Twin Cities Streets for People

Worth the read - from US DOT Secretary Lahood's blog (!):

To set this approach in motion, we have formulated key recommendations for state DOTs and communities:

• Treat walking and bicycling as equals with other transportation modes.
• Ensure convenient access for people of all ages and abilities.
• Go beyond minimum design standards.
• Collect data on walking and biking trips.
• Set a mode share target for walking and bicycling.
• Protect sidewalks and shared-use paths the same way roadways are protected (for example, snow removal)
• Improve nonmotorized facilities during maintenance projects.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has announced a new federal policy that puts bicycling and pedestrian projects and planning on an equal footing with highways and transit in the use of federal funding. Read more >

Congressman James Oberstar released a summary of his proposed new 6-year federal transportation bill this morning.  A live webcast from the House is planned for today at 1pm: http://transportation.house.gov/Default.aspx

Oberstar's release came one day later than expected, and follows yesterday's announcement by Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood that the administration favors extending the current transportation bill by 18 months.