Category: Policy

Bike Boulevards

Bike Boulevards

Bike Boulevards

01/31/22

“How can we design bike routes through mainly residential neighborhoods?”

Biking is a great activity. It can burn calories, bring people together, and reduce traffic all while being sustainable for the planet. Sometimes, people may want to do this activity in their own neighborhood. So how can we accomplish this? Well, let’s use our urban planning mindset to find out. We know that using signs, pavement markings, and lower traffic speed and volume limits can minimize the amount of traffic coming in and make it safer for bicycles. So what if we were to implement all of these together? Well, this is how Bike Boulevards are formed and is one of the ways that we can make our residential communities safer for biking.

Bike Routes

Bike Routes

Bike Routes

01/30/22

“How can we design extremely enjoyable bike paths?”

Biking can be a really pleasant activity. From the fast motion to the wind on your face and everything in between. City planners have taken note of this, and have seen that some bike paths are extra enjoyable. As a result, they have decided to create dedicated Bike Routes that allow people to move through these extra nice parts.

Buffered Bike Lanes

Buffered Bike Lanes

Buffered Bike Lanes

01/29/22

“How can we create a buffer between bike lanes and oncoming vehicles?”

Bike lanes are wonderful for granting more public space to bicycle riders. However, sometimes there is no physical protection that can prevent a car from hitting them. So how can we use our urban planning mindset to get around this? Well, what if we were to create a physical barrier that would prevent a roadside collision? This is the idea behind Buffered Bike Lanes. One example of a buffered bike lane are Parking Protected Bike Lanes.

Basic Bike Lanes

Basic Bike Lanes

Basic Bike Lanes

01/28/22

“What is the most basic version of bike lanes?”

Bike lanes are one of the greatest inventions of urbanism by allowing bikes to have their own part of the street not shared with cars. But what is its most basic form? Well, what if we were to just paint a solid white lane (except for being checkered at intersections) to delineate where cars can and cannot enter? This is the idea behind Basic Bike Lanes and is one of the most effective ways to make a city more transit friendly. 

Why Stopping Authoritarian Powers From Receiving High-Tech Weapons Can Prevent Genocide

Why Stopping Authoritarian Powers From Receiving High-Tech Weapons Can Prevent Genocide

Why Stopping Authoritarian Powers From Receiving High-Tech Weapons Can Prevent Genocide

01/27/22

“Why can stopping authoritarian powers from receiving high-tech weapons prevent genocide?”

High-tech weapons can make authoritarian powers more deadly. Nazi Germany’s scientific prowess allowed the Holocaust to become the monstrosity it did and Saudi Arabia’s access to advanced planes has led to mass slaughter in Yemen. However, if this can be prevented, then genocide can be curtailed. This is Why Stopping Authoritarian Powers From Receiving High-Tech Weapons Can Prevent Genocide.

On this International Holocaust Remembrance Day, please do what you can to stop genocide.

Why Cities Should Audit Their Skyscrapers for Earthquake Sensitivity

Why Cities Should Audit Their Skyscrapers for Earthquake Sensitivity

Why Cities Should Audit Their Skyscrapers for Earthquake Sensitivity

01/23/22

“Why should cities audit their skyscrapers for earthquake sensitivity?”

Skyscrapers are one of the modern marvels of the world. Their grand height is made capable of rugged, solid materials supporting it to the foundations. However, outdated structures and materials make them prone to mistakes that could prove dire with an intense earthquake. To prevent such a thing from occurring, cities should invest money into ensuring that their structures are up to par. This is Why Cities Should Audit Their Skyscrapers for Earthquake Sensitivity.

Parking Protected Bike Lanes

Parking Protected Bike Lanes

Parking Protected Bike Lanes

01/22/22

“How can we have bike lanes that protect riders from parking?”

Bike lanes are a modern marvel for bicycle riders. They allow for a dedicated space for riding in safety away from hazards. However, much of the time they share space with parking spaces, which can lead to collisions with riders. So how can we use our urban planning mindset to solve this?

Well, what if we were to simply make a road barrier that separates the bike lane from the rest of the road and have cars park on the side opposite of the bikes? Not only does this make biking a much safer experience, but it does so without the loss of too much parking. These Parking Protected Bike Lanes are popping up in cities all over the globe and may be coming to your town soon!

Image credit bikeeastbay.org

Why Practical Solutions are Needed for Housing Climate Migrants

Why Practical Solutions are Needed for Housing Climate Migrants

Why Practical Solutions are Needed for Housing Climate Migrants

01/21/22

“Why are practical solutions needed for housing climate migrants?”

Debates about housing are fought over over all the time. Some people think that housing should be something that is entirely driven by markets, and others believe that it should be completely worker or state-owned. However, basing solutions completely off ideology will lead to failure and impose unjust conditions on climate migrants. Instead, practical solutions grounded in lived experiences of tenants and economic facts should set the course for decision-making. This is Why Practical Solutions are Needed for Housing Climate Migrants.