David Zipper
@davidzipper.bsky.social
Senior Fellow @ MIT Mobility Initiative & Contributing Writer @ Vox, focused on transport, cities and tech. Words in Atlantic, CityLab, WaPo, etc. https://linktr.ee/davidzipper
Newsletter, speaking and advisory work: http://davidzipper.com
Newsletter, speaking and advisory work: http://davidzipper.com
Pinned
David Zipper
@davidzipper.bsky.social
· Jul 15
Look Both Ways Podcast: Episode 1
YouTube video by Look Both Ways with David & Wes
www.youtube.com
A bit of news:
@wesmars.bsky.social & I are launching Look Both Ways, a new podcast where we’ll debate everything transportation – from street design to robotaxis to fare-free transit.
First episode will be recorded live on Thurs, July 17th at 6p ET.
Join us then (and subscribe) ⤵️
🧵
@wesmars.bsky.social & I are launching Look Both Ways, a new podcast where we’ll debate everything transportation – from street design to robotaxis to fare-free transit.
First episode will be recorded live on Thurs, July 17th at 6p ET.
Join us then (and subscribe) ⤵️
🧵
New study of e-cargo bikes:
"Most participants felt more respected by motorists, more secure, more powerful, and more entitled as road users when e-cargo cycling [compared to traditional biking]."
doi.org/10.1080/2380...
"Most participants felt more respected by motorists, more secure, more powerful, and more entitled as road users when e-cargo cycling [compared to traditional biking]."
doi.org/10.1080/2380...
January 28, 2026 at 6:39 PM
New study of e-cargo bikes:
"Most participants felt more respected by motorists, more secure, more powerful, and more entitled as road users when e-cargo cycling [compared to traditional biking]."
doi.org/10.1080/2380...
"Most participants felt more respected by motorists, more secure, more powerful, and more entitled as road users when e-cargo cycling [compared to traditional biking]."
doi.org/10.1080/2380...
Some encouraging research about EVs and air pollution in California:
"For every 200 zero-emission vehicles added to each neighborhood, that area saw a 1.1% decrease in nitrogen dioxide levels."
"For every 200 zero-emission vehicles added to each neighborhood, that area saw a 1.1% decrease in nitrogen dioxide levels."
One State Has Purchased Enough Electric Cars To Make The Air Measurably Cleaner: Study - The Autopian
A study released by USC that used satellite imaging shows that the adoption of electric cars has lead to a decrease in air pollution.
www.theautopian.com
January 28, 2026 at 2:06 PM
Some encouraging research about EVs and air pollution in California:
"For every 200 zero-emission vehicles added to each neighborhood, that area saw a 1.1% decrease in nitrogen dioxide levels."
"For every 200 zero-emission vehicles added to each neighborhood, that area saw a 1.1% decrease in nitrogen dioxide levels."
"Battering ram pickup trucks"
Number of US-style ‘battering ram’ pickup trucks on UK roads has nearly doubled in a decade
Exclusive: Campaigners say ‘menacing vehicles’ are putting children at risk owing to their large front blind zones
www.theguardian.com
January 28, 2026 at 1:58 PM
"Battering ram pickup trucks"
If only we had a way to ensure parking spots are available when you need them.
I'm told a wise man named Donald Shoup knew the solution, but sadly he passed away.
I'm told a wise man named Donald Shoup knew the solution, but sadly he passed away.
January 28, 2026 at 1:55 PM
If only we had a way to ensure parking spots are available when you need them.
I'm told a wise man named Donald Shoup knew the solution, but sadly he passed away.
I'm told a wise man named Donald Shoup knew the solution, but sadly he passed away.
"Had some fun with the Japanese Mini Truck in the park today"
From the washingtondc community on Reddit: Skijoring Today in RCP
Explore this post and more from the washingtondc community
www.reddit.com
January 27, 2026 at 10:50 PM
"Had some fun with the Japanese Mini Truck in the park today"
High-speed two-wheelers* deter people from biking at all.
“Because of the dangers of those who are cycling fast, especially older people over 55 or 60 simply leave their bikes at home. We also hear that parents no longer dare to let their children cycle.”
*Not pedal-assist e-bikes
“Because of the dangers of those who are cycling fast, especially older people over 55 or 60 simply leave their bikes at home. We also hear that parents no longer dare to let their children cycle.”
*Not pedal-assist e-bikes
Amsterdam prepares to ‘ban the fatbikes’ amid rise in serious accidents
Experts say souped-up e-bikes pose big risk for children aged from 12 to 15, who account for many A&E cases
www.theguardian.com
January 26, 2026 at 3:45 PM
High-speed two-wheelers* deter people from biking at all.
“Because of the dangers of those who are cycling fast, especially older people over 55 or 60 simply leave their bikes at home. We also hear that parents no longer dare to let their children cycle.”
*Not pedal-assist e-bikes
“Because of the dangers of those who are cycling fast, especially older people over 55 or 60 simply leave their bikes at home. We also hear that parents no longer dare to let their children cycle.”
*Not pedal-assist e-bikes
"State regulators should reconsider their 'let it rip' approach to autonomous vehicle licensure and regulation. A human driver who violated school bus safety road rules dozens of times would likely have lost their license, but there has been no discernable state regulatory consequence to Waymo."
NTSB Investigates Waymo School Bus Incidents
What does this mean, and what might we do to improve safety while the process plays out?
substack.com
January 26, 2026 at 2:49 PM
"State regulators should reconsider their 'let it rip' approach to autonomous vehicle licensure and regulation. A human driver who violated school bus safety road rules dozens of times would likely have lost their license, but there has been no discernable state regulatory consequence to Waymo."
Reminder that some US cities have teams clearing sidewalks -- not just roads -- when a major snowstorm strikes. Yours could, too.
More Cities Are Taking Responsibility for Clearing Sidewalks of Snow — Streetsblog USA
Rochester, Burlington, Minneapolis, Duluth and Syracuse have either started clearing sidewalks or are moving in that direction.
usa.streetsblog.org
January 25, 2026 at 9:05 PM
Reminder that some US cities have teams clearing sidewalks -- not just roads -- when a major snowstorm strikes. Yours could, too.
98 years later, North American cities still haven’t learned this lesson
January 25, 2026 at 3:42 PM
98 years later, North American cities still haven’t learned this lesson
Every person taking videos of these atrocities is a national hero. Full stop.
January 24, 2026 at 6:07 PM
Every person taking videos of these atrocities is a national hero. Full stop.
Full episode now available. Audio pod links: lookbothwayspod.podbean.com/e/episode-14...
@wesmars.bsky.social and I discuss why a lot of robotaxi fans to get very touchy when challenged.
@wesmars.bsky.social and I discuss why a lot of robotaxi fans to get very touchy when challenged.
January 23, 2026 at 3:46 PM
Full episode now available. Audio pod links: lookbothwayspod.podbean.com/e/episode-14...
@wesmars.bsky.social and I discuss why a lot of robotaxi fans to get very touchy when challenged.
@wesmars.bsky.social and I discuss why a lot of robotaxi fans to get very touchy when challenged.
From Charlottesville, VA, a useful finding for those trying to understand why US pedestrians deaths surge after dark:
"Night time speeding is 27 times more prevalent than day time."
arxiv.org/pdf/2601.10974
"Night time speeding is 27 times more prevalent than day time."
arxiv.org/pdf/2601.10974
January 22, 2026 at 7:16 PM
From Charlottesville, VA, a useful finding for those trying to understand why US pedestrians deaths surge after dark:
"Night time speeding is 27 times more prevalent than day time."
arxiv.org/pdf/2601.10974
"Night time speeding is 27 times more prevalent than day time."
arxiv.org/pdf/2601.10974
Reposted by David Zipper
People Often forget to consider the full cost of their choices, like cheaper housing but much more expensive transportation. Many sustainable choices might seem more expensive, but are not when you consider all the costs. Good urbanism and density is one great example.
Consider: Because of its cheap housing, Houston is often seen as a beacon of affordability. But sprawl inflates residents’ transportation costs.
In dense New York City, transportation consumes half as much of residents’ income as in Houston.
In dense New York City, transportation consumes half as much of residents’ income as in Houston.
Houston Is Now Less Affordable Than New York City
A new report finds that, when transportation costs are factored in, Texas’s biggest metros aren’t the bargain they often claim to be.
www.texasmonthly.com
January 22, 2026 at 2:34 PM
People Often forget to consider the full cost of their choices, like cheaper housing but much more expensive transportation. Many sustainable choices might seem more expensive, but are not when you consider all the costs. Good urbanism and density is one great example.
A surefire way to make transportation more abundant and affordable?
Increase density.
In Bloomberg, I explained why. 🧵
Increase density.
In Bloomberg, I explained why. 🧵
Achieving ‘Transportation Abundance’ Is All About Density
To drive down transportation costs and move the needle on affordability, Americans need to embrace living closer together.
www.bloomberg.com
January 22, 2026 at 1:17 PM
A surefire way to make transportation more abundant and affordable?
Increase density.
In Bloomberg, I explained why. 🧵
Increase density.
In Bloomberg, I explained why. 🧵
Protected bike lanes FTW:
“Segregated cycle lanes – those physically separated from cars – were popular with both regular cyclists and regular drivers. Painted lanes on the road were far less liked, while the option of having no cycle lanes at all was the least popular with both groups.”
“Segregated cycle lanes – those physically separated from cars – were popular with both regular cyclists and regular drivers. Painted lanes on the road were far less liked, while the option of having no cycle lanes at all was the least popular with both groups.”
Why do people support or oppose bike lanes? Our research sheds light on public opinion
Research suggests that more consultation about cycle lanes would bring more support for them.
theconversation.com
January 21, 2026 at 10:33 PM
Protected bike lanes FTW:
“Segregated cycle lanes – those physically separated from cars – were popular with both regular cyclists and regular drivers. Painted lanes on the road were far less liked, while the option of having no cycle lanes at all was the least popular with both groups.”
“Segregated cycle lanes – those physically separated from cars – were popular with both regular cyclists and regular drivers. Painted lanes on the road were far less liked, while the option of having no cycle lanes at all was the least popular with both groups.”
A bunch of autonomous vehicle boosters are mad at me for arguing that robotaxis’ safety benefits are wildly exaggerated. It’s gotten pretty ugly.
@wesmars.bsky.social and I delved into pushback in a new episode of @lookbothwayspod.bsky.social, coming later this week. Here’s a snippet.
@wesmars.bsky.social and I delved into pushback in a new episode of @lookbothwayspod.bsky.social, coming later this week. Here’s a snippet.
January 21, 2026 at 7:57 PM
A bunch of autonomous vehicle boosters are mad at me for arguing that robotaxis’ safety benefits are wildly exaggerated. It’s gotten pretty ugly.
@wesmars.bsky.social and I delved into pushback in a new episode of @lookbothwayspod.bsky.social, coming later this week. Here’s a snippet.
@wesmars.bsky.social and I delved into pushback in a new episode of @lookbothwayspod.bsky.social, coming later this week. Here’s a snippet.
Reposted by David Zipper
In the next episode, Wes & David delve into Mayor Mamdani's fast start with transportation reforms (Manhattan Bridge bike bump, Madison Ave bus lane, McGuinness Blvd...)
@wesmars.bsky.social: "I just love that he didn't appoint a blue ribbon commission for every stupid thing."
Full ep coming soon!
@wesmars.bsky.social: "I just love that he didn't appoint a blue ribbon commission for every stupid thing."
Full ep coming soon!
January 21, 2026 at 7:14 PM
In the next episode, Wes & David delve into Mayor Mamdani's fast start with transportation reforms (Manhattan Bridge bike bump, Madison Ave bus lane, McGuinness Blvd...)
@wesmars.bsky.social: "I just love that he didn't appoint a blue ribbon commission for every stupid thing."
Full ep coming soon!
@wesmars.bsky.social: "I just love that he didn't appoint a blue ribbon commission for every stupid thing."
Full ep coming soon!
I would like to understand how "an abundance of community power" is different from NIMBYism.
usa.streetsblog.org/2026/01/20/w...
usa.streetsblog.org/2026/01/20/w...
January 20, 2026 at 7:12 PM
I would like to understand how "an abundance of community power" is different from NIMBYism.
usa.streetsblog.org/2026/01/20/w...
usa.streetsblog.org/2026/01/20/w...
"Collective outcomes [from cars] are mostly negative, including traffic fatalities, consumption of public space, and harmful effects on public health."
doi.org/10.1016/j.tr...
doi.org/10.1016/j.tr...
January 20, 2026 at 5:36 PM
"Collective outcomes [from cars] are mostly negative, including traffic fatalities, consumption of public space, and harmful effects on public health."
doi.org/10.1016/j.tr...
doi.org/10.1016/j.tr...
Reposted by David Zipper
F**k. He signed it. New Jersey now has the harshest regulations on e-bikes in the nation. www.insidernj.com/press-releas...
Governor Murphy Signs Senate President Scutari’s E-Bike Safety Legislation - Insider NJ
Governor Murphy Signs Senate President Scutari’s E-Bike Safety Legislation Posted on – 01/19/2026 Legislation Enacts Some of the Nation’s Toughest Regulations on E-Bikes TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy...
www.insidernj.com
January 19, 2026 at 5:19 PM
F**k. He signed it. New Jersey now has the harshest regulations on e-bikes in the nation. www.insidernj.com/press-releas...
Tomorrow at 6p ET!
New livestream tomorrow! Tuesday at 6p ET on YouTube Live (link below)
On the agenda:
🔹 Reflections on TRB under Trump
🔹 Mamdani's fast start on transport reforms
🔹 Robotaxi fans circle the wagons
On the agenda:
🔹 Reflections on TRB under Trump
🔹 Mamdani's fast start on transport reforms
🔹 Robotaxi fans circle the wagons
Look Both Ways LIVE with David & Wes: Episode 14
YouTube video by Look Both Ways with David & Wes
www.youtube.com
January 19, 2026 at 5:02 PM
Tomorrow at 6p ET!
Some open questions:
🔹 How many teleoperators does Waymo have in the Philippines? In other nations?
🔹 How does Waymo ensure it has enough teleoperators to handle an emergency? (Big fail during the SF blackout last month)
🔹 How are teleoperators vetted?
🔹 What happens if they come to work drunk?
🔹 How many teleoperators does Waymo have in the Philippines? In other nations?
🔹 How does Waymo ensure it has enough teleoperators to handle an emergency? (Big fail during the SF blackout last month)
🔹 How are teleoperators vetted?
🔹 What happens if they come to work drunk?
I'm late, but this is the first confirmation I've seen of Waymo using foreign-based remote operators. Prior, there was only a rumored podcast ep, immediately cease-and-desisted.
www.telegraph.co.uk/business/202...
www.telegraph.co.uk/business/202...
January 19, 2026 at 1:20 AM
Some open questions:
🔹 How many teleoperators does Waymo have in the Philippines? In other nations?
🔹 How does Waymo ensure it has enough teleoperators to handle an emergency? (Big fail during the SF blackout last month)
🔹 How are teleoperators vetted?
🔹 What happens if they come to work drunk?
🔹 How many teleoperators does Waymo have in the Philippines? In other nations?
🔹 How does Waymo ensure it has enough teleoperators to handle an emergency? (Big fail during the SF blackout last month)
🔹 How are teleoperators vetted?
🔹 What happens if they come to work drunk?
Reposted by David Zipper
Agree about Detroit Three culture, but cheap EV imports have the potential to be the Toyota Corolla or VW Beetle of the day. That’s how you get the Ford Escort etc.
I don’t think there was ever a world where Detroit would’ve embraced cheap EV sedans, it’s just not in their DNA, but we’ve clearly lost that opportunity for good: apnews.com/article/chin...
Canada agrees to cut tariff on Chinese EVs in return for lower tariffs on Canadian farm products
Canada has agreed to cut its 100% tariff on Chinese electric cars in return for lower tariffs on Canadian farm products.
apnews.com
January 16, 2026 at 12:22 PM
Agree about Detroit Three culture, but cheap EV imports have the potential to be the Toyota Corolla or VW Beetle of the day. That’s how you get the Ford Escort etc.
Reposted by David Zipper
I narrated this timely new @communitytransit.bsky.social video about transit and equality. MLK Day and Rosa Parks Day are coming up!
The Transit Effect With Ken Jennings - Ep. 4: Transit & Opportunity
YouTube video by Community Transit
m.youtube.com
January 15, 2026 at 11:29 PM
I narrated this timely new @communitytransit.bsky.social video about transit and equality. MLK Day and Rosa Parks Day are coming up!
Montreal already charges owners of big SUVs more to park. It’s a very sensible policy.
January 16, 2026 at 12:04 AM
Montreal already charges owners of big SUVs more to park. It’s a very sensible policy.