Madeleine Pelzel
@madspelzel.bsky.social
Houston now, but a Hoosier / transit + community planner / usually on two wheels / freeway-fighter / she/they /
HoustonBikeGuide.com creator 👀
HoustonBikeGuide.com creator 👀
Pinned
Have you ever been led astray on your bike by Google Maps?
Popular wayfinding routes are often dangerous to use while biking. In Houston, they’ll commonly take you down streets on our High Injury Network — which is often someone’s last bike ride.
Popular wayfinding routes are often dangerous to use while biking. In Houston, they’ll commonly take you down streets on our High Injury Network — which is often someone’s last bike ride.
Have you ever been led astray on your bike by Google Maps?
Popular wayfinding routes are often dangerous to use while biking. In Houston, they’ll commonly take you down streets on our High Injury Network — which is often someone’s last bike ride.
Popular wayfinding routes are often dangerous to use while biking. In Houston, they’ll commonly take you down streets on our High Injury Network — which is often someone’s last bike ride.
October 1, 2025 at 5:58 PM
Have you ever been led astray on your bike by Google Maps?
Popular wayfinding routes are often dangerous to use while biking. In Houston, they’ll commonly take you down streets on our High Injury Network — which is often someone’s last bike ride.
Popular wayfinding routes are often dangerous to use while biking. In Houston, they’ll commonly take you down streets on our High Injury Network — which is often someone’s last bike ride.
Reposted by Madeleine Pelzel
Seems bad:
"We identified more than 30,000 tire wear particles in 24 liters of stormwater runoff from roads and parking lots after two rainstorms. In heavy traffic areas, we believe the concentrations could be much higher."
"We identified more than 30,000 tire wear particles in 24 liters of stormwater runoff from roads and parking lots after two rainstorms. In heavy traffic areas, we believe the concentrations could be much higher."
One of the biggest microplastic pollution sources isn’t straws or grocery bags – it’s your tires
Rain storms wash those tire shards into streams and ultimately into lakes and oceans. That’s bad news for fish and other aquatic life.
theconversation.com
July 23, 2025 at 1:25 PM
Seems bad:
"We identified more than 30,000 tire wear particles in 24 liters of stormwater runoff from roads and parking lots after two rainstorms. In heavy traffic areas, we believe the concentrations could be much higher."
"We identified more than 30,000 tire wear particles in 24 liters of stormwater runoff from roads and parking lots after two rainstorms. In heavy traffic areas, we believe the concentrations could be much higher."
Reposted by Madeleine Pelzel
As George Monbiot recently wrote: "The one thing that can stop the rise of the far right is the one thing mainstream parties are currently not prepared to deliver: greater equality. The rich should be taxed more, and the revenue used to improve the lives of the poor."
July 17, 2025 at 2:15 AM
As George Monbiot recently wrote: "The one thing that can stop the rise of the far right is the one thing mainstream parties are currently not prepared to deliver: greater equality. The rich should be taxed more, and the revenue used to improve the lives of the poor."
Reposted by Madeleine Pelzel
In case you're wondering how big of a deal this is, it applies to almost any parcel in a "transit-served" location. And that includes most of the city!
July 16, 2025 at 11:42 PM
In case you're wondering how big of a deal this is, it applies to almost any parcel in a "transit-served" location. And that includes most of the city!
Reposted by Madeleine Pelzel
And not a word about reducing the need to travel by car in the first place.
EVs may be a part of the picture of decarbonisation, but many journeys need to switch routinely to public transport, walking or cycling, so fewer people feel forced to use a car to get around - that needs investment too.
EVs may be a part of the picture of decarbonisation, but many journeys need to switch routinely to public transport, walking or cycling, so fewer people feel forced to use a car to get around - that needs investment too.
"urged to install EV gullies..." By who? The company that makes them?! This reheated press release is crap from @theguardian.com, the kerbside is for everyone and urgently needs rebalancing away from private car storage - not giving away for free to car owners. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
English councils urged to install pavement gullies for home charging of electric cars
Scheme aims to stop cables trailing across pavements and encourage drivers to switch to electric vehicles
www.theguardian.com
July 13, 2025 at 5:53 AM
And not a word about reducing the need to travel by car in the first place.
EVs may be a part of the picture of decarbonisation, but many journeys need to switch routinely to public transport, walking or cycling, so fewer people feel forced to use a car to get around - that needs investment too.
EVs may be a part of the picture of decarbonisation, but many journeys need to switch routinely to public transport, walking or cycling, so fewer people feel forced to use a car to get around - that needs investment too.
Reposted by Madeleine Pelzel
Fewer cars --> Safer streets
In London, Low Traffic Neighborhoods saw a 35% drop in all traffic injuries and a 37% drop in deaths/serious injuries.
injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/earl...
In London, Low Traffic Neighborhoods saw a 35% drop in all traffic injuries and a 37% drop in deaths/serious injuries.
injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/earl...
July 13, 2025 at 11:40 AM
Fewer cars --> Safer streets
In London, Low Traffic Neighborhoods saw a 35% drop in all traffic injuries and a 37% drop in deaths/serious injuries.
injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/earl...
In London, Low Traffic Neighborhoods saw a 35% drop in all traffic injuries and a 37% drop in deaths/serious injuries.
injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/earl...
Reposted by Madeleine Pelzel
After the US DOT accidentally filed an internal memo explaining why its own case against congestion pricing is weak (nyc.streetsblog.org/2025/04/24/d...), the agency is now asking that the memo be removed from the record.
Hours after the horse bolted out of the barn, DOJ attys have asked the court to seal a filing they mistakenly uploaded to the docket in the congestion pricing suit last night, which acknowledged holes in their legal strategy (story w/ @simko-bednarski.bsky.social www.nydailynews.com/2025/04/24/f...)
April 24, 2025 at 3:58 PM
After the US DOT accidentally filed an internal memo explaining why its own case against congestion pricing is weak (nyc.streetsblog.org/2025/04/24/d...), the agency is now asking that the memo be removed from the record.
Reposted by Madeleine Pelzel
does anyone have any good readings on how to manage, like, terror and despair right now because i'm genuinely finding it very difficult to live my life from day to day without having severe moments of acute crisis
March 15, 2025 at 9:37 PM
does anyone have any good readings on how to manage, like, terror and despair right now because i'm genuinely finding it very difficult to live my life from day to day without having severe moments of acute crisis
Reposted by Madeleine Pelzel
More evidence supporting the theory that one reason business owners overestimate the number of customers who drive is because the only customers who complain to them about about traffic and parking are drivers.
nyc.streetsblog.org/2025/03/10/c...
nyc.streetsblog.org/2025/03/10/c...
![“It’s mostly comments I get from the people that do drive in, but it isn’t going to be that significant,” Kaufman admitted. “People won't come in, or they’ll wait until they are coming [to Manhattan] to see a show or do something else. I had a couple of people who said they went to see the doctor and figured they’d come down and get pickles. They’re not going to do the one trip, they’re going to combine their trips. There's less traffic, I agree, but is it worth it?”](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rdistsjuqdr5yakpv3ryfgws/bafkreibr55vpkfcdq2fovcjngnw7m2x3rudqd4x45rkgngzg33alxfk5k4@jpeg)
March 10, 2025 at 1:27 PM
More evidence supporting the theory that one reason business owners overestimate the number of customers who drive is because the only customers who complain to them about about traffic and parking are drivers.
nyc.streetsblog.org/2025/03/10/c...
nyc.streetsblog.org/2025/03/10/c...
Reposted by Madeleine Pelzel
Good news in @crainsnewyork.bsky.social: "Transit officials are now seeking authority to immediately borrow against the new revenue stream so the MTA can act faster on modernization work for the subway, buses and commuter rail."
Better transit, arriving faster, thanks to congestion pricing!
Better transit, arriving faster, thanks to congestion pricing!
February 25, 2025 at 8:28 PM
Good news in @crainsnewyork.bsky.social: "Transit officials are now seeking authority to immediately borrow against the new revenue stream so the MTA can act faster on modernization work for the subway, buses and commuter rail."
Better transit, arriving faster, thanks to congestion pricing!
Better transit, arriving faster, thanks to congestion pricing!
Reposted by Madeleine Pelzel
fact check: since congestion pricing started, subway crime is down 36%.
February 20, 2025 at 3:32 PM
fact check: since congestion pricing started, subway crime is down 36%.
Reposted by Madeleine Pelzel
This opposition tells you a lot about how often airlines destroy wheelchairs.
Five major airlines are suing to overturn a rule from then-Transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg that actually holds airlines accountable for damaging disabled people's wheelchairs. New from me at @motherjones.com. www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
Airlines sue to overturn rule against breaking wheelchairs
Major carriers are trying to overturn a Biden-era policy that ended decades of mistreatment.
www.motherjones.com
February 20, 2025 at 3:31 AM
This opposition tells you a lot about how often airlines destroy wheelchairs.
Reposted by Madeleine Pelzel
The real problem in most cities isn’t that the density of people or the density of buildings is “too high.” It’s that the density of cars is too high.
February 5, 2025 at 9:56 PM
The real problem in most cities isn’t that the density of people or the density of buildings is “too high.” It’s that the density of cars is too high.
Reposted by Madeleine Pelzel
If low density areas of the city resist upzones, I think it’s time we stop distributing city resources based on geography instead do it per capita so that areas that are denser get more resources: more local schools, more library hours, lifeguards & parks staff, sidewalks, nicer street lighting…
"Actions that promote equity can feel like discrimination to people who are used to being the only voices in the room." 💯
publicola.com/2025/02/06/c...
publicola.com/2025/02/06/c...
Councilmembers Claim City Didn't Do "Broad Engagement" on Comprehensive Plan - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett The city council’s comprehensive plan committee, chaired by Joy Hollingsworth, spent much of its two-hour meeting…
publicola.com
February 6, 2025 at 7:14 PM
If low density areas of the city resist upzones, I think it’s time we stop distributing city resources based on geography instead do it per capita so that areas that are denser get more resources: more local schools, more library hours, lifeguards & parks staff, sidewalks, nicer street lighting…
Reposted by Madeleine Pelzel
“It’s drag and riding my bike that are my favorite things in the world.”
— Chappell Roan
— Chappell Roan
February 4, 2025 at 6:40 AM
“It’s drag and riding my bike that are my favorite things in the world.”
— Chappell Roan
— Chappell Roan
Reposted by Madeleine Pelzel
Gonna solve the bus-battery supply chain problems with one easy trick
January 17, 2025 at 9:40 PM
Gonna solve the bus-battery supply chain problems with one easy trick
Reposted by Madeleine Pelzel
Not what I thought I'd be writing about when I picked the name Torched.
Thanks to everyone for checking in. We're fine. Many of our friends are not fine. I tried my best to describe what's happening with the fires and what LA needs to do now
www.torched.la/zero-percent...
Thanks to everyone for checking in. We're fine. Many of our friends are not fine. I tried my best to describe what's happening with the fires and what LA needs to do now
www.torched.la/zero-percent...
Zero percent containment
Reporting from a city, torched
www.torched.la
January 9, 2025 at 6:13 PM
Not what I thought I'd be writing about when I picked the name Torched.
Thanks to everyone for checking in. We're fine. Many of our friends are not fine. I tried my best to describe what's happening with the fires and what LA needs to do now
www.torched.la/zero-percent...
Thanks to everyone for checking in. We're fine. Many of our friends are not fine. I tried my best to describe what's happening with the fires and what LA needs to do now
www.torched.la/zero-percent...
Reposted by Madeleine Pelzel
as LA is burning, a swath of the country is recovering from an ice storm, Alabama is preparing for up to 6” of snow and I’m praying for the TX power grid, a reminder:
we don’t need climate action just for future generations, we need it now.
the climate crisis is here, all around us
we don’t need climate action just for future generations, we need it now.
the climate crisis is here, all around us
January 9, 2025 at 1:00 AM
as LA is burning, a swath of the country is recovering from an ice storm, Alabama is preparing for up to 6” of snow and I’m praying for the TX power grid, a reminder:
we don’t need climate action just for future generations, we need it now.
the climate crisis is here, all around us
we don’t need climate action just for future generations, we need it now.
the climate crisis is here, all around us
Reposted by Madeleine Pelzel
By all means let's keep building AI data centers that use a water supply the equivalent of Guatemala's yearly consumption. I mean, what could possibly go wrong
Water is becoming a major issue in the Southern California fires.
As crews battled the wildfire in Pacific Palisades, they put so much strain on the water system that the fire hydrants ran dry.
The fires have also fed ash into the water supply, leading to a boil order notice.
As crews battled the wildfire in Pacific Palisades, they put so much strain on the water system that the fire hydrants ran dry.
The fires have also fed ash into the water supply, leading to a boil order notice.
Fire hydrants ran dry in Pacific Palisades as a major wildfire raged
Janisse Quiñones, CEO of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, said the fight to contain the flames has put immense strain on the system.
www.npr.org
January 8, 2025 at 11:24 PM
By all means let's keep building AI data centers that use a water supply the equivalent of Guatemala's yearly consumption. I mean, what could possibly go wrong
Reposted by Madeleine Pelzel
Carsharing is woefully unappreciated and a key tool for enabling car-light lifestyles. Not only do we provide few public subsidies or supports for carsharing in the U.S., but we often tax it like crazy.
It's pretty clear that bike- and scooter-shares reduce car trips, but is it time to consider a subsidized or nonprofit model for car-shares as well?
Learn more in headlines.
Learn more in headlines.
Friday's Headlines Share and Share Alike — Streetsblog USA
It's pretty clear that bike- and scooter-shares reduce car trips, but it may be time to consider a subsidized or nonprofit model for car-shares as well.
usa.streetsblog.org
December 20, 2024 at 2:16 PM
Carsharing is woefully unappreciated and a key tool for enabling car-light lifestyles. Not only do we provide few public subsidies or supports for carsharing in the U.S., but we often tax it like crazy.
And for that reason, shark tank is OUT
The Shark Tank guy is a big fan of Trump's push to take over Canada.
“I think in this kernel of an idea — yes, maybe it was a joke to start — there is something great here to be done... it would be the most powerful country on earth!"
www.independent.co.uk/news/world/a...
“I think in this kernel of an idea — yes, maybe it was a joke to start — there is something great here to be done... it would be the most powerful country on earth!"
www.independent.co.uk/news/world/a...
Shark Tank star says there’s ‘something great’ about making Canada the 51st state
“Because if you figured out a way to put these two countries together, it would be the most powerful country on earth,” Kevin O’Leary declared on Fox News.
www.independent.co.uk
December 27, 2024 at 6:29 PM
And for that reason, shark tank is OUT
Reposted by Madeleine Pelzel
It’s a little unfair that we are asking transit buses, of all vehicles, to carry the water for decarbonizing transportation. The technology is there for private autos which are a much bigger source of pollution but it is not nearly as good for buses which have a much more demanding service pattern.
King County Metro is set to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on electrifying its fleet and converting its bus bases, but the question of whether those projects come at the expense of transit service is set to get a closer.
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2024/12/26/i...
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2024/12/26/i...
December 27, 2024 at 4:14 AM
It’s a little unfair that we are asking transit buses, of all vehicles, to carry the water for decarbonizing transportation. The technology is there for private autos which are a much bigger source of pollution but it is not nearly as good for buses which have a much more demanding service pattern.
Reposted by Madeleine Pelzel
since buses make up 1.4% of seattle’s annual emissions maybe we should use that money to expand transit to add frequency rather than buying electric battery buses?
INBOX: “King County Metro has contracted with European bus builder Solaris to buy up to 16 zero-emission buses. This marks Solaris’ first contract with a U.S.-based transit agency and represents the company’s effort to expand its presence in the North American market.” 🚌
December 23, 2024 at 10:27 PM
since buses make up 1.4% of seattle’s annual emissions maybe we should use that money to expand transit to add frequency rather than buying electric battery buses?