Pinion is a truly impressive electric bicycle, blending electronic intelligence with considered design. This model, recently released in Europe, is now available in North America in Launch Edition red or Aventurine green for US$11,990.

  7. CAKE Opens First North American Retail and Service Center in Los Angeles, California.

    Comments Off on CAKE Opens First North American Retail and Service Center in Los Angeles, California.

    The newest CAKE site will also be the new headquarters for its North American operations.

    LEVA-EU member CAKE, the Swedish maker of premium lightweight, electric motorcycles, is proud to open the doors of its first North American CAKE site in Los Angeles, California. Not only is this the first site in North America, but it’s the first one outside of Europe. Located on Lincoln Boulevard in the vibrant Venice neighborhood, the new space will also serve as the headquarters for CAKE’s North American sales and marketing.

    “Los Angeles was a natural choice when we planned our first location. California is the world’s largest market for off-road vehicles and it’s our strongest market in North America” said CAKE CEO and founder Stefan Ytterborn. “Along with wanting to be close to our largest customer base, California’s progressive environmental policy is a good match with our vision of inspiring society towards a zero-emission society.” continued Ytterborn.

    The new CAKE site is a retail and service center, as well as an event space and showroom. Its proximity to the beach and trendy neighborhoods like Santa Monica, Venice, and Marina del Rey make it an ideal location for new customers to test ride CAKE’s urban commuter bikes, Makka and Ösa. Beyond retail and service, the facility will be a place to foster the community of CAKE riders and allow them direct access to the team behind the brand.

    Eric Asmussen, Managing Director N.A. for CAKE stated “We’re very proud to have our North American headquarters in Los Angeles. CAKE has already partnered with the city on a few key projects, like using the Ösa for patrolling bike paths with StreetsLA. Using the new site as a base of operations, we’re excited to continue our work with the city and all the people of LA who are tired of being stuck in traffic as we strive for a zero emission future as it drives toward a sustainable future.”

    California has a long history of being on the leading edge of enacting environmentally responsible policy in the United States, which dovetails nicely with CAKE’s mission to accelerate the transition towards a zero-emission society, combining excitement and efficiency with responsibility. All products and components are designed and manufactured in-house to both optimize performance and allow the brand full control to minimize the environmental impact of manufacturing.

    The CAKE site L.A. is now open and is located 4112 Lincoln Blvd, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292.

    More CAKE sites are planned to open in cities around the U.S. in 2023.

  8. Ebike sales outstrip Electric and Plug-in Hybrid cars in the USA

    Comments Off on Ebike sales outstrip Electric and Plug-in Hybrid cars in the USA

    Source: Electrek

    It is well established that the coronavirus pandemic has spurred increased ebike sales around the world. People are looking not only for more socially distanced ways to get around, but are also seeking healthier transport alternatives. With rising concern for our environment, ebikes are more appealing than ever.

    The numbers released by the Light Electric Vehicle Association in the USA, vividly reflect the rising interest in electric bikes. Despite supply chain and logistic challenges, the USA recorded 790,000 electric bike imports in 2021, a substantial 70% increase on the 463,000 imports in 2020.

    By comparison, sales of electric cars and plug-in hybrids came to 652,000 units in 2021, according to BloombergNEF.

    While it is an extremely promising trend, it is worth noting that ebike adoption figures in Europe have outpaced cars for a few years now, and indeed are on track to overtake sales of all cars. Estimated sales for ebikes in Europe are around 3 million units, while in Asia it is more like 35 million.

    There are many benefits that come from increasing ebike use, be it individual fitness, mental health, fuel cost savings, reduced carbon footprint, less air and noise pollution and so on. But the same can be said for non-electric bicycle use. Yet sales of traditional bikes have not seen anything like the same kind of growth. It is reasoned that this is down to the increased comfort gained from electric assist, meaning that you can still enjoy the positive impact on your wellbeing, without arriving sweaty or worn out. Ebikes are taking off for leisure purposes too, allowing people to go further and faster in the pursuit of fun.

  9. ‘Universal Basic Mobility’ pilot begins in Oakland, California

    Comments Off on ‘Universal Basic Mobility’ pilot begins in Oakland, California

    Source: CitiesToday

    Oakland’s local Department of Transportation (OakDOT) has recently introduced a Univeral Basic Mobility Pilot, aiming to reduce dependency on cars, and remove the financial barriers limiting alternative modes of travel.

    Oakland residents can benefit from US$300 credit, valid for use with sustainable modes of transport – this includes public transit, bikeshare, and shared e-scooter options. In its first stage, 500 pre-paid debit cards were distributed to interested participants at random; if the pilot receives longer-term funding after evaluation in spring, more residents will be selected from the waiting list.

    Oakland Mayor, Libby Schaaf shared, “Oakland is a place where our drive to innovate with our public services matches with our community values, and I’m so proud that OakDOT is proving the value of that pairing once again with this pilot effort.”

    Additionally, the scheme integrates community-based organizations to provide education on alternate transportation options. In the long-term, Oakland hopes to transform the way residents think about transport, causing a modal shift and moving away from a dependency on cars.

Campaign success

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.

Member profile

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.