Want to shift urban transportation policy? Show people how dangerous the roads are

Kofi Annan said, “Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family.” If that’s the case, then why don’t we have accessible and highly visible information on transportation safety in cities? If we only knew the true health and safety costs, wouldn’t we make better decisions on transportation infrastructure and policy? I propose public injury and fatality counters along major transportation routes to make the point. Continue reading…

Energy democracy: Where have citizens voted on renewable energy portfolio standards?

When governments tell their utilities to start providing renewable energy over coal and gas-fired electricity it’s a big deal. While it’s very much in fashion for politicians to legislate renewable energy portfolio standards, there’s a new player in town. You. Citizens are behind a number of ballot initiatives that are pushing jurisdictions towards clean energy. But where have these measures succeeded and failed? What can we learn?

Continue reading…