Brad Aaron
Brad Aaron began writing for Streetsblog in 2007, after years as a reporter, editor, and publisher in the alternative weekly business. Brad adopted New York's dysfunctional traffic justice system as his primary beat for Streetsblog. He lives in Manhattan.
Recent Posts
Open Thread: The Volvo Pedestrian Airbag
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I am ambivalent about the Volvo pedestrian airbag, as seen via Laughing Squid. On one hand, it seems like another way for automakers to help people shirk responsibility for how they drive. Plus, as currently designed, it looks like it’s intended to minimize windshield damage as much as anything. On the other hand, it is […]
Rental Helmets, Coming Soon to a Bike-Share Station Near You
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With the rising popularity of bike-share systems around the world, one inevitable issue is the availability of helmets. This is particularly true in the United States, where a bare-headed cyclist is considered a daredevil miscreant who’s practically begging for trouble. Enter HelmetHub, a bike helmet vending system developed by students at MIT. Spurred by a […]
Dear Media Lemmings: Headphones Don’t Kill People, Drivers Do
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There’s a University of Maryland study making the rounds today that links pedestrian fatalities with the wearing of headphones — a three-fold increase over the last seven years. Judging from the breathless headlines, the causation is clear. “Study Shows Sharp Rise in Accidents Involving Tuned-Out Pedestrians,” reads the Chicago Tribune. “Fatal Distraction,” says MSNBC. “Music […]
Ad Nauseam Double Feature: Why Is the Auto Industry Now Advertising Bikes?
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A couple of car-related ads in heavy NFL rotation caught my attention mostly for their emphasis, intended or not, on car-free transportation. Exhibit A is from Geico, which as usual doesn’t use cars in its ads for car insurance. Instead, in this spot the company’s ubiquitous cartoon spokeslizard is depicted walking the center line of […]
Behind the Scenes of a Presidential Bike Ride
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This week marked the 109th anniversary of the first presidential motorcade, starring Theodore Roosevelt. If you’ve ever wondered why TR’s successors so rarely ditch their limos in favor of human-powered transport, read on. Staged photo op or no, it seems being elected president is a great way to spoil a family outing. Copy from Politico’s […]
This Is What Change Looks Like: Rahm and Gabe Klein Team in Chicago
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Less than three weeks after being sworn in, Emanuel joined his transportation commissioner, Gabe Klein, for the groundbreaking of the city’s first protected bike lane. What’s good for cyclists, says Emanuel in this news clip, is good for the city. More than that, Emanuel has thrown down the gauntlet to other big-city leaders. By declaring […]
Ad Nauseam Double Feature: Safe Subaru vs. Deadly Dodge
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If you’ve been watching the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, which resumes tonight, you’ve probably seen this Subaru spot, called “Baby Driver.” In it, a distressed father leans into the passenger side window, imploring his preschool-age daughter to be careful on the road — stay off the freeways, put the phone away — to the point […]
Insurance Institute Study: Red Light Cameras Reduce Traffic Deaths
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A new study shows that, despite their supposed reputation as government revenue collectors, red light cameras are saving lives. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that red light cameras prevented 159 deaths between 2004 and 2008 in 14 of the largest cities in the U.S., and that 815 deaths would have been prevented had […]
The Transit Hierarchy of Needs
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Chevrolet appeals to one of the most basic levels of need — safety — while insulting transit riders everywhere. Image via Dead Horse Times When I find myself complaining about city subway or bus service — while waiting too long for the bus or watching helplessly from one train as the one I need to […]
Ad Nauseam: Holy Rollover Risk, Batmom!!
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Lexus has suspended sales of its GX 460 after Consumer Reports issued a "don’t buy" warning earlier this week. Apparently the luxury SUV’s electronic "stability control" system can fail to correct drivers taking turns too quickly, resulting in a rollover risk. Times car blog Wheels reports: Mr. Champion [Consumer Reports auto testing director] said that […]
Save a Dime, Get Home on Time: Ride a Ranger
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Amidst the recent barrage of uninspiring bike-related news, here’s some inspiring fare: early 20th century catalogue copy from the Chicago-based Mead Bicycle Company, which reminds that the pleasures and benefits derived from human-powered transport are as varied as they are timeless. Here’s a taste: If you work in a city, ride to work and home […]
Charles Diez Gets 120 Days for Shooting Cyclist in the Head
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Charles Alexander Diez, the former North Carolina firefighter who shot cyclist Alan Simons in the head, has been sentenced to four months in jail. Diez In an Asheville courtroom last week, Diez pled guilty to shooting Simons during a July 26 roadside confrontation. Said to be upset that Simons was riding his bike with his […]