Transportation
Quote from Carol Grayshaw on March 15, 2023, 10:46 amUse this topic to share news, resources, and questions relating to transportation and transportation planning.
Use this topic to share news, resources, and questions relating to transportation and transportation planning.
Quote from Carol Grayshaw on January 4, 2024, 10:08 amDoylestown Demonstration Leads to Permanent Bike Lanes
Published in DVRPC News, January 2024
A temporary demonstration on Doyle Street in Doylestown Borough has led to a permanent bike lane after receiving strong community support. For ten days during September 2023, the demonstration bike lanes provided safe passage from the newly constructed Broad Commons Park and Doylestown Borough Hall down Doyle Street to Harvey Avenue. READ MORE.
The Bucks County Pop-Up Bike/Pedestrian Lane Project received funds from DVRPC’s Travel Options Program (TOP). TOP funds innovative projects that support the goals, outcomes, and strategies established in A New Route to Better Travel for All: The Regional TDM Plan. Learn more about the demonstration project by watching a short video.
Doylestown Demonstration Leads to Permanent Bike Lanes
Published in DVRPC News, January 2024
A temporary demonstration on Doyle Street in Doylestown Borough has led to a permanent bike lane after receiving strong community support. For ten days during September 2023, the demonstration bike lanes provided safe passage from the newly constructed Broad Commons Park and Doylestown Borough Hall down Doyle Street to Harvey Avenue. READ MORE.
The Bucks County Pop-Up Bike/Pedestrian Lane Project received funds from DVRPC’s Travel Options Program (TOP). TOP funds innovative projects that support the goals, outcomes, and strategies established in A New Route to Better Travel for All: The Regional TDM Plan. Learn more about the demonstration project by watching a short video.
Quote from Carol Grayshaw on February 5, 2024, 9:43 amHow Parking Reform is Helping Transform American Cities
Published in YaleEnvironment360, January 31, 2024
In cities across the U.S., planners are pushing to eliminate mandates requiring parking spaces in new buildings. The reforms — along with banning street parking or adding meters — help to reduce car dependency, create public and green spaces, and lower housing costs. READ FULL ARTICLE.
How Parking Reform is Helping Transform American Cities
Published in YaleEnvironment360, January 31, 2024
In cities across the U.S., planners are pushing to eliminate mandates requiring parking spaces in new buildings. The reforms — along with banning street parking or adding meters — help to reduce car dependency, create public and green spaces, and lower housing costs. READ FULL ARTICLE.
Quote from Carol Grayshaw on February 5, 2024, 9:46 amDVRPC Approves $15.5 Million for Bicycle and Pedestrian Projects in PA
Published in DVRPC February Newsletter
DVRPC has awarded $15.5 million to eleven local projects in Southeastern Pennsylvania through the Regional Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TASA) Program. The federal program funds community-based "non-traditional" projects designed to strengthen the cultural, aesthetic, and environmental aspects of the nation's intermodal transportation system. VIEW THE PROJECTS.
DVRPC Approves $15.5 Million for Bicycle and Pedestrian Projects in PA
Published in DVRPC February Newsletter
DVRPC has awarded $15.5 million to eleven local projects in Southeastern Pennsylvania through the Regional Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TASA) Program. The federal program funds community-based "non-traditional" projects designed to strengthen the cultural, aesthetic, and environmental aspects of the nation's intermodal transportation system. VIEW THE PROJECTS.
Quote from Carol Grayshaw on March 18, 2024, 9:05 amActually, EV Sales are Right on Track
Dan Farber, Legal Planet (March 4)
There is a lot of talk about weak consumer demand for EVs — doleful from greens, triumphant from others. Maybe US carmakers have hit a few speed bumps –not surprising when trying to rapidly ramp up a product that’s new to most consumers. But the reality is actually quite reassuring in terms of the U.S. market. Globally, the picture is even rosier for EVs, with the big open question being whether U.S. carmakers are going to be shoved to the curb by the Chinese.
Let’s start by looking at projections when Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act’s big push for electric vehicles. How do actual sales compare with the predictions? In 2020, the Energy Information Administration projected that by 2023, there would be 580,000 zero emission vehicle sales in the U.S. Actual sales seem to have been 280% of that estimate. On February 21, the Rhodium consulting group released a preliminary finding that in 2023, 9.2% of U.S. new car sales — that’s 1.4 million cars — were zero emission vehicle sales, almost all of them EVS. That’s up from 2.8% in 2022, and 2.2% in 2020. In other worlds, EV sales tripled in three years. READ MORE
Actually, EV Sales are Right on Track
Dan Farber, Legal Planet (March 4)
There is a lot of talk about weak consumer demand for EVs — doleful from greens, triumphant from others. Maybe US carmakers have hit a few speed bumps –not surprising when trying to rapidly ramp up a product that’s new to most consumers. But the reality is actually quite reassuring in terms of the U.S. market. Globally, the picture is even rosier for EVs, with the big open question being whether U.S. carmakers are going to be shoved to the curb by the Chinese.
Let’s start by looking at projections when Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act’s big push for electric vehicles. How do actual sales compare with the predictions? In 2020, the Energy Information Administration projected that by 2023, there would be 580,000 zero emission vehicle sales in the U.S. Actual sales seem to have been 280% of that estimate. On February 21, the Rhodium consulting group released a preliminary finding that in 2023, 9.2% of U.S. new car sales — that’s 1.4 million cars — were zero emission vehicle sales, almost all of them EVS. That’s up from 2.8% in 2022, and 2.2% in 2020. In other worlds, EV sales tripled in three years. READ MORE
Quote from Carol Grayshaw on March 18, 2024, 9:18 amWinter Maintenance and Active Transportation Infrastructure
From the WalkWorks Bi-weekly Newsletter, March 12Sometimes winter in PA is just a balmy walk in the park, but we know our climate has long included stretches when we have winter weather to contend with. What does that mean when it comes to winter maintenance of Active Transportation assets?
There are plenty of cold climate locations that manage to maintain and encourage bike riding throughout the year. Some resources that may help in communicating about principles and best practices for making it work:
- Toole Design's updated Report on Winter Maintenance of Walkways and Bikeways
- Video from the BicycleDutch youtube channel on winter cycling and winter maintenance in Finland (just 6 minutes)
- An op-ed calling for municipal sidewalk plowing in Minneapolis
Depending on who you're talking to, different resources may be called for. Consider sharing the report with elected officials and municipal managers, the video with people who may be fair weather cyclists, and the polemic with advocates.
Winter Maintenance and Active Transportation Infrastructure
From the WalkWorks Bi-weekly Newsletter, March 12
Sometimes winter in PA is just a balmy walk in the park, but we know our climate has long included stretches when we have winter weather to contend with. What does that mean when it comes to winter maintenance of Active Transportation assets?
There are plenty of cold climate locations that manage to maintain and encourage bike riding throughout the year. Some resources that may help in communicating about principles and best practices for making it work:
- Toole Design's updated Report on Winter Maintenance of Walkways and Bikeways
- Video from the BicycleDutch youtube channel on winter cycling and winter maintenance in Finland (just 6 minutes)
- An op-ed calling for municipal sidewalk plowing in Minneapolis
Depending on who you're talking to, different resources may be called for. Consider sharing the report with elected officials and municipal managers, the video with people who may be fair weather cyclists, and the polemic with advocates.
Quote from Carol Grayshaw on June 12, 2024, 10:53 amPennDOT Releases Open Call for Applicants to Serve on Advisory Committees
PennDOT relies on the experience and technical expertise provided by the members of its 13 public advisory committees, boards and commissions. Consisting of more than 200 volunteer members from a variety of professional backgrounds, PennDOT’s advisory bodies are valued community partners and provide essential guidance on critical topics involving all aspects of our transportation system – from bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure to automated vehicle technology. MORE INFORMATION.
Advisory Committees:
- Aviation Advisory Commission
- Highly Automated Vehicle Advisory Committee
- Inspection Advisory Board
- Local Technical Assistance Program Advisory Board
- Medical Advisory Board
- Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee
- Municipal Advisory Committee
- Municipal Advisory Committee
- Pedalcycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committeee
- Public-Private Partnership Board
- Rail Freight Advisory Committee
- State Transportation Commission
- State Transportation Innovation Council
- Transportation Advisory Committee
If you are interested in serving on an advisory committee, you can submit your resume and letter of interest on a rolling basis for consideration. All information will be kept on file and referred to when vacancies occur.
PennDOT Releases Open Call for Applicants to Serve on Advisory Committees
PennDOT relies on the experience and technical expertise provided by the members of its 13 public advisory committees, boards and commissions. Consisting of more than 200 volunteer members from a variety of professional backgrounds, PennDOT’s advisory bodies are valued community partners and provide essential guidance on critical topics involving all aspects of our transportation system – from bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure to automated vehicle technology. MORE INFORMATION.
Advisory Committees:
- Aviation Advisory Commission
- Highly Automated Vehicle Advisory Committee
- Inspection Advisory Board
- Local Technical Assistance Program Advisory Board
- Medical Advisory Board
- Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee
- Municipal Advisory Committee
- Municipal Advisory Committee
- Pedalcycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committeee
- Public-Private Partnership Board
- Rail Freight Advisory Committee
- State Transportation Commission
- State Transportation Innovation Council
- Transportation Advisory Committee
If you are interested in serving on an advisory committee, you can submit your resume and letter of interest on a rolling basis for consideration. All information will be kept on file and referred to when vacancies occur.
Quote from Carol Grayshaw on July 25, 2024, 10:28 amActive Transportation and Safe Routes to Parks: DCNR Helps Communities Improve Bike and Pedestrian Connections
-From July 2024 Grants News Newsletter, DCNR
Quality, close-to-home recreation is essential to individual and community health. Parks are a critical part of that recreation, but how people get to those parks matters too. By considering active transportation, those journeys can themselves offer mental and social health benefits as well as positively impact air quality.
Safe community walking and biking networks provide opportunities for everyone to regularly engage in outdoor recreation. Yet communities often struggle with pedestrian and bicycle safety issues, crumbling infrastructure, and a lack of funding to maintain what exists.
Here are a few resources to help improve bike and pedestrian connections in your municipality:
- DCNR helps communities examine park access through Community Conservation Partnership Program grants. Check out planning grant options for Master Site Development Plans and Comprehensive Park, Recreation and Open Space Plans.
- The PA Downtown Center and Department of Health’s WalkWorks Program offers grants to develop active transportation plans.
- PennDOT offers municipalities free assistance and training through their Local Technical Assistance Program.
- The Department of Community and Economic Development offers community planning technical assistance.
For more information and resources on active transportation, check out Pennsylvania’s Active Transportation Plan.
Active Transportation and Safe Routes to Parks: DCNR Helps Communities Improve Bike and Pedestrian Connections
-From July 2024 Grants News Newsletter, DCNR
Quality, close-to-home recreation is essential to individual and community health. Parks are a critical part of that recreation, but how people get to those parks matters too. By considering active transportation, those journeys can themselves offer mental and social health benefits as well as positively impact air quality.
Safe community walking and biking networks provide opportunities for everyone to regularly engage in outdoor recreation. Yet communities often struggle with pedestrian and bicycle safety issues, crumbling infrastructure, and a lack of funding to maintain what exists.
Here are a few resources to help improve bike and pedestrian connections in your municipality:
- DCNR helps communities examine park access through Community Conservation Partnership Program grants. Check out planning grant options for Master Site Development Plans and Comprehensive Park, Recreation and Open Space Plans.
- The PA Downtown Center and Department of Health’s WalkWorks Program offers grants to develop active transportation plans.
- PennDOT offers municipalities free assistance and training through their Local Technical Assistance Program.
- The Department of Community and Economic Development offers community planning technical assistance.
For more information and resources on active transportation, check out Pennsylvania’s Active Transportation Plan.
Quote from Carol Grayshaw on August 1, 2024, 3:04 pmDVRPC Board Adops FY25 TIP for Pennsylvania
The DVRPC Board voted to adopt the FY2025 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for Pennsylvania at its July meeting. The FY2025 TIP for Pennsylvania covers the four years of FY25-FY28 and represents the region’s federally funded transportation improvement priorities. READ MORE.
DVRPC Board Adops FY25 TIP for Pennsylvania
The DVRPC Board voted to adopt the FY2025 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for Pennsylvania at its July meeting. The FY2025 TIP for Pennsylvania covers the four years of FY25-FY28 and represents the region’s federally funded transportation improvement priorities. READ MORE.
Quote from Carol Grayshaw on October 3, 2024, 11:46 amDVRPC Awarded $1.2 Million Safe Streets for All Grant
-from the October 2024 DVRPC Newsletter
On September 5, 2024, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced more than $1 billion in grants through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) for the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program. DVRPC was awarded $1.52 million in SS4A’s 2024 funding for the Regional Vision Zero Plan Supplemental Planning and Partner Support. This award will be used to conduct Regional High Injury Network corridor safety studies, develop a municipal safety analysis and plan for an underserved community, and conduct a consultant-led effort to create a model and process for partners to implement the regional plan at the subregional level. READ MORE.
DVRPC Awarded $1.2 Million Safe Streets for All Grant
-from the October 2024 DVRPC Newsletter
On September 5, 2024, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced more than $1 billion in grants through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) for the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program. DVRPC was awarded $1.52 million in SS4A’s 2024 funding for the Regional Vision Zero Plan Supplemental Planning and Partner Support. This award will be used to conduct Regional High Injury Network corridor safety studies, develop a municipal safety analysis and plan for an underserved community, and conduct a consultant-led effort to create a model and process for partners to implement the regional plan at the subregional level. READ MORE.