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
I'm personally and professionally committed to making federal funding better for safety, but understand the criticism
Saw this group doing a training at John Hopkins: losningar.com/vision-zero-...
Every transportation agency should be asking how many miles need transformation for safety
Saw this group doing a training at John Hopkins: losningar.com/vision-zero-...
Every transportation agency should be asking how many miles need transformation for safety
February 5, 2026 at 3:42 PM
I'm personally and professionally committed to making federal funding better for safety, but understand the criticism
Saw this group doing a training at John Hopkins: losningar.com/vision-zero-...
Every transportation agency should be asking how many miles need transformation for safety
Saw this group doing a training at John Hopkins: losningar.com/vision-zero-...
Every transportation agency should be asking how many miles need transformation for safety
Softball question about safety benefits to Tesla and Waymo
Tesla notes that there's been little progress in last 20 years, AVs can be next big impact
Waymo points to its data showing that they're involved in fewer injurious crashes
Tesla notes that there's been little progress in last 20 years, AVs can be next big impact
Waymo points to its data showing that they're involved in fewer injurious crashes
February 4, 2026 at 4:17 PM
Softball question about safety benefits to Tesla and Waymo
Tesla notes that there's been little progress in last 20 years, AVs can be next big impact
Waymo points to its data showing that they're involved in fewer injurious crashes
Tesla notes that there's been little progress in last 20 years, AVs can be next big impact
Waymo points to its data showing that they're involved in fewer injurious crashes
Really worth taking the time to read the posted testimony of @bwalkersmith.bsky.social www.commerce.senate.gov/services/fil...
"Both NHTSA and FMCSA are tiny agencies with mandates that, even now, are impossible.... automated vehicles will require significant new resources for these agencies."
"Both NHTSA and FMCSA are tiny agencies with mandates that, even now, are impossible.... automated vehicles will require significant new resources for these agencies."
February 4, 2026 at 3:44 PM
Really worth taking the time to read the posted testimony of @bwalkersmith.bsky.social www.commerce.senate.gov/services/fil...
"Both NHTSA and FMCSA are tiny agencies with mandates that, even now, are impossible.... automated vehicles will require significant new resources for these agencies."
"Both NHTSA and FMCSA are tiny agencies with mandates that, even now, are impossible.... automated vehicles will require significant new resources for these agencies."
I don't have an answer for California, but Florida has a surprisingly good statewide citation report: services.flhsmv.gov/SpecialtyPla...
For 2024, they ticketed 130 drivers for improperly passing a bicyclist - 32 of those tickets were dismissed
For 2019-2023, Florida averaged 197 bicyclist deaths
For 2024, they ticketed 130 drivers for improperly passing a bicyclist - 32 of those tickets were dismissed
For 2019-2023, Florida averaged 197 bicyclist deaths
February 3, 2026 at 8:01 PM
I don't have an answer for California, but Florida has a surprisingly good statewide citation report: services.flhsmv.gov/SpecialtyPla...
For 2024, they ticketed 130 drivers for improperly passing a bicyclist - 32 of those tickets were dismissed
For 2019-2023, Florida averaged 197 bicyclist deaths
For 2024, they ticketed 130 drivers for improperly passing a bicyclist - 32 of those tickets were dismissed
For 2019-2023, Florida averaged 197 bicyclist deaths
Is there some grave public danger that justifies these restrictions?
Doesn't seem like it, Iowa has seen bicyclist fatalities decline in recent years www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa....
Doesn't seem like it, Iowa has seen bicyclist fatalities decline in recent years www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa....
February 3, 2026 at 6:09 PM
Is there some grave public danger that justifies these restrictions?
Doesn't seem like it, Iowa has seen bicyclist fatalities decline in recent years www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa....
Doesn't seem like it, Iowa has seen bicyclist fatalities decline in recent years www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa....
"Federal safety standards from 1968 to 2019 have generated an estimated $12.8 trillion in benefits, including $5,164.51 per household in 2025 alone"
"for every $1.00 spent on FMVSS-mandated safety technology and associated weight increases, more than $24.00 in societal benefits are generated"
"for every $1.00 spent on FMVSS-mandated safety technology and associated weight increases, more than $24.00 in societal benefits are generated"
February 3, 2026 at 3:35 PM
"Federal safety standards from 1968 to 2019 have generated an estimated $12.8 trillion in benefits, including $5,164.51 per household in 2025 alone"
"for every $1.00 spent on FMVSS-mandated safety technology and associated weight increases, more than $24.00 in societal benefits are generated"
"for every $1.00 spent on FMVSS-mandated safety technology and associated weight increases, more than $24.00 in societal benefits are generated"
Nice to see @rideillinois.bsky.social as a partner in this work by the Illinois Secretary of State
Focus on education across K-12 grades, community-based enforcement guidelines to establish credibility and trust in enforcement, and collaborating with community groups, like Ride Illinois
Focus on education across K-12 grades, community-based enforcement guidelines to establish credibility and trust in enforcement, and collaborating with community groups, like Ride Illinois
February 2, 2026 at 6:11 PM
Nice to see @rideillinois.bsky.social as a partner in this work by the Illinois Secretary of State
Focus on education across K-12 grades, community-based enforcement guidelines to establish credibility and trust in enforcement, and collaborating with community groups, like Ride Illinois
Focus on education across K-12 grades, community-based enforcement guidelines to establish credibility and trust in enforcement, and collaborating with community groups, like Ride Illinois
Interesting to see data on the percentage of vehicle with automatic emergency braking (AEB)
NHTSA had a voluntary agreement from 20 automakers to equip virtually all new passenger vehicles with low-speed AEB by September 1, 2022 www.nhtsa.gov/press-releas...
Data shows <50% of MY21/22 with AEB
NHTSA had a voluntary agreement from 20 automakers to equip virtually all new passenger vehicles with low-speed AEB by September 1, 2022 www.nhtsa.gov/press-releas...
Data shows <50% of MY21/22 with AEB
February 2, 2026 at 2:59 PM
Interesting to see data on the percentage of vehicle with automatic emergency braking (AEB)
NHTSA had a voluntary agreement from 20 automakers to equip virtually all new passenger vehicles with low-speed AEB by September 1, 2022 www.nhtsa.gov/press-releas...
Data shows <50% of MY21/22 with AEB
NHTSA had a voluntary agreement from 20 automakers to equip virtually all new passenger vehicles with low-speed AEB by September 1, 2022 www.nhtsa.gov/press-releas...
Data shows <50% of MY21/22 with AEB
When looking at NHTSA fatality data, the big increases are for "Light Truck - Utility" meaning SUVs
From 2009 to 2023, fatal crashes involving the "Light Truck - Utility" body type increase ~100% from 6,943 to 13,996
Large trucks and motorcycles also saw significant increases cdan.dot.gov/query
From 2009 to 2023, fatal crashes involving the "Light Truck - Utility" body type increase ~100% from 6,943 to 13,996
Large trucks and motorcycles also saw significant increases cdan.dot.gov/query
February 2, 2026 at 2:52 PM
When looking at NHTSA fatality data, the big increases are for "Light Truck - Utility" meaning SUVs
From 2009 to 2023, fatal crashes involving the "Light Truck - Utility" body type increase ~100% from 6,943 to 13,996
Large trucks and motorcycles also saw significant increases cdan.dot.gov/query
From 2009 to 2023, fatal crashes involving the "Light Truck - Utility" body type increase ~100% from 6,943 to 13,996
Large trucks and motorcycles also saw significant increases cdan.dot.gov/query
Really appreciate that the City of Roanoke plows the Roanoke River Greenway @city-of-roanoke.bsky.social
January 28, 2026 at 2:59 PM
Really appreciate that the City of Roanoke plows the Roanoke River Greenway @city-of-roanoke.bsky.social
The most common reason that people gave for not wearing a helmet in a NHTSA survey was that they don't have a helmet www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa....
Free helmets directly address that issue
Free helmets directly address that issue
January 27, 2026 at 2:44 PM
The most common reason that people gave for not wearing a helmet in a NHTSA survey was that they don't have a helmet www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa....
Free helmets directly address that issue
Free helmets directly address that issue
"From January through December 2025, U.S. drivers averaged 23.6 phone taps per 100 miles, while Ohio drivers averaged 21.9" www.transportation.ohio.gov/about-us/new...
"Until recently, capturing that impact at this scale and speed wasn’t possible" Really interesting to see county-level data too
"Until recently, capturing that impact at this scale and speed wasn’t possible" Really interesting to see county-level data too
January 26, 2026 at 3:26 PM
"From January through December 2025, U.S. drivers averaged 23.6 phone taps per 100 miles, while Ohio drivers averaged 21.9" www.transportation.ohio.gov/about-us/new...
"Until recently, capturing that impact at this scale and speed wasn’t possible" Really interesting to see county-level data too
"Until recently, capturing that impact at this scale and speed wasn’t possible" Really interesting to see county-level data too
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/...
Someone came out and checked on me after I used this bike parking at my dermatologist's office
January 21, 2026 at 8:22 PM
Someone came out and checked on me after I used this bike parking at my dermatologist's office
"not all designs will be equally affected... the Southern Methodist University mustang logo created last year at the intersection of Hillcrest and Daniel avenues is in compliance with the governor's order, but [a spokesperson] didn't provide any further comment as to why." 🤔
January 21, 2026 at 2:49 PM
"not all designs will be equally affected... the Southern Methodist University mustang logo created last year at the intersection of Hillcrest and Daniel avenues is in compliance with the governor's order, but [a spokesperson] didn't provide any further comment as to why." 🤔
"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...
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...
I'm not an expert in motorcycle regulation, but NHTSA has several motorcycle classes seemingly organized around whether the vehicle has a top speed above or below 50 km/h (~31 mph) www.ecfr.gov/current/titl...
Not sure why the Segway Xyber w/ a top speed of 35 mph ("off road only") wouldn't qualify
Not sure why the Segway Xyber w/ a top speed of 35 mph ("off road only") wouldn't qualify
January 16, 2026 at 6:46 PM
I'm not an expert in motorcycle regulation, but NHTSA has several motorcycle classes seemingly organized around whether the vehicle has a top speed above or below 50 km/h (~31 mph) www.ecfr.gov/current/titl...
Not sure why the Segway Xyber w/ a top speed of 35 mph ("off road only") wouldn't qualify
Not sure why the Segway Xyber w/ a top speed of 35 mph ("off road only") wouldn't qualify
Research on reduced fare programs for transit found that improved health outcomes are rarely a goal
Most programs do not have a good utilization rate
Many have restrictive income thresholds (e.g. people who make more than $23k per year in NYC are not eligible)
Most programs do not have a good utilization rate
Many have restrictive income thresholds (e.g. people who make more than $23k per year in NYC are not eligible)
January 15, 2026 at 6:39 PM
Research on reduced fare programs for transit found that improved health outcomes are rarely a goal
Most programs do not have a good utilization rate
Many have restrictive income thresholds (e.g. people who make more than $23k per year in NYC are not eligible)
Most programs do not have a good utilization rate
Many have restrictive income thresholds (e.g. people who make more than $23k per year in NYC are not eligible)
Interesting map of King County metro bus routes identified by equity opportunity index scores
I grew up north of the northernmost highlighted route on the eastside of Lake Washington
I grew up north of the northernmost highlighted route on the eastside of Lake Washington
January 15, 2026 at 4:40 PM
Interesting map of King County metro bus routes identified by equity opportunity index scores
I grew up north of the northernmost highlighted route on the eastside of Lake Washington
I grew up north of the northernmost highlighted route on the eastside of Lake Washington
Moderator of a breakout session notes that their research centers on school transportation and the committee of TRB focused on school transportation no longer exists due to the restructuring that happened last year and eliminated more than half of its committees usa.streetsblog.org/2025/07/02/t...
January 15, 2026 at 3:54 PM
Moderator of a breakout session notes that their research centers on school transportation and the committee of TRB focused on school transportation no longer exists due to the restructuring that happened last year and eliminated more than half of its committees usa.streetsblog.org/2025/07/02/t...
Oboi's call to Action is multifaceted
He says to treat policy as a verb, not just changing words on paper but treating it as an act
As with many equity advocates I've heard from, investing in social infrastructure is as necessary as physical infrastructure
Bike lanes alone are not transformative
He says to treat policy as a verb, not just changing words on paper but treating it as an act
As with many equity advocates I've heard from, investing in social infrastructure is as necessary as physical infrastructure
Bike lanes alone are not transformative
January 15, 2026 at 2:10 PM
Oboi's call to Action is multifaceted
He says to treat policy as a verb, not just changing words on paper but treating it as an act
As with many equity advocates I've heard from, investing in social infrastructure is as necessary as physical infrastructure
Bike lanes alone are not transformative
He says to treat policy as a verb, not just changing words on paper but treating it as an act
As with many equity advocates I've heard from, investing in social infrastructure is as necessary as physical infrastructure
Bike lanes alone are not transformative
Opening keynote by Olatunji Oboi Reed of @equiticity.bsky.social
As we approach next Monday celebrating the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Oboi included a quote from MLK about how transit is a civil rights issue and the impact of racist blindness in urban planning
As we approach next Monday celebrating the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Oboi included a quote from MLK about how transit is a civil rights issue and the impact of racist blindness in urban planning
January 15, 2026 at 1:53 PM
Opening keynote by Olatunji Oboi Reed of @equiticity.bsky.social
As we approach next Monday celebrating the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Oboi included a quote from MLK about how transit is a civil rights issue and the impact of racist blindness in urban planning
As we approach next Monday celebrating the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Oboi included a quote from MLK about how transit is a civil rights issue and the impact of racist blindness in urban planning
Chairman Bilirakis opens by saying there is no partisan way to save lives
Highlights Automated Vehicle legislation because they eliminate human error that causes most crashes
Also highlights motor vehicle modernization act
And addressing electric vehicle fires
Highlights Automated Vehicle legislation because they eliminate human error that causes most crashes
Also highlights motor vehicle modernization act
And addressing electric vehicle fires
January 13, 2026 at 7:18 PM
Chairman Bilirakis opens by saying there is no partisan way to save lives
Highlights Automated Vehicle legislation because they eliminate human error that causes most crashes
Also highlights motor vehicle modernization act
And addressing electric vehicle fires
Highlights Automated Vehicle legislation because they eliminate human error that causes most crashes
Also highlights motor vehicle modernization act
And addressing electric vehicle fires
Surprised that there were breakouts in this committee meeting
Nice to hear that infrastructure changes impacting behavior were discussed in one breakout. Specifically sounded like roadway design and speed choice behavior
I was in the traffic safety culture group, which I think of in this model
Nice to hear that infrastructure changes impacting behavior were discussed in one breakout. Specifically sounded like roadway design and speed choice behavior
I was in the traffic safety culture group, which I think of in this model
January 12, 2026 at 8:18 PM
Surprised that there were breakouts in this committee meeting
Nice to hear that infrastructure changes impacting behavior were discussed in one breakout. Specifically sounded like roadway design and speed choice behavior
I was in the traffic safety culture group, which I think of in this model
Nice to hear that infrastructure changes impacting behavior were discussed in one breakout. Specifically sounded like roadway design and speed choice behavior
I was in the traffic safety culture group, which I think of in this model