Sign in

Ken McLeod

@kenmcld.bsky.social
1.6K followers 1.4K following 3.6K posts

Bicyclist and policy wonk hoping to make the US more safe for people when they need to go places. Policy Director @bikeleague.org

PostsRepliesMedia
Ken McLeod @kenmcld.bsky.social · 2h
"nearly all the parts that go into a Lauf bike... come from abroad. Each faces its own tariff. In most cases, there are no US-made replacements available" "a bicycle built overseas can still sell for less in the US than one made here, once all the tariffs and wage disparities are factored in"
181
Ken McLeod @kenmcld.bsky.social · 3h
"Anything that can go over 20 [mph] when powered by the motor under federal law is considered a motor vehicle... The importer has to be registered with the federal government [and] certify that their vehicle is safe... None of those things are happening" - Matt Moore @peopleforbikes.bsky.social
131
Ken McLeod @kenmcld.bsky.social · 4h
Congratulations to the 18 communities in Vermont receiving federal and state funds for projects that improve bicycling and walking Mostly sidewalks and shared use paths, with a few crosswalk and lighting improvements www.mynbc5.com/article/bicy...
mynbc5.com
Vermont towns, cities to receive $6 million in Bicycle and Pedestrian grants
The Vermont Agency of Transportation will award more than $6 million in grants to Vermont cities and towns to help build new bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure projects.
292
Ken McLeod @kenmcld.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
The NHTSA vehicle comparison tool doesn't include NHTSA's first ever pedestrian crash rating It's hard to even engage with this program because of how little good information it provides Ford get 5-stars for 2/3 categories, no data for 3 safety technologies, and fails 3 others = 5-stars!
Example of comparison of two 5-star-rated vehicles
141
Ken McLeod @kenmcld.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website prominently says "More stars mean safer cars" but last year 86% of vehicles got 5 stars while it is an open secret that large vehicles with high blunt hoods are less safe for people outside cars www.datawrapper.de/_/Cp57P/?v=3
183
Ken McLeod @kenmcld.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
"just last week for the first time NHTSA unveiled its first ever pedestrian safety rankings for cars [but] the new rating is a half measure at best. Instead of making pedestrian impacts part of the well known “five-star” rating system... NHTSA created this dumb little side measure" So frustrating
Pass/fail rating for pedestrian protection by NHTSA: https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/first-ever-pedestrian-safety-test-results
1133
Ken McLeod @kenmcld.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
"When compared with no rumble strips, [Centerline rumble strips] (with narrow or no paved shoulder) increased the odds of higher crash severity... [Centerline rumble strips] had the second-highest impact following the presence of alcohol or drugs." www.nationalacademies.org/read/29507/c...
nationalacademies.org
Read
Read chapter 7 Summary of Findings: The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) seeks to eliminate roadway deaths and serious injuries (FHWA, 2025). Achie...
211
Ken McLeod @kenmcld.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
“[We need] take a more comprehensive and proactive approach to safety – one that recognizes human error, anticipates risk and builds layers of protection into our roads, vehicles and transportation system” - AASHTO President Russell McMurry aashtojournal.transportation.org/trip-report-...
aashtojournal.transportation.org
AASHTO Journal - TRIP Report: U.S. Traffic Fatalities Continue to Decline
According to a new report by nonprofit research firm TRIP, U.S. traffic fatalities fell in 2025 for the fourth straight year after increasing dramatically in 2020 and 2021 during the initial stages of...
190
Ken McLeod @kenmcld.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
"drivers save 26 seconds daily speeding" So much anxiety and danger from drivers trying to get slightly ahead www.codot.gov/news/2026/se...
062
Ken McLeod @kenmcld.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Repealing efficiency standards that already had their compliance costs zeroed out as gas prices are increasing just seems like a great example of policymaking not being responsive to people's needs
020
Ken McLeod @kenmcld.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
It's a small thing, but I really appreciate that the Montana DOT puts tips for drivers above tips for pedestrians in this Pedestrian Safety Month announcement mdtnews.mt.gov/news/news-fo... Slow down, pay attention, never pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk, and look before you turn
mdtnews.mt.gov
Every Step Matters: October is Pedestrian Safety Month
061
Ken McLeod @kenmcld.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Updated data from @waymo.bsky.social says that its vehicles are much safer than human drivers: 93 percent fewer pedestrian crashes resulting in injuries 86 percent fewer cyclist crashes resulting in injuries Interesting that those figures are higher than the overall 82 percent fewer injury crashes
271
Ken McLeod @kenmcld.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
"My bike gives me the freedom to go to those wild places to do all of those things I used to do and all of those things that I love" - Kristi Prall, who got a spinal cord injury while rock climbing, and uses an adaptive mountain bike Very cool story from Utah www.npr.org/2026/09/23/n...
npr.org
In Utah, trails are being adjusted to allow adaptive bikes better access
New technology, including electric motors, means disabled people can get out on mountain trails. But those trails need to be modified to make them friendly for hand-cycles or three-wheeled ebikes.
041
Ken McLeod @kenmcld.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
“In every case where we’ve constructed a roundabout, favorable safety stats have resulted” - Pat McColley, ODOT District 2 deputy director Happy National Roundabouts Week to all who celebrate! www.transportation.ohio.gov/about/news/t...
transportation.ohio.gov
The success of roundabouts celebrated during National Roundabouts Week
Local crash reduction stats in northwest Ohio compelling
271
Ken McLeod @kenmcld.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
"The cars use cameras to monitor drivers and may sound alerts or automatically pull over if drivers are not attentive and responsive enough" As companies push forward on partial automation that incorporates driver monitoring, NHTSA is postponing plans to test monitoring systems until 2036
140
Ken McLeod @kenmcld.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse Branching paths Multiple recruitable characters Playable Alucard turning into a bat Great game
static.klipy.com
Castlevania 1 Gameplay: Simon Belmont
ALT: Castlevania 1 Gameplay: Simon Belmont
010
Ken McLeod @kenmcld.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Delays keep coming, proposed update to the New Car Assessment Program roadmap includes 32 years of vehicle safety testing delays www.datawrapper.de/_/sTruh/?v=2 Driver monitoring for drowsiness - available in Teslas since 2023 - won't be tested until 2035 after a proposed 4 year delay
datawrapper.de
2026 New Car Assessment Program Update | Created with Datawrapper
In 2024, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) published a 10-year roadmap showing its plans to develop and implement new tests of vehicles for the New Car Assessment Program (NCA...
122
Ken McLeod @kenmcld.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is supposed to add dozens of tests in the next decade, but they keep doing the most basic testing rather than actually pushing safety forward One reason - the budget for this program is about 1/3rd of the cost of the failed reflecting pool fix
Chart showing budget for New Car Assessment Program over time: https://www.datawrapper.de/_/7LBUc/?v=2
140
Reposted by Ken McLeod
Dustin Black @engineerdustin.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
City contractors on their first day on Earth: “Of course we know how to install bike racks!”
2418420
Ken McLeod @kenmcld.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
"Our current design manual is old enough to legally drive, vote, and buy an adult beverage. We are asking the council for one thing. Direct your staff to bring the street design guidelines up to the current national standards on a set timeline" - my local bike org www.youtube.com/live/kzxYYf8...
youtube.com
2 p.m. Roanoke City Council Meeting on September 21, 2026
YouTube video by City of Roanoke
132
Ken McLeod @kenmcld.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
If you dislike people saying that things like speed cameras are about revenue rather than safety, this may be helpful Recommendations include: Revenue caps for local governments Quota bans Eliminating certain local courts Funding courts through general revenues Better data & reporting Evaluation
153
Ken McLeod @kenmcld.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Allegation is that a $500,000 donation led to $32 million in naval contracts Since 2012 less than $32 million in federal funding has been spent on biking and walking projects in Maine
120
Ken McLeod @kenmcld.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
“More than 6.6 million trips in one year tells us something important: people are choosing Capital Bikeshare because it works for their everyday lives” - @ddotdc.bsky.social Director Sharon Kershbaum ddot.dc.gov/release/dist...
ddot.dc.gov
The District Awards Lyft Contract for Next Five Years of Capital Bikeshare Operations
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contacts The District Awards Lyft Contract for Next Five Years of Capital Bikeshare Operations Renewed cooperative agreement with Lyft is expected to unlock system-wide ele...
060
Ken McLeod @kenmcld.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
I wonder if in 10 or 20 years US automakers going all-in on large trucks will be seen as the source of their downfall Other countries don't accept them because they're unsafe They have high fuel costs and they're hard to make electric because of their size Seems like an evolutionary dead end
381
Reposted by Ken McLeod
Reconnect Rochester Cycling @roccycling.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
A happy World Car Free Day to one and all! www.unep.org/news-and-sto...
082
Reposted by Ken McLeod
James Longhurst @jameslonghurst.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
i'm sorry what
181
Reposted by Ken McLeod
CalBike @calbike.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Our best match in years: start giving $5/month before Sept. 30, and donors will triple your first year’s $60 to $180 for bike advocacy. Let’s put that money to work. www.calbike.org/join/
011
Reposted by Ken McLeod
Andrew Bowen (he/him) @acbowen.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
SANDAG recently forfeited $17.6 million in competitive state grant funding for 4 bike and pedestrian projects across San Diego County. It says the projects are still a priority. Buuuut it also didn’t apply for any active transportation grants this year, so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ www.kpbs.org/news/environ...
kpbs.org
SANDAG returns $17.6 million in state funding for bike, pedestrian infrastructure
The transportation agency said the projects' costs had risen, and that it was unable to meet the grant deadlines. Bike advocates are frustrated.
67217
Ken McLeod @kenmcld.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
It should be embarrassing for the U.S. Department of Transportation and NHTSA that so many other countries provide so much more information about pedestrian safety in crash tests Compare China to the US and ask yourself who is doing better for pedestrian safety
Pedestrian protection results from the Chinese New Car Assessment Program for the Buick Zhijing L7 https://www.c-ncap.org.cn/evaluation/da9cfac5f7693da413eec090a02c10dbPedestrian protection results from the US New Car Assessment Program https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/first-ever-pedestrian-safety-test-results
192
Ken McLeod @kenmcld.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
"Fairfax County police said Eltayeb was driving distracted when he jumped the curb and killed King, who was just steps from home" "Attorneys have told News4 that they believe Virginia’s laws are weak when it comes to drivers who hit and kill someone." www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/n...
081
Ken McLeod @kenmcld.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Nice short video featuring the US Bicycle Route System "I think every rural highway should have a bike trail off to the side like that" - @roadguyrob.bsky.social Most of the US Bicycle Route System is on-road www.youtube.com/shorts/Yzxzp...
Video clip showing US Bicycle Route System sign
081
Ken McLeod @kenmcld.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
As far as I can tell not a single domestic full size truck is included in these results Toyota has two trucks included - the Tundra and the Tacoma, both of which passed the pedestrian protection assessment The Tacoma still ended with 4 stars though
021
Ken McLeod @kenmcld.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
"The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today released the results of its first pedestrian protection assessments for model year 2027" www.nhtsa.gov/press-releas... Good to see, but also it's very hard to understand these results
Example of pedestrian protection results as presented to consumers from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's New Car Assessment Program: https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2027/FORD/EXPLORER%252520ICE/SUV/RWD
120
Ken McLeod @kenmcld.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
"Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa says the global auto market is split between two distinct areas: the US and 'everywhere else'... as US trade policy and the regulatory environment rapidly diverge from Europe and other global regions" businesschief.com/news/stellan...
businesschief.com
Stellantis CEO Highlights Split in the Global Auto Market
Antonio Filosa, CEO of Stellantis, says the world is split between the US and 'everywhere else' as Chinese EV partnerships reshape the global auto industry
110
Ken McLeod @kenmcld.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Motor vehicle crashes have consistently been among the top causes of child and adolescent deaths www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.... We should care about the high hood heights and large front blind zones that make larger vehicles more dangerous for children and everyone www.kidsandcars.org/news/america...
Leading Causes of Death among Children and Adolescents in the United States (2018 through 2023) https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2600445Large truck with hood height much taller than child
071
Ken McLeod @kenmcld.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Data from the Federal Highway Administration's 2022 National Household Travel Survey says that 38.4% of vehicle trips are 3 miles or less nhts.ornl.gov/vehicle-trips The first car trip I remember replacing was a 1.5 mile trip to the gym while at law school Two years later I sold my car
Data on vehicle trip distances from the National Household Travel Survey https://nhts.ornl.gov/vehicle-trips
1135
Reposted by Ken McLeod
League of American Bicyclists @bikeleague.org · 17/09/2026
What does cycling education look like in schools? Next week’s webinar will offer a first look at the forthcoming Ready to Ride curriculum as it heads into beta testing, and what this work can bring to students and schools. Sign up: action.bikeleague.org/page/102066/...
Webinar promotion graphic by the League of American Bicyclists, advertising an upcoming "Ready to Ride: The Value of Cycling Education in Schools" session on Tuesday, September 22nd at 4:00PM ET. Bikeleague.org/webinars.
085
Ken McLeod @kenmcld.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
I generally cringe when intoxicated walking (or worse distracted walking) is covered, but @wisconsinwatch.org put in work to give it a good discussion "walking while intoxicated generally is not a crime...Experts interviewed for this story also do not view criminalization as a principal solution"
140
Reposted by Ken McLeod
Families for Safe Streets @familiesforsafestreets.org · 16/09/2026
Unacceptable: A new survey from @ghsahq.bsky.social finds that nearly HALF of school children have had a close call with a driver near a bus or in a school zone 😡 Check out the full report: www.ghsa.org/news/school-...
Infographic from the Governors Highway Safety Association titled “What Parents Think About School Bus Safety.” It reports that 46% of parents whose children ride a school bus say their child has experienced a close call near a bus or school zone; 91% support automated stop-arm enforcement to hold dangerous drivers accountable; and 53% believe dangerous driving continues because drivers do not think they’ll get caught. Blue pedestrian, stop-sign, and speedometer graphics illustrate the statistics.
0107
Ken McLeod @kenmcld.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
"Autonomous vehicles are finally convincing regulators 'to open up some of these archaic rules and make modifications—maybe modifications that can help modernize regulations for other vehicles, too. It’s a good time to make sweeping changes'" Unfortunately, NHTSA is delaying tests instead
121
Ken McLeod @kenmcld.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
"'as everything else got more expensive, Divvy got cheaper for most people'... Chicago and Lyft focused on making Divvy more affordable, accessible and available, with an annual membership frozen... at $143... rates are to remain frozen 'until at least January 2027'” www.govtech.com/transportati...
govtech.com
E-Bikes, E-Scooters Reshape Major Cities’ Mobility Landscape
Micromobility systems in municipalities such as Chicago, New York City and Toronto are serving millions of electric bike and scooter rides a year and having a similar impact to traditional forms of pu...
191
Ken McLeod @kenmcld.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Since 1999, the federal government has spent $21.3 billion on infrastructure for people who bike and walk Since 2010, over 100,000 people have been killed while biking and walking in the US Imagine if we funded safer infrastructure rather than war
0114
Ken McLeod @kenmcld.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Data from the Federal Highway Administration shows that 40 states spent less that $6.27 per person on biking and walking projects on average from 2022 to 2024 For 40 states, the level of investment in biking and walking is less than the cost of one gallon of diesel in Michigan per person
195
Ken McLeod @kenmcld.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
"why do so many pedestrians get hit at crosswalks, especially ones without a traffic signal?... The answer is often that they just can’t see the oncoming car in time" “We want [Alabama DOT] to be able to identify and fix dangerous crosswalks before a crash happens” eng.auburn.edu/news/2026/09...
eng.auburn.edu
LiDAR research shifts perspective from drivers to pedestrian safety
Huaguo Zhou, the Elton Z. and Lois G. Huff Professor of Transportation in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, is developing a LiDAR-based tool to help ALDOT evaluate pedestrian sigh...
2100
Ken McLeod @kenmcld.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Nice to see the Missouri DOT highlighting its work with the Adventure Cycling Association and the "roughly 600 miles of shared‑use paths on the state system" including "The Katy Trail, stretching nearly 250 miles [with] several bike‑friendly Amtrak stops" www.modot.org/node/96597
Image of the Golden Gravel Trail
150
Ken McLeod @kenmcld.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Delay to pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) rule is now moving forward through the White House www.politico.com/newsletters/... Pedestrian AEB deployment was mentioned as a lifesaving technology in the admin's National Roadway Safety Strategy last month
Clip from Politico newsletter about pedestrian AEB
1127
Ken McLeod @kenmcld.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is currently accepting comments on its Automated Vehicle Framework: www.regulations.gov/document/NHT... Comments are due Sept. 30th Some good comments from @nacto.bsky.social @saferoadsnow.bsky.social and others are in already
regulations.gov
Regulations.gov
155
Ken McLeod @kenmcld.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Some great examples of local actions to promote safer vehicles, implement vehicle safety features in municipal fleets, and shift trips to safer modes like cargo bikes from the @visionzeronet.bsky.social in this article: visionzeronetwork.org/a-missing-pi...
visionzeronetwork.org
A Missing Piece in Your Vision Zero Plan: Vehicle Safety
Many people assume that improving vehicle safety is out of locals’ control, but that’s not the case. Local and state agencies can influence the safety of vehicles on their streets in limited but impor...
1115
Ken McLeod @kenmcld.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
If I drove my Jetta Sportwagen TDI more this would be awful Luckily, I bike for a lot of short trips and work from home so this is more of an issue for everything I purchase than for me buying diesel for my vehicle Still bad, but stings less
040
Reposted by Ken McLeod
League of American Bicyclists @bikeleague.org · 10/09/2026
We need your help! The Bicycle Friendly State public survey closes next week, and we’re looking for more responses from Alabama, Alaska, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Washington, & Virginia. Know what it’s like to bike in one of these states? Take the survey: www.surveymonkey.com/r/RTDKCD2
Promotional graphic for the League's Bicycle Friendly State public survey. A person smiling while riding a red bicycle and holding up a peace sign. Text ID: "Have opinions about biking in your state? Take the Bicycle Friendly State survey! Survey closes September 14."Promotional graphic for the League's Bicycle Friendly State public survey. Text ID: "HAVE OPINIONS ABOUT BIKING IN YOUR STATE?
WE WANT TO HEAR THEM! The League of American Bicyclists wants to hear from people who bike in every state. Whether you ride every day, occasionally, or simply care about improving bicycling where you live, your feedback can help shape the League's 2026 Bicycle Friendly State ranking. TAKE THE SURVEY: bikeleague.org/bfs-2026"
21820