Staying grounded and mentally fit can be challenging these days. While some people turn to meditation or self-medication, a large and growing body of research points to a simpler solution: walkable neighborhoods and bike-friendly streets. Not only can they improve physical health, but they also offer meaningful benefits to our social and emotional well-being. As we’ve noted, extended periods driving can have the opposite effect.
2025 Annual Meeting
October 13-14, 2025
SSTI’s 2025 Community of Practice meeting will be held October 13-14 in Sacramento, California. COP meetings focus on peer-to-peer interaction between CEOs of state departments of transportation. These meetings allow attendees to share ideas and learn from one another’s experiences leading state DOTs. The meetings are open to state DOT CEOs and are by-invitation to others.
Washington State’s new shared streets law could set an example for pedestrian-friendly design nationwide
Washington recently became the first state in the country to authorize “shared streets,” a shift that could reshape how people move in cities across the state and serve as a model nationwide. The measure gives walkers and bikers priority, slows vehicle traffic to 10 miles per hour, and removes jaywalking restrictions. Washington’s law, signed in April, is a major step toward safer, people-centered streets.
Low-stress roads and bike lanes improve safety, not just comfort
Low stress roads make biking more comfortable, especially for people who are more risk-averse. But do they make biking safer? A new study suggests they do, countering concerns from some transportation officials that these facilities might encourage unsafe riding.
Connecticut DOT secures deal to limit project delays after years of collaboration
Earlier this month, the US Department of Transportation announced a “first of its kind” agreement between several federal agencies and the Connecticut DOT to speed up review for transportation projects. That agreement took years of relationship building with federal partners and other state agencies to complete, as well as adding specialized skills to the DOT’s staff over time.
15-minute cities don’t limit car use—they provide options
If cities want to reduce car dependency, it will take more than putting amenities closer together. New research from Japan reveals a persistent pattern: even when people live within a 15-minute walk of essential services, many still choose to drive. Without supportive conditions like higher residential density and safe, appealing infrastructure for pedestrians, people will continue to drive, even when everything they need is a short walk away.
Resilient infrastructure, responsible development can reduce insurance risk
Carolyn Kousky, founder of Insurance for Good and longtime researcher on climate impacts and insurance markets, told MIP and SSTI widespread insurance protects local economies, as well as lenders and mortgage markets. “As a warming planet increases the risks of weather-related extremes, insurance becomes harder to get and more expensive. The only long-term solution is serious investments in risk reduction and climate adaptation,” Kousky said in an email.
Complex urban streets encourage safer driving
Reducing excessive speeding is one of the most effective ways to improve road safety—especially where people are walking or biking. While lowering speed limits and adding traffic calming measures help, growing research highlights the value of self-explaining streets that give drivers constant cues to slow down.
Pedestrian deaths aren’t accidents, they’re policy failures
Pedestrian deaths are rising faster in the U.S. than in any other high-income country. A decade-long surge, up 50%, has made the U.S. the most dangerous place to walk among 27 peer nations. Many experts view these deaths not as random accidents but as preventable tragedies that reflect deeper policy failures in transportation, infrastructure, and public safety.
Advocates tout financial benefits of green transportation policies
A new network of advocates across seven states is highlighting how transportation policies that are good for the environment offer many other benefits too. The Clean RIDES Network, launched last week, is using recent policy successes in places like Colorado as models that other states can take inspiration from. SSTI is among those advising the group, hoping to steer advocacy toward innovative, achievable policies drawing on years of experience.