Outlook Tower
@matt439miller.bsky.social
Personal tweets on transit, urbanism, and (increasingly) housing.
Pinned
Outlook Tower
@matt439miller.bsky.social
· Sep 12
Outlook Tower
Transportation, Urbanism and Planning
outlooktower.blogspot.com
I know that Substack's 'Set up your own branded newsletter email!' is the cool thing now, but I'm still blogging here:
outlooktower.blogspot.com
outlooktower.blogspot.com
Reposted by Outlook Tower
gangnam style by PSY
December 22, 2025 at 10:12 PM
gangnam style by PSY
Reposted by Outlook Tower
going on a stupid little walk for my dumb mental health
December 22, 2025 at 9:18 PM
going on a stupid little walk for my dumb mental health
Reposted by Outlook Tower
Do you have an idea for research that could provide practical solutions to save lives, prevent injuries, and reduce costs of road traffic crashes?
Submit your problem statements for TRB's #BTSCRP by Jan 16 and you might see research in the new year.
https://ow.ly/wHSm50XLezj
Submit your problem statements for TRB's #BTSCRP by Jan 16 and you might see research in the new year.
https://ow.ly/wHSm50XLezj
December 22, 2025 at 10:25 PM
Do you have an idea for research that could provide practical solutions to save lives, prevent injuries, and reduce costs of road traffic crashes?
Submit your problem statements for TRB's #BTSCRP by Jan 16 and you might see research in the new year.
https://ow.ly/wHSm50XLezj
Submit your problem statements for TRB's #BTSCRP by Jan 16 and you might see research in the new year.
https://ow.ly/wHSm50XLezj
Reposted by Outlook Tower
That feeling when your entire rapid transit system converges on one easily disrupted segment — like, say, a 123-year old bridge that lifts for tall boats.
Portland needs an rail tunnel under downtown. It’s the only megaproject in our region that excites me at this point.
Portland needs an rail tunnel under downtown. It’s the only megaproject in our region that excites me at this point.
December 22, 2025 at 2:35 AM
That feeling when your entire rapid transit system converges on one easily disrupted segment — like, say, a 123-year old bridge that lifts for tall boats.
Portland needs an rail tunnel under downtown. It’s the only megaproject in our region that excites me at this point.
Portland needs an rail tunnel under downtown. It’s the only megaproject in our region that excites me at this point.
Reposted by Outlook Tower
This year, renters were burdened by housing costs, pessimistic about the economy, and less likely to say homeownership is part of the American dream, according to a new survey.
Many renters say they’ll never buy a home, according to a national survey
www.inquirer.com
December 22, 2025 at 10:42 PM
This year, renters were burdened by housing costs, pessimistic about the economy, and less likely to say homeownership is part of the American dream, according to a new survey.
Reposted by Outlook Tower
“The pool came out of nowhere and, yes, I drove right into it”
December 22, 2025 at 4:41 PM
“The pool came out of nowhere and, yes, I drove right into it”
Reposted by Outlook Tower
"Married people are more likely to be homeowners which is why we should promote marriage to increase the homeownership rate"
is a throwaway softball example you give students when introducing the idea that correlation =\= causation.
is a throwaway softball example you give students when introducing the idea that correlation =\= causation.
December 22, 2025 at 10:47 PM
"Married people are more likely to be homeowners which is why we should promote marriage to increase the homeownership rate"
is a throwaway softball example you give students when introducing the idea that correlation =\= causation.
is a throwaway softball example you give students when introducing the idea that correlation =\= causation.
Reposted by Outlook Tower
“Bonus points for blocking 1/2 the car lane, too”—captured the absurd, yet oh so familiar, behaviour. In a single move, the driver managed to endanger cyclists, frustrate motorists, and underline how casually bike lanes are still treated as optional space.
momentummag.com/bike-lane-bl...
momentummag.com/bike-lane-bl...
Bike Lane Blocking Pickup Truck a Familiar Site, and How Cyclists Can Fight Back
The image circulating on Reddit was depressingly familiar: a vehicle blocking a bike lane, forcing cyclists (and even cars) to merge into traffic.
momentummag.com
December 22, 2025 at 10:50 PM
“Bonus points for blocking 1/2 the car lane, too”—captured the absurd, yet oh so familiar, behaviour. In a single move, the driver managed to endanger cyclists, frustrate motorists, and underline how casually bike lanes are still treated as optional space.
momentummag.com/bike-lane-bl...
momentummag.com/bike-lane-bl...
Reposted by Outlook Tower
When you think of a New England downtown, you probably don’t think about a parking lot.
But maybe you should. According to analysis done by CT Parking Reform, 29% of the land in CT's charming downtowns is devoted to storing cars.
We can change this. Get involved at the link in bio.
But maybe you should. According to analysis done by CT Parking Reform, 29% of the land in CT's charming downtowns is devoted to storing cars.
We can change this. Get involved at the link in bio.
December 22, 2025 at 10:52 PM
When you think of a New England downtown, you probably don’t think about a parking lot.
But maybe you should. According to analysis done by CT Parking Reform, 29% of the land in CT's charming downtowns is devoted to storing cars.
We can change this. Get involved at the link in bio.
But maybe you should. According to analysis done by CT Parking Reform, 29% of the land in CT's charming downtowns is devoted to storing cars.
We can change this. Get involved at the link in bio.
Reposted by Outlook Tower
People want tiny basic electric cars. Automakers haven't responded, and safety regulations make it difficult, so they're buying golf carts.
Golf carts are puttering their way toward becoming a legit transport mode.
This year, Cleveland, Corpus Christi, and South Carolina officially legalized them on local streets. Major media outlets like the Wall Street Journal and CBS News have covered their soaring popularity (esp in suburbs).
This year, Cleveland, Corpus Christi, and South Carolina officially legalized them on local streets. Major media outlets like the Wall Street Journal and CBS News have covered their soaring popularity (esp in suburbs).
Why one Michigan town is regulating its golf cart boom
St. Johns, Michigan, is one of more than two dozen communities in the state to pass ordinances regulating golf carts on public roads.
www.cbsnews.com
December 22, 2025 at 1:42 PM
People want tiny basic electric cars. Automakers haven't responded, and safety regulations make it difficult, so they're buying golf carts.
Reposted by Outlook Tower
it would be really cool if the primary mode of transportation in the united states did not routinely kill people prematurely. it would be nice if we did not have to have daily blood sacrifices just to move around the world.
just a thought. an idea!
just a thought. an idea!
Vince Zampella, the video game developer who created the ‘Call of Duty' franchise, killed in car crash
Vince Zampella, video game developer behind 'Call of Duty' franchise, killed in mountain road crash
Vince Zampella is the former CEO of video game developers Infinity Ward, the studio behind the wildly successful "Call of Duty" franchise.
www.nbclosangeles.com
December 22, 2025 at 10:37 PM
it would be really cool if the primary mode of transportation in the united states did not routinely kill people prematurely. it would be nice if we did not have to have daily blood sacrifices just to move around the world.
just a thought. an idea!
just a thought. an idea!
Reposted by Outlook Tower
The Abundance movement often points to environmental groups as the obstacles to building. But who actually files the lawsuits blocking projects? It’s not environmental groups. It’s been lawyered-up HOAs protecting property values all along. Regulation by litigation is the problem.
December 20, 2025 at 7:57 PM
The Abundance movement often points to environmental groups as the obstacles to building. But who actually files the lawsuits blocking projects? It’s not environmental groups. It’s been lawyered-up HOAs protecting property values all along. Regulation by litigation is the problem.
Reposted by Outlook Tower
Looking up from down below
December 10, 2025 at 1:07 PM
Looking up from down below
Reposted by Outlook Tower
RE: this quote of the average global temperature between the last interglacial period. People might want to know 1) that change occurred over 10,000's of years (not hundreds in our case) and 2) there were hippos in North Yorkshire.
But, what do I know, I am just a poster, not the EPA Administrator.
But, what do I know, I am just a poster, not the EPA Administrator.
It appears that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has, within the past week, scrubbed a large amount of climate change content from its official website, as well as *removed human-caused warming* from the discussion on its "causes of climate change" page.
December 8, 2025 at 7:23 PM
RE: this quote of the average global temperature between the last interglacial period. People might want to know 1) that change occurred over 10,000's of years (not hundreds in our case) and 2) there were hippos in North Yorkshire.
But, what do I know, I am just a poster, not the EPA Administrator.
But, what do I know, I am just a poster, not the EPA Administrator.
Reposted by Outlook Tower
Good morning to #TransitSquash. Hoping they became pie.
Here’s a photo of a specialized haul with 9 butternut squash strapped to the back from earlier this fall.
December 10, 2025 at 1:16 PM
Good morning to #TransitSquash. Hoping they became pie.
Reposted by Outlook Tower
Look at this cowardly and lazy nonsense. The Vancouver Sun's Douglas Todd simply repeats the arguments made by Don Wright -- ones I've debunked at length -- and then glazes them with *my* praise.
Without, of course, linking to my posts that did the debunking.
vancouversun.com/business/no-...
Without, of course, linking to my posts that did the debunking.
vancouversun.com/business/no-...
No society in history has improved its standard of living without low-cost energy: B.C. expert
The energy debate in Canada has flipped upside down. People still worry about climate change, but polls suggest people are ready for the real-world "energy literacy" offered by Don Wright.
vancouversun.com
December 9, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Look at this cowardly and lazy nonsense. The Vancouver Sun's Douglas Todd simply repeats the arguments made by Don Wright -- ones I've debunked at length -- and then glazes them with *my* praise.
Without, of course, linking to my posts that did the debunking.
vancouversun.com/business/no-...
Without, of course, linking to my posts that did the debunking.
vancouversun.com/business/no-...
Reposted by Outlook Tower
Is the US irredeemably a "car culture"? No.
18% of Americans are open to car-free living, which would be transformative.
Focus on making that possible for them: transit, active modes, better land use.
Change the facts and the culture will follow.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
18% of Americans are open to car-free living, which would be transformative.
Focus on making that possible for them: transit, active modes, better land use.
Change the facts and the culture will follow.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Who is interested in car-free living in the US? Findings from a nationwide survey
The United States (US) is infamously car dependent, causing environmental, safety, and social problems. Car-free living is one way to combat the downs…
www.sciencedirect.com
December 9, 2025 at 5:36 PM
Is the US irredeemably a "car culture"? No.
18% of Americans are open to car-free living, which would be transformative.
Focus on making that possible for them: transit, active modes, better land use.
Change the facts and the culture will follow.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
18% of Americans are open to car-free living, which would be transformative.
Focus on making that possible for them: transit, active modes, better land use.
Change the facts and the culture will follow.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Reposted by Outlook Tower
The American mind can't comprehend this sort of livability.
I saw a vending machine that sells french fries
December 9, 2025 at 5:36 PM
The American mind can't comprehend this sort of livability.
Reposted by Outlook Tower
I think it's important to focus on whats being said - Jonathan English is advocating for a system that adapts and allows transit to override the vehicle cycle to not wait for left turns, reds, conflicting phases. The City's transportation department says "TSP is already utilized - we extend greens!"
December 9, 2025 at 5:38 PM
I think it's important to focus on whats being said - Jonathan English is advocating for a system that adapts and allows transit to override the vehicle cycle to not wait for left turns, reds, conflicting phases. The City's transportation department says "TSP is already utilized - we extend greens!"
Reposted by Outlook Tower
Next challenge: crank it up EVERYWHERE there's a red dot below. We already paid for the infrastructure; make it work!
December 9, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Next challenge: crank it up EVERYWHERE there's a red dot below. We already paid for the infrastructure; make it work!
Reposted by Outlook Tower
Looks like City of Toronto and TTC will put in more aggressive signal priority to speed up the trip by 10 min. Great. Now do it citywide. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Finch West LRT to be 10 minutes faster by spring, TTC says | CBC News
The newly opened Finch West LRT is moving at an expected pace despite complaints from riders, according to transit officials, but some experts say changes to traffic signals could help it move faster.
www.cbc.ca
December 9, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Looks like City of Toronto and TTC will put in more aggressive signal priority to speed up the trip by 10 min. Great. Now do it citywide. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Appalled by the number of apps my phone lets interrupt me
December 9, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Appalled by the number of apps my phone lets interrupt me
Reposted by Outlook Tower
The thing about the average New Yorker’s objection to open gangway cars - that they’ll make the subway less safe because “bad people” can move between the cars - is that people already go between the cars all the time anyway. I’m tired of being held hostage in the city by people who are afraid of it
@davecolon.bsky.social:
“MTA Still Won’t Embrace Open Gangway Subway Cars:
The see-through cars have been standard across the globe for a generation, but to the MTA, it's still untested technology.” — nyc.streetsblog.org/2025/12/09/m...
“MTA Still Won’t Embrace Open Gangway Subway Cars:
The see-through cars have been standard across the globe for a generation, but to the MTA, it's still untested technology.” — nyc.streetsblog.org/2025/12/09/m...
MTA Still Won't Embrace Open Gangway Subway Cars - Streetsblog New York City
The see-through cars have been standard across the globe for a generation, but to the MTA, it's still untested technology.
nyc.streetsblog.org
December 9, 2025 at 2:07 PM
The thing about the average New Yorker’s objection to open gangway cars - that they’ll make the subway less safe because “bad people” can move between the cars - is that people already go between the cars all the time anyway. I’m tired of being held hostage in the city by people who are afraid of it
Reposted by Outlook Tower
Rally to defend the 31 Street Bike lanes.
Location: Athens Square, Astoria
Meetup: 6:30pm
Rally: 7pm
Rideout: 7:30pm
www.reddit.com/r/NYCbike/s/...
#bikenyc @transalt.org
Location: Athens Square, Astoria
Meetup: 6:30pm
Rally: 7pm
Rideout: 7:30pm
www.reddit.com/r/NYCbike/s/...
#bikenyc @transalt.org
December 7, 2025 at 7:58 PM
Rally to defend the 31 Street Bike lanes.
Location: Athens Square, Astoria
Meetup: 6:30pm
Rally: 7pm
Rideout: 7:30pm
www.reddit.com/r/NYCbike/s/...
#bikenyc @transalt.org
Location: Athens Square, Astoria
Meetup: 6:30pm
Rally: 7pm
Rideout: 7:30pm
www.reddit.com/r/NYCbike/s/...
#bikenyc @transalt.org
"The energy transition has reached a maturity whereby it now threatens various vested interests.”
For decades, environmentalists have been telling Western governments that clean energy is a global geopolitical issue, not just an environmental one. And that it’s the way of the future.
It seems that future is arriving.
It seems that future is arriving.
ANALYSIS | The rise of the electrostate: By dominating clean energy, China is leading on climate action | CBC News
China’s massive lead in clean technologies has shifted the climate fight from one of big pledges and international diplomacy toward a technological revolution in cheaper energy, analysts say.
www.cbc.ca
December 9, 2025 at 4:57 PM
"The energy transition has reached a maturity whereby it now threatens various vested interests.”