Ken McLeod
@kenmcld.bsky.social
Bicyclist and policy wonk hoping to make the US more safe for people when they need to go places. Policy Director @bikeleague.org
So frustrating
It's frustrating due to the lack of an evidence-based discussion
And it's frustrating because even e-motos could be a part of lower cost, no emission, transportation options for people
But, instead we get a moral panic to restrict new mobility while ignoring the problems of autos
It's frustrating due to the lack of an evidence-based discussion
And it's frustrating because even e-motos could be a part of lower cost, no emission, transportation options for people
But, instead we get a moral panic to restrict new mobility while ignoring the problems of autos
One state lawmaker suggested that in her district, more people are struck by e-bike riders than by car drivers. But according to crash data, there were just 24 involving e-bikes in her district in 2025 — meanwhile, there were 1,132 involving cars, trucks, SUVs and vans.
State Pols Could Regulate E-Bikes Despite Not Knowing What They Are - Streetsblog Empire State
State lawmakers are flirting with the idea of regulating e-bikes as if they were cars, but don't have all the facts.
buff.ly
January 23, 2026 at 10:09 PM
So frustrating
It's frustrating due to the lack of an evidence-based discussion
And it's frustrating because even e-motos could be a part of lower cost, no emission, transportation options for people
But, instead we get a moral panic to restrict new mobility while ignoring the problems of autos
It's frustrating due to the lack of an evidence-based discussion
And it's frustrating because even e-motos could be a part of lower cost, no emission, transportation options for people
But, instead we get a moral panic to restrict new mobility while ignoring the problems of autos
Reposted by Ken McLeod
Cameras cut speeding by an astonishing 72%. This means ~20,000 fewer vehicles are speeding at these locations every single day.
January 23, 2026 at 9:55 PM
Cameras cut speeding by an astonishing 72%. This means ~20,000 fewer vehicles are speeding at these locations every single day.
Interesting framing in this "practical guide for governments, investors and operators on how to move road safety from a ‘nice to have’ to a core driver of financial value"
"Safer roads are not just a moral imperative—it is a driver for financial value" www.gib-foundation.org/news/new-rep...
"Safer roads are not just a moral imperative—it is a driver for financial value" www.gib-foundation.org/news/new-rep...
New Report: Financing Infrastructure for Safe & Sustainable Mobility | Global Infrastructure Basel
How safer roads can unlock better performance, resilient cash flows and real-world impact
www.gib-foundation.org
January 23, 2026 at 7:31 PM
Interesting framing in this "practical guide for governments, investors and operators on how to move road safety from a ‘nice to have’ to a core driver of financial value"
"Safer roads are not just a moral imperative—it is a driver for financial value" www.gib-foundation.org/news/new-rep...
"Safer roads are not just a moral imperative—it is a driver for financial value" www.gib-foundation.org/news/new-rep...
I wonder what people in DC think @waba.org
Chicago hosted a NASCAR race and I saw a lot of criticism of its impact on biking and walking
chi.streetsblog.org/2023/06/30/c...
The National Mall is a great place for people and an Indy car race seems extremely disruptive
Chicago hosted a NASCAR race and I saw a lot of criticism of its impact on biking and walking
chi.streetsblog.org/2023/06/30/c...
The National Mall is a great place for people and an Indy car race seems extremely disruptive
January 23, 2026 at 3:59 PM
I wonder what people in DC think @waba.org
Chicago hosted a NASCAR race and I saw a lot of criticism of its impact on biking and walking
chi.streetsblog.org/2023/06/30/c...
The National Mall is a great place for people and an Indy car race seems extremely disruptive
Chicago hosted a NASCAR race and I saw a lot of criticism of its impact on biking and walking
chi.streetsblog.org/2023/06/30/c...
The National Mall is a great place for people and an Indy car race seems extremely disruptive
New pump track in my neighborhood is coming along nicely
Official ribbon cutting next week www.roanokeva.gov/m/newsflash/...
Official ribbon cutting next week www.roanokeva.gov/m/newsflash/...
January 23, 2026 at 3:22 PM
New pump track in my neighborhood is coming along nicely
Official ribbon cutting next week www.roanokeva.gov/m/newsflash/...
Official ribbon cutting next week www.roanokeva.gov/m/newsflash/...
Reposted by Ken McLeod
“If the person is a U.S. citizen or otherwise lawfully in the United States, that individual will be free to go after the brief encounter.”
Justice Brett Kavanaugh
www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/24p...
Justice Brett Kavanaugh
www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/24p...
January 23, 2026 at 12:25 PM
“If the person is a U.S. citizen or otherwise lawfully in the United States, that individual will be free to go after the brief encounter.”
Justice Brett Kavanaugh
www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/24p...
Justice Brett Kavanaugh
www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/24p...
Reposted by Ken McLeod
@bikepedantic.bsky.social thought you might appreciate this from a Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments survey last year.
January 22, 2026 at 6:41 PM
@bikepedantic.bsky.social thought you might appreciate this from a Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments survey last year.
New Hampshire trying to outdo New Jersey with its own bad bike bill
$50 registration for all bikes every year
My household has 7 bikes, so that's $350 every year if I lived in the land of "Live Free or Die" instead of the state of "Sic Semper Tyrannis"
If you live in NH, contact your rep
$50 registration for all bikes every year
My household has 7 bikes, so that's $350 every year if I lived in the land of "Live Free or Die" instead of the state of "Sic Semper Tyrannis"
If you live in NH, contact your rep
NH House Republicans file a bill, HB1703, requiring even 8 yr olds to register their bikes at $50 per year. NH doesn't even require registration for guns which, by the way, are the leading cause of childhood deaths. The GOP is out of control. #NHPolitics gc.nh.gov/bill_status/...
Current Legislation Search
gc.nh.gov
January 22, 2026 at 8:01 PM
New Hampshire trying to outdo New Jersey with its own bad bike bill
$50 registration for all bikes every year
My household has 7 bikes, so that's $350 every year if I lived in the land of "Live Free or Die" instead of the state of "Sic Semper Tyrannis"
If you live in NH, contact your rep
$50 registration for all bikes every year
My household has 7 bikes, so that's $350 every year if I lived in the land of "Live Free or Die" instead of the state of "Sic Semper Tyrannis"
If you live in NH, contact your rep
Cool tech
"a dynamic LED lighting array activates and tracks the pedestrian’s movement, illuminating only the individual and their immediate path as they cross the street... to draw drivers’ attention precisely when and where it is needed"
www.traffictechnologytoday.com/news/interse...
"a dynamic LED lighting array activates and tracks the pedestrian’s movement, illuminating only the individual and their immediate path as they cross the street... to draw drivers’ attention precisely when and where it is needed"
www.traffictechnologytoday.com/news/interse...
Dublin, Ohio, deploys AI pedestrian lighting system | Traffic Technology Today
The City of Dublin, Ohio, has deployed an AI-powered pedestrian safety system from ISS (Intelligent Security Systems) to improve visibility and driver
www.traffictechnologytoday.com
January 22, 2026 at 6:55 PM
Cool tech
"a dynamic LED lighting array activates and tracks the pedestrian’s movement, illuminating only the individual and their immediate path as they cross the street... to draw drivers’ attention precisely when and where it is needed"
www.traffictechnologytoday.com/news/interse...
"a dynamic LED lighting array activates and tracks the pedestrian’s movement, illuminating only the individual and their immediate path as they cross the street... to draw drivers’ attention precisely when and where it is needed"
www.traffictechnologytoday.com/news/interse...
“It’s literally so hard. That would be my only thing, like maybe just more ways for pedestrians to cross. That’s an issue,” said one local
“I don’t particularly like the median idea. It takes up space that can be used for traffic,” said another nearby resident
www.kiro7.com/news/local/w...
“I don’t particularly like the median idea. It takes up space that can be used for traffic,” said another nearby resident
www.kiro7.com/news/local/w...
a close up of a man 's face with the hashtag schitts creek on the bottom
ALT: a close up of a man 's face with the hashtag schitts creek on the bottom
media.tenor.com
January 22, 2026 at 2:50 PM
“It’s literally so hard. That would be my only thing, like maybe just more ways for pedestrians to cross. That’s an issue,” said one local
“I don’t particularly like the median idea. It takes up space that can be used for traffic,” said another nearby resident
www.kiro7.com/news/local/w...
“I don’t particularly like the median idea. It takes up space that can be used for traffic,” said another nearby resident
www.kiro7.com/news/local/w...
"Bologna saw road accidents fall by 13% and fatalities decline by around 50% in the year after [implementing] a 30 kph speed limit" but "a regional court accepted an appeal by a single taxi driver who argued that lower speeds increased journey times and reduced his earnings" #SafetyOverSpeed
Italian city of Bologna clashes with government over 30 kph speed limit reut.rs/3LUt50R
Italian city of Bologna clashes with government over 30 kph speed limit
The northern Italian city of Bologna is at the centre of a tussle to keep its 30 kph (19 mph) city centre speed limit despite a court ruling against it and hostility to the measure from Giorgia Meloni's national government.
reut.rs
January 22, 2026 at 2:42 PM
"Bologna saw road accidents fall by 13% and fatalities decline by around 50% in the year after [implementing] a 30 kph speed limit" but "a regional court accepted an appeal by a single taxi driver who argued that lower speeds increased journey times and reduced his earnings" #SafetyOverSpeed
"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."
Score one for #PaintIsNotProtection
Score one for #PaintIsNotProtection
Why do people support or oppose bike lanes? Our research sheds light on public opinion
theconversation.com/why-do-peopl...
theconversation.com/why-do-peopl...
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 10:11 PM
"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."
Score one for #PaintIsNotProtection
Score one for #PaintIsNotProtection
Promoting for folks interested in better approaches than the recent e-bike law in New Jersey
☑️Distinguish slow e-bikes and fast e-motos
☑️Provide education programming
☑️Use data to inform policy, and infrastructure
☑️Build safer and easier to use bike networks
☑️Work with the bicycling community
☑️Distinguish slow e-bikes and fast e-motos
☑️Provide education programming
☑️Use data to inform policy, and infrastructure
☑️Build safer and easier to use bike networks
☑️Work with the bicycling community
Great thread, thx @warrenjwells.bsky.social for putting it together. Concerns about ebikes must be addressed w very supportive & encouraging actions, otherwise teens will end up back in cars for a net safety negative. I wrote about some of these actions this summer:
bikeeastbay.org/active-trans...
bikeeastbay.org/active-trans...
January 21, 2026 at 6:32 PM
Promoting for folks interested in better approaches than the recent e-bike law in New Jersey
☑️Distinguish slow e-bikes and fast e-motos
☑️Provide education programming
☑️Use data to inform policy, and infrastructure
☑️Build safer and easier to use bike networks
☑️Work with the bicycling community
☑️Distinguish slow e-bikes and fast e-motos
☑️Provide education programming
☑️Use data to inform policy, and infrastructure
☑️Build safer and easier to use bike networks
☑️Work with the bicycling community
Are you ready to take your community to the next Bicycle Friendly Community level?
Local, county, or regional government employees or individuals associated with such agencies can apply for the first-ever training program by @bikeleague.org aimed at that
bikeleague.org/applications...
Local, county, or regional government employees or individuals associated with such agencies can apply for the first-ever training program by @bikeleague.org aimed at that
bikeleague.org/applications...
Applications now open for the first-ever Active Mobility Leadership Lab | League of American Bicyclists
The League of American Bicyclists is pleased to announce that applications are now open for a new training program for emerging and aspiring Bicycle Friendly Communities: the Active Mobility Leadershi...
bikeleague.org
January 21, 2026 at 3:13 PM
Are you ready to take your community to the next Bicycle Friendly Community level?
Local, county, or regional government employees or individuals associated with such agencies can apply for the first-ever training program by @bikeleague.org aimed at that
bikeleague.org/applications...
Local, county, or regional government employees or individuals associated with such agencies can apply for the first-ever training program by @bikeleague.org aimed at that
bikeleague.org/applications...
"TxDOT did not clarify how our crosswalks impede pedestrian and vehicle safety as requested by our appeal letter" - Dallas City Manager Kimberly Tolbert
TxDOT can't provide that explanation because art improves safety, sometimes dramatically assets.bbhub.io/dotorg/sites...
TxDOT can't provide that explanation because art improves safety, sometimes dramatically assets.bbhub.io/dotorg/sites...
January 21, 2026 at 2:47 PM
"TxDOT did not clarify how our crosswalks impede pedestrian and vehicle safety as requested by our appeal letter" - Dallas City Manager Kimberly Tolbert
TxDOT can't provide that explanation because art improves safety, sometimes dramatically assets.bbhub.io/dotorg/sites...
TxDOT can't provide that explanation because art improves safety, sometimes dramatically assets.bbhub.io/dotorg/sites...
I usually think of US full-size pickups as similar to the deadly animals that developed in isolation in Australia - and that people of other countries are rightly scared of
But, Brazilian ethanol-based cars is an actual auto industry analogy for picking a dead end country-specific technology
But, Brazilian ethanol-based cars is an actual auto industry analogy for picking a dead end country-specific technology
"You don’t want to end up as a Brazil with your ethanol-based cars that aren’t sellable anywhere else in the world ... [or] like Britain or Australia that used to matter in the auto world, and no longer really matter.”
insideevs.com/news/784813/...
insideevs.com/news/784813/...
'Absolutely Rolled': U.S. Officials Blast Canada's Cheap Chinese EV Deal
China Inc.'s biggest move into North America yet has industry officials and politicians on edge. But affordability concerns take center stage.
insideevs.com
January 20, 2026 at 8:49 PM
I usually think of US full-size pickups as similar to the deadly animals that developed in isolation in Australia - and that people of other countries are rightly scared of
But, Brazilian ethanol-based cars is an actual auto industry analogy for picking a dead end country-specific technology
But, Brazilian ethanol-based cars is an actual auto industry analogy for picking a dead end country-specific technology
Reposted by Ken McLeod
Well, now I can't legally ride an e-bike in NJ.
There are so many disabled folks who use ebikes and trikes when we can't get driver's licenses. This is really crappy.
There are so many disabled folks who use ebikes and trikes when we can't get driver's licenses. This is really crappy.
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 10:29 PM
Well, now I can't legally ride an e-bike in NJ.
There are so many disabled folks who use ebikes and trikes when we can't get driver's licenses. This is really crappy.
There are so many disabled folks who use ebikes and trikes when we can't get driver's licenses. This is really crappy.
Great video
Unfortunate that @govmurphy.bsky.social signed this bill where a supportive legislator commented “I haven’t heard the data as far as accidents are concerned, that data has not been presented... I haven’t heard anything positive in regards to this bill.“ www.nj.com/news/2026/01...
Unfortunate that @govmurphy.bsky.social signed this bill where a supportive legislator commented “I haven’t heard the data as far as accidents are concerned, that data has not been presented... I haven’t heard anything positive in regards to this bill.“ www.nj.com/news/2026/01...
January 20, 2026 at 3:29 PM
Great video
Unfortunate that @govmurphy.bsky.social signed this bill where a supportive legislator commented “I haven’t heard the data as far as accidents are concerned, that data has not been presented... I haven’t heard anything positive in regards to this bill.“ www.nj.com/news/2026/01...
Unfortunate that @govmurphy.bsky.social signed this bill where a supportive legislator commented “I haven’t heard the data as far as accidents are concerned, that data has not been presented... I haven’t heard anything positive in regards to this bill.“ www.nj.com/news/2026/01...
"'The law creates clear rules for everybody,' Mount Laurel Police Chief Tim Hudnall said"
Tell me you didn't read the law without telling me
Far from clear rules, this NJ law creates several new and confusing rules, including registration and insurance that doesn't exist
6abc.com/post/new-jer...
Tell me you didn't read the law without telling me
Far from clear rules, this NJ law creates several new and confusing rules, including registration and insurance that doesn't exist
6abc.com/post/new-jer...
NJ Governor Phil Murphy signs new e-bike safety legislation after a number of dangerous crashes
Electric bicycles in the Garden State will now be regulated, following a number of dangerous crashes.
6abc.com
January 20, 2026 at 2:36 PM
"'The law creates clear rules for everybody,' Mount Laurel Police Chief Tim Hudnall said"
Tell me you didn't read the law without telling me
Far from clear rules, this NJ law creates several new and confusing rules, including registration and insurance that doesn't exist
6abc.com/post/new-jer...
Tell me you didn't read the law without telling me
Far from clear rules, this NJ law creates several new and confusing rules, including registration and insurance that doesn't exist
6abc.com/post/new-jer...
Reposted by Ken McLeod
"New Jersey is now the only state to require insurance for Class I e-bikes out of 45 states that regulate e-bikes, according to the People For Bikes Coalition"
“This bill restricts low speed e-bike use while not addressing the real problem of high-speed motorized devices" www.nj.com/advice/2026/...
“This bill restricts low speed e-bike use while not addressing the real problem of high-speed motorized devices" www.nj.com/advice/2026/...
Murphy signs controversial e-bike law requiring registration, insurance in New Jersey
Despite opposition, the governor signed the measure in the final hours of his administration.
www.nj.com
January 19, 2026 at 7:22 PM
"New Jersey is now the only state to require insurance for Class I e-bikes out of 45 states that regulate e-bikes, according to the People For Bikes Coalition"
“This bill restricts low speed e-bike use while not addressing the real problem of high-speed motorized devices" www.nj.com/advice/2026/...
“This bill restricts low speed e-bike use while not addressing the real problem of high-speed motorized devices" www.nj.com/advice/2026/...
Reposted by Ken McLeod
New Jersey now has one of the worst, if not THE worst, e-bike laws in the country, requiring even people with pedal-assist bikes that top out at 18 mph to get the equivalent of motorcycle licenses.
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 6:00 PM
New Jersey now has one of the worst, if not THE worst, e-bike laws in the country, requiring even people with pedal-assist bikes that top out at 18 mph to get the equivalent of motorcycle licenses.
Reposted by Ken McLeod
People interested in better biking laws in Virginia, please looknat this and consider signing the petition.
The Virginia Bicycle Federation @vabike.bsky.social is advocating for three changes to Virginia law this year to improve bicyclist safety
If you live in Virginia, please show your support for their work through this campaign waba.quorum.us/campaign/151...
If you live in Virginia, please show your support for their work through this campaign waba.quorum.us/campaign/151...
Support Better Bicycling in 2026
Let's show our Virginia legislators that bicycling safety is a priority
waba.quorum.us
January 19, 2026 at 11:04 PM
People interested in better biking laws in Virginia, please looknat this and consider signing the petition.
Op-ed blames manufacturers of e-motos in response to an op-ed blaming users
Lots of blame to go around, but I would point to the Consumer Product Safety Commission and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, who have yet to set regulatory standards for these vehicles
Lots of blame to go around, but I would point to the Consumer Product Safety Commission and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, who have yet to set regulatory standards for these vehicles
Mineta Transportation Institute's new study is clear: the e-moto safety problem isn’t rider “tinkering”, it’s over-powered devices sold as e-bikes. If it goes 35 mph out of the box, it’s not an e-bike. Responsibility starts with manufacturers.
cal.streetsblog.org/2025/12/23/s...
cal.streetsblog.org/2025/12/23/s...
Scofflaw Manufacturers Could Be The Downfall of E-bikes - Streetsblog California
If illegal e-motorcycles are the downfall of legitimate e-bikes, manufacturers and retailers should look themselves in the eye, not blame it on their customers.
cal.streetsblog.org
January 16, 2026 at 6:34 PM
Op-ed blames manufacturers of e-motos in response to an op-ed blaming users
Lots of blame to go around, but I would point to the Consumer Product Safety Commission and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, who have yet to set regulatory standards for these vehicles
Lots of blame to go around, but I would point to the Consumer Product Safety Commission and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, who have yet to set regulatory standards for these vehicles
“We have now very clearly reached the point where a typical automated vehicle that’s on the road today is safer than you or I behind the wheel” - @petebuttigieg.bsky.social, former USDOT Secretary
I hope that's true, but don't find all AVs trustworthy (e.g. Tesla)
I hope that's true, but don't find all AVs trustworthy (e.g. Tesla)
Pete Buttigieg Talks the Future of Mobility at the Detroit Auto Show. Via @hourdetroitmagazine #TeamPete #PeteButtigieg #Politics 🇺🇸 🗳️
Pete Buttigieg Talks the Future of Mobility at the Detroit Auto Show
Pete Buttigieg spoke to a group of media and automotive industry professionals at the opening day of the Detroit Auto Show.
www.hourdetroit.com
January 16, 2026 at 5:03 PM
“We have now very clearly reached the point where a typical automated vehicle that’s on the road today is safer than you or I behind the wheel” - @petebuttigieg.bsky.social, former USDOT Secretary
I hope that's true, but don't find all AVs trustworthy (e.g. Tesla)
I hope that's true, but don't find all AVs trustworthy (e.g. Tesla)
More evidence slower speed limits save lives
"the year the city lowered the speed limit [to 20 mph in areas with high foot traffic], the number of pedestrians killed on Salt Lake City streets dropped from 22 to 14. Since then, the average number of deaths has been 13." www.kuer.org/politics-gov...
"the year the city lowered the speed limit [to 20 mph in areas with high foot traffic], the number of pedestrians killed on Salt Lake City streets dropped from 22 to 14. Since then, the average number of deaths has been 13." www.kuer.org/politics-gov...
Salt Lake City and Moab’s slower speed limits are proving safer for pedestrians
In a bid for safer streets, Salt Lake City and Moab both lowered speed limits in high-risk areas. According to those who pushed for the changes, it's working.
www.kuer.org
January 16, 2026 at 4:43 PM
More evidence slower speed limits save lives
"the year the city lowered the speed limit [to 20 mph in areas with high foot traffic], the number of pedestrians killed on Salt Lake City streets dropped from 22 to 14. Since then, the average number of deaths has been 13." www.kuer.org/politics-gov...
"the year the city lowered the speed limit [to 20 mph in areas with high foot traffic], the number of pedestrians killed on Salt Lake City streets dropped from 22 to 14. Since then, the average number of deaths has been 13." www.kuer.org/politics-gov...