David Deemer
@daviddeemer.bsky.social
Thought-provoking content on bioethics, MedEd, urban design, and more. Physician. Opinions my own.
Pinned
David Deemer
@daviddeemer.bsky.social
· Dec 1
What Should Health Professions Trainees Learn About Built Environment Activism?
This article offers examples of connections between built environments and health outcomes and regulation of built environments.
journalofethics.ama-assn.org
Should doctors be urban design advocates? Absolutely!
Built environmental advocacy is fundamentally a public health issue. Everyone, including health professionals, can advocate for healthier, safer environments in their communities.
Read more here:
journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/what...
Built environmental advocacy is fundamentally a public health issue. Everyone, including health professionals, can advocate for healthier, safer environments in their communities.
Read more here:
journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/what...
Reposted by David Deemer
In the Netherlands, where the Dutch invest in safe cycling, the over-65s cycle around a quarter of their journeys, while the over-80s cycle around 10% of theirs.
Low Traffic Neighbourhoods and cycle lanes don't 'restrict freedom', they expand it.
Low Traffic Neighbourhoods and cycle lanes don't 'restrict freedom', they expand it.
December 2, 2025 at 2:41 PM
In the Netherlands, where the Dutch invest in safe cycling, the over-65s cycle around a quarter of their journeys, while the over-80s cycle around 10% of theirs.
Low Traffic Neighbourhoods and cycle lanes don't 'restrict freedom', they expand it.
Low Traffic Neighbourhoods and cycle lanes don't 'restrict freedom', they expand it.
Reposted by David Deemer
Vaccines & autism make headlines. But the root of the problem -- statistical shenanigans - doesn't
If you test enough variables, you're gonna find some associations.
@adamjkucharski.bsky.social explains.
kucharski.substack.com/p/is-this-pa...
If you test enough variables, you're gonna find some associations.
@adamjkucharski.bsky.social explains.
kucharski.substack.com/p/is-this-pa...
How good are you at spotting patterns?
The perils of mistaking randomness for meaning
kucharski.substack.com
November 23, 2025 at 1:12 PM
Vaccines & autism make headlines. But the root of the problem -- statistical shenanigans - doesn't
If you test enough variables, you're gonna find some associations.
@adamjkucharski.bsky.social explains.
kucharski.substack.com/p/is-this-pa...
If you test enough variables, you're gonna find some associations.
@adamjkucharski.bsky.social explains.
kucharski.substack.com/p/is-this-pa...
Reposted by David Deemer
ah, perhaps instead of pumping millions into endless factional infighting Dem donors could invest in making local Dem organizations genuine civic spaces that can reach people during and between elections
November 5, 2025 at 12:49 PM
ah, perhaps instead of pumping millions into endless factional infighting Dem donors could invest in making local Dem organizations genuine civic spaces that can reach people during and between elections
Reposted by David Deemer
who creates the lively art and music scenes if the rent is too high? who makes cultural life? who serves you food or washes your dishes? who creates the fancy little restaurants that draw you to urban living? affordable housing is at the heart of what makes city life worthwhile.
October 26, 2025 at 6:04 AM
who creates the lively art and music scenes if the rent is too high? who makes cultural life? who serves you food or washes your dishes? who creates the fancy little restaurants that draw you to urban living? affordable housing is at the heart of what makes city life worthwhile.
Reposting here: proud to be an @acpimphysicians.bsky.social member. 👏 💪 🩺
September 10, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Reposting here: proud to be an @acpimphysicians.bsky.social member. 👏 💪 🩺
Reposted by David Deemer
IMPORTANT STUDY: “On average, the implementation of 30 km/h speed limits in European cities demonstrated a 23%, 37% & 38% reduction in road crashes, fatalities & injuries respectively. Lower speed limits also yielded environmental benefits.” www.nrso.ntua.gr/review-of-ci...
September 9, 2025 at 7:35 PM
IMPORTANT STUDY: “On average, the implementation of 30 km/h speed limits in European cities demonstrated a 23%, 37% & 38% reduction in road crashes, fatalities & injuries respectively. Lower speed limits also yielded environmental benefits.” www.nrso.ntua.gr/review-of-ci...
Reposted by David Deemer
"...the number of people killed or seriously injured on London borough roads reduced by 34% following the implementation of 20mph speed limits, with the number of children killed falling by 75% (from four to one)."
Via London Mayor Sadiq Khan @london.gov.uk
Via London Mayor Sadiq Khan @london.gov.uk
Dear Britain, it’s now clear: 20mph zones save lives and don’t slow traffic. Implement them | Sadiq Khan
There is too much bluff and bluster on this subject. Ordinary people just want safe streets for themselves and those they love, and we can achieve that, says London mayor Sadiq Khan
www.theguardian.com
August 20, 2025 at 3:57 PM
"...the number of people killed or seriously injured on London borough roads reduced by 34% following the implementation of 20mph speed limits, with the number of children killed falling by 75% (from four to one)."
Via London Mayor Sadiq Khan @london.gov.uk
Via London Mayor Sadiq Khan @london.gov.uk
Reposted by David Deemer
Online Safety Act: "a little inconvenience is a small price to protect our children"
Asking people to drive responsibly where there are children: *tumbleweeds*
Asking people to drive responsibly where there are children: *tumbleweeds*
August 5, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Online Safety Act: "a little inconvenience is a small price to protect our children"
Asking people to drive responsibly where there are children: *tumbleweeds*
Asking people to drive responsibly where there are children: *tumbleweeds*
Reposted by David Deemer
Gigantic SUVs are a public health threat. Why don’t we treat them like one?
The anti-smoking playbook is worth studying and learning from, and is completely applicable to oversized cars.
This is a good article, worth reading.
Via @davidzipper.bsky.social in @vox.com #CarBloat
The anti-smoking playbook is worth studying and learning from, and is completely applicable to oversized cars.
This is a good article, worth reading.
Via @davidzipper.bsky.social in @vox.com #CarBloat
Gigantic SUVs are a public health threat. Why don’t we treat them like one?
The anti-tobacco playbook could help turn the US public against their beloved oversized cars.
www.vox.com
July 20, 2025 at 3:13 AM
Gigantic SUVs are a public health threat. Why don’t we treat them like one?
The anti-smoking playbook is worth studying and learning from, and is completely applicable to oversized cars.
This is a good article, worth reading.
Via @davidzipper.bsky.social in @vox.com #CarBloat
The anti-smoking playbook is worth studying and learning from, and is completely applicable to oversized cars.
This is a good article, worth reading.
Via @davidzipper.bsky.social in @vox.com #CarBloat
Reposted by David Deemer
The “E-Bike Effect:” Those who bought e-bikes increased their average daily bicycle use from 2.1km (1.3 miles) to 9.2km (5.7 miles), a 340% increase. The e-bike share of all their transportation increased dramatically too; from 17% to 49%.
E-bikes support fewer car trips.
V @lloydalter.bsky.social
E-bikes support fewer car trips.
V @lloydalter.bsky.social
E-Bikers Ride Much Farther and More Frequently Than Regular Bikers
They are not 'cheating,' but are serious transportation.
www.treehugger.com
July 14, 2025 at 2:43 AM
The “E-Bike Effect:” Those who bought e-bikes increased their average daily bicycle use from 2.1km (1.3 miles) to 9.2km (5.7 miles), a 340% increase. The e-bike share of all their transportation increased dramatically too; from 17% to 49%.
E-bikes support fewer car trips.
V @lloydalter.bsky.social
E-bikes support fewer car trips.
V @lloydalter.bsky.social
Reposted by David Deemer
Every day the world presents you with the wrong battles, designed to waste your energy so you don't fight the right ones.
July 12, 2025 at 11:20 PM
Every day the world presents you with the wrong battles, designed to waste your energy so you don't fight the right ones.
Reposted by David Deemer
Trump and MAGA voted to kill 17 million Americans. The Big Beautiful Bill is the Big Autogenocide Bill. #3E #EndAutogenocide
July 1, 2025 at 2:25 AM
Trump and MAGA voted to kill 17 million Americans. The Big Beautiful Bill is the Big Autogenocide Bill. #3E #EndAutogenocide
Such important work right now, quantifying the impact these cuts will have on the health of Americans (up to 12.6k preventable deaths/yr!). Contact your legislators and share your thoughts. Thanks @awgaffney.bsky.social and colleagues for your work! immattersacp.org/weekly/archi...
Proposed Medicaid cuts would undermine financial well-being, increase preventable mortality
Medicaid cuts proposed by the U.S. House of Representatives' Budget Committee could lead to between 651 and 12,626 medically preventable deaths annually and increase the number of uninsured Americans ...
immattersacp.org
June 17, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Such important work right now, quantifying the impact these cuts will have on the health of Americans (up to 12.6k preventable deaths/yr!). Contact your legislators and share your thoughts. Thanks @awgaffney.bsky.social and colleagues for your work! immattersacp.org/weekly/archi...
Reposted by David Deemer
What happens when cities invest in walking & biking? UCLA & Google studied 11,500+ cities—the largest global look at active travel.
✅ Safer, denser streets = more walking & biking
✅ A global shift could cut emissions 6%
✅ $435B/year in health benefits
newsroom.ucla.edu/re...
✅ Safer, denser streets = more walking & biking
✅ A global shift could cut emissions 6%
✅ $435B/year in health benefits
newsroom.ucla.edu/re...
‘Active travel’ study identifies pathways for designing walking- and cycling-friendly cities
City-level policies reduce global emissions by 6% and create about $435 billion in health benefits.
newsroom.ucla.edu
June 16, 2025 at 6:00 PM
What happens when cities invest in walking & biking? UCLA & Google studied 11,500+ cities—the largest global look at active travel.
✅ Safer, denser streets = more walking & biking
✅ A global shift could cut emissions 6%
✅ $435B/year in health benefits
newsroom.ucla.edu/re...
✅ Safer, denser streets = more walking & biking
✅ A global shift could cut emissions 6%
✅ $435B/year in health benefits
newsroom.ucla.edu/re...
Reposted by David Deemer
even the NYPD isn't pretending subways are crime-ridden hellscapes!
"Subway crime decreased to the second-lowest level in 27 years, with major crime dropping 18.1% (465 vs. 568) during the first quarter, and zero murders in the transit system for the first time in seven years."
"Subway crime decreased to the second-lowest level in 27 years, with major crime dropping 18.1% (465 vs. 568) during the first quarter, and zero murders in the transit system for the first time in seven years."
June 16, 2025 at 3:10 PM
even the NYPD isn't pretending subways are crime-ridden hellscapes!
"Subway crime decreased to the second-lowest level in 27 years, with major crime dropping 18.1% (465 vs. 568) during the first quarter, and zero murders in the transit system for the first time in seven years."
"Subway crime decreased to the second-lowest level in 27 years, with major crime dropping 18.1% (465 vs. 568) during the first quarter, and zero murders in the transit system for the first time in seven years."
Just wanted the best video I’ve seen on the impacts of design on motor vehicle speed and pedestrian safety. Massive credit to @justineunderhill.bsky.social for a phenomenal job done! #visionzero youtu.be/v6LIYQRglnM?...
Why speed limits don't matter
YouTube video by Justine Underhill
youtu.be
June 13, 2025 at 9:49 AM
Just wanted the best video I’ve seen on the impacts of design on motor vehicle speed and pedestrian safety. Massive credit to @justineunderhill.bsky.social for a phenomenal job done! #visionzero youtu.be/v6LIYQRglnM?...
Reposted by David Deemer
Hey, you know what goes really fast, takes up a lot more space, emits a lot more pollution/noise/GHG emissions, costs a lot more public money, and is FAR more dangerous in cities than any kind of bike in a city where most don’t drive?
Cars.
So, about that “enough is enough”…
Cars.
So, about that “enough is enough”…
After we broke this yesterday, Adams confirmed he's enacting a 15 mph e-bike speed limit in NYC because "enough is enough."
The news caught Lyft, which runs NYC's Citi Bike fleet, surprise. "If this proposal is real, we would express deep concern," Lyft says. www.nydailynews.com/2025/06/04/n...
The news caught Lyft, which runs NYC's Citi Bike fleet, surprise. "If this proposal is real, we would express deep concern," Lyft says. www.nydailynews.com/2025/06/04/n...
NYC implementing 15 mph speed limit on e-bikes amid crackdown, safety concerns
Mayor Adams said late Wednesday he will be instituting a 15 mph speed limit on e-bikes citywide amid growing concern over safety on New York’s streets.
www.nydailynews.com
June 6, 2025 at 8:48 PM
Hey, you know what goes really fast, takes up a lot more space, emits a lot more pollution/noise/GHG emissions, costs a lot more public money, and is FAR more dangerous in cities than any kind of bike in a city where most don’t drive?
Cars.
So, about that “enough is enough”…
Cars.
So, about that “enough is enough”…
Reposted by David Deemer
Vienna's first Dutch-inspired cycling street was recently completed on Argentinierstraße, totally transforming the 1.3 km corridor. 140 car parking spaces were removed to significantly improve the walking and cycling experience—while adding greenery and seating to also turn it into a place to stay.🧵
June 4, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Vienna's first Dutch-inspired cycling street was recently completed on Argentinierstraße, totally transforming the 1.3 km corridor. 140 car parking spaces were removed to significantly improve the walking and cycling experience—while adding greenery and seating to also turn it into a place to stay.🧵
Reposted by David Deemer
Congestion pricing in NYC has been a policy miracle. It has dramatically reduced air and noise pollution, saved drivers time money and New Yorker *lives.* There has been a ~50% reduction in injury crashes in the congestion relief zone. Pricing driving delivers better transportation for *everyone.*
May 29, 2025 at 8:13 PM
Congestion pricing in NYC has been a policy miracle. It has dramatically reduced air and noise pollution, saved drivers time money and New Yorker *lives.* There has been a ~50% reduction in injury crashes in the congestion relief zone. Pricing driving delivers better transportation for *everyone.*
Reposted by David Deemer
ACOG is concerned about and extremely disappointed by the announcement that HHS will no longer recommend COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy. 🩺 🛟 #ReproSky #WomensHealth
www.acog.org/news/news-re....
www.acog.org/news/news-re....
ACOG Statement on HHS Recommendations Regarding the COVID Vaccine During Pregnancy
ACOG strongly opposes the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' decision to stop recommending the COVID vaccination during pregnancy, citing clear evidence of its safety and effectiveness in p...
www.acog.org
May 28, 2025 at 12:19 AM
ACOG is concerned about and extremely disappointed by the announcement that HHS will no longer recommend COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy. 🩺 🛟 #ReproSky #WomensHealth
www.acog.org/news/news-re....
www.acog.org/news/news-re....
Reposted by David Deemer
The wording of the question has changed, but congestion pricing is now at -2 statewide; +10 in NYC in this month's Siena poll. That's a 20 point swing from -22 statewide shortly before launch in December.
December poll: scri.siena.edu/wp-content/u...
May poll: scri.siena.edu/wp-content/u...
December poll: scri.siena.edu/wp-content/u...
May poll: scri.siena.edu/wp-content/u...
May 20, 2025 at 2:01 PM
The wording of the question has changed, but congestion pricing is now at -2 statewide; +10 in NYC in this month's Siena poll. That's a 20 point swing from -22 statewide shortly before launch in December.
December poll: scri.siena.edu/wp-content/u...
May poll: scri.siena.edu/wp-content/u...
December poll: scri.siena.edu/wp-content/u...
May poll: scri.siena.edu/wp-content/u...
Reposted by David Deemer
“Vehicles with higher, more vertical front ends pose greater risk to pedestrians. Vehicles with especially tall front ends are most dangerous to pedestrians, but a blunt profile makes medium-height vehicles deadly too.”
Deadly by design. And they know it.
www.iihs.org/news/detail/...
Deadly by design. And they know it.
www.iihs.org/news/detail/...
May 18, 2025 at 3:31 PM
“Vehicles with higher, more vertical front ends pose greater risk to pedestrians. Vehicles with especially tall front ends are most dangerous to pedestrians, but a blunt profile makes medium-height vehicles deadly too.”
Deadly by design. And they know it.
www.iihs.org/news/detail/...
Deadly by design. And they know it.
www.iihs.org/news/detail/...
Reposted by David Deemer
Our study revealed that air pollution, lack of green space and areas built primarily from concrete and asphalt were key factors in asthma risk.
Urban environments significantly increase risk of developing asthma – new research
Our study revealed that air pollution, lack of green space and areas built primarily from concrete and asphalt were key factors in asthma risk.
tcnv.link
May 16, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Our study revealed that air pollution, lack of green space and areas built primarily from concrete and asphalt were key factors in asthma risk.
Reposted by David Deemer
NYC’s congestion pricing is a policy miracle: Less traffic, less noise, faster transit, more business sales, more transit revenue. And it hasn’t produced the negative effects outside the cordon zone we were afraid of.
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
May 12, 2025 at 12:10 PM
NYC’s congestion pricing is a policy miracle: Less traffic, less noise, faster transit, more business sales, more transit revenue. And it hasn’t produced the negative effects outside the cordon zone we were afraid of.
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Reposted by David Deemer
Some stats from 100 days in on congestion pricing:
- Complaints about car-honking are down 70%
- The Holland Tunnel has 65% fewer delays at rush hour; time to get thru it is down 48%
- 6 million fewer cars
- Half as many traffic-related injuries
- 1.5 million more visitors to BIDs year over year
- Complaints about car-honking are down 70%
- The Holland Tunnel has 65% fewer delays at rush hour; time to get thru it is down 48%
- 6 million fewer cars
- Half as many traffic-related injuries
- 1.5 million more visitors to BIDs year over year
How Well Is Congestion Pricing Doing? Very.
One hundred days in, honking is down; bus speeds are up.
www.curbed.com
April 15, 2025 at 7:22 PM
Some stats from 100 days in on congestion pricing:
- Complaints about car-honking are down 70%
- The Holland Tunnel has 65% fewer delays at rush hour; time to get thru it is down 48%
- 6 million fewer cars
- Half as many traffic-related injuries
- 1.5 million more visitors to BIDs year over year
- Complaints about car-honking are down 70%
- The Holland Tunnel has 65% fewer delays at rush hour; time to get thru it is down 48%
- 6 million fewer cars
- Half as many traffic-related injuries
- 1.5 million more visitors to BIDs year over year