#mobilitydesign — Public Fediverse posts

“More than half of all road deaths are people who aren't even in a car – they are walking, cycling or riding a motorcycle. When roads are designed as if only car drivers matter, these people are left dangerously exposed,” said Dr Etienne Krug Director of the Department of Health Determinants, Promotion and Prevention at WHO. “We know what works – strong laws and enforcement, safe infrastructure and vehicles with particular attention to lowering speed and addressing impaired driving. This declaration means we must all go further and faster.”

https://www.who.int/news/item/20-07-2026-road-deaths-fall-by-21--globally-but-stronger-action-is-needed-to-save-lives
#MobilityDesign #mortality #pedestrians #motorists #cars #speed #RoadTrauma

“More than half of all road deaths are people who aren't even in a car – they are walking, cycling or riding a motorcycle. When roads are designed as if only car drivers matter, these people are left dangerously exposed,” said Dr Etienne Krug Director of the Department of Health Determinants, Promotion and Prevention at WHO. “We know what works – strong laws and enforcement, safe infrastructure and vehicles with particular attention to lowering speed and addressing impaired driving. This declaration means we must all go further and faster.”

https://www.who.int/news/item/20-07-2026-road-deaths-fall-by-21--globally-but-stronger-action-is-needed-to-save-lives
#MobilityDesign #mortality #pedestrians #motorists #cars #speed #RoadTrauma

🚗✨ Am 24. und 25. Juli zeigen Studierende der Hochschule Hof bei den Mobility Design Days 2026 in der MOTORWORLD München (ICONS HALL 1) ihre Projekte: Design und Mobilität (B.A.), Artificial Intelligence Aided Mobility Design (M.A.) und Textile Design (B.A.). Für den Master AMD ist es die Premiere mit studentischen Arbeiten in der Öffentlichkeit! 🎨🤖
#dieforschendehochschulehof #hierwirdknallhartgeforscht #wisskomm #MobilityDesign #Design #Academia #munchen #Mobilität #Mobility #AI #KI

🚗✨ Am 24. und 25. Juli zeigen Studierende der Hochschule Hof bei den Mobility Design Days 2026 in der MOTORWORLD München (ICONS HALL 1) ihre Projekte: Design und Mobilität (B.A.), Artificial Intelligence Aided Mobility Design (M.A.) und Textile Design (B.A.). Für den Master AMD ist es die Premiere mit studentischen Arbeiten in der Öffentlichkeit! 🎨🤖
#dieforschendehochschulehof #hierwirdknallhartgeforscht #wisskomm #MobilityDesign #Design #Academia #munchen #Mobilität #Mobility #AI #KI

Motorised bikes
First they put e-bikes on the market, then it is a long wait for regulation of illegal high-powered 'motorbikes' on shared pathways and beaches.

There has been "...alleged antisocial and criminal behaviour involving a group of youths riding e-bikes in the Moonee and North Sapphire Beach areas."

"The claims echo concerns being raised in communities right across the state. For many locals, the issue isn’t just legality. It’s safety on shared pathways residents once felt confident using every day." >>
https://coffscoast.newsofthearea.com.au/technology-outpaces-the-law-on-e-bikes
#pedestrians #motorists #Ebike #safety #regulation #beaches #MooneeBeach #NorthSapphireBeach #Sawtell #CoffsHarbour #NSW #MotorVehicles #MobilityDesign #ActiveTansportInfrastructure
#MidNorthCoast #SapphireBeach #NorthSapphireBeachPlayground #parenting #AntisocialBehaviour #DissocialBehaviours #crime

Motorised bikes
First they put e-bikes on the market, then it is a long wait for regulation of illegal high-powered 'motorbikes' on shared pathways and beaches.

There has been "...alleged antisocial and criminal behaviour involving a group of youths riding e-bikes in the Moonee and North Sapphire Beach areas."

"The claims echo concerns being raised in communities right across the state. For many locals, the issue isn’t just legality. It’s safety on shared pathways residents once felt confident using every day." >>
https://coffscoast.newsofthearea.com.au/technology-outpaces-the-law-on-e-bikes
#pedestrians #motorists #Ebike #safety #regulation #beaches #MooneeBeach #NorthSapphireBeach #Sawtell #CoffsHarbour #NSW #MotorVehicles #MobilityDesign #ActiveTansportInfrastructure
#MidNorthCoast #SapphireBeach #NorthSapphireBeachPlayground #parenting #AntisocialBehaviour #DissocialBehaviours #crime

Traffic jams? Consider underground tunnels to ease congestion on the hot roads

Elon Musk "really profits from a kind of terra nullius environment, where there’s as few regulations as possible, and he can quickly move into a relatively empty space and dominate it,” Slobodian says. Just as he achieved that with SpaceX’s rockets and Starlink’s low Earth orbit satellites, so Musk doubtless saw the underground realm as territory for the taking."

We urgently need an uncongested tunnel underneath Hyde St in car-dependent #Bellingen >>
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/jun/17/neoliberal-nightmare-my-ride-on-vegas-loop-elon-musk-answer-to-traffic-jams
#cars #congestion #traffic #cardependent #MobilityDesign #TerritoryforTheTaking #tunnels #climate #ExtremeHeat #EmptySpace #UndergroundRealm #TerraNullius #environment #deregulation

Traffic jams? Consider underground tunnels to ease congestion on the hot roads

Elon Musk "really profits from a kind of terra nullius environment, where there’s as few regulations as possible, and he can quickly move into a relatively empty space and dominate it,” Slobodian says. Just as he achieved that with SpaceX’s rockets and Starlink’s low Earth orbit satellites, so Musk doubtless saw the underground realm as territory for the taking."

We urgently need an uncongested tunnel underneath Hyde St in car-dependent #Bellingen >>
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/jun/17/neoliberal-nightmare-my-ride-on-vegas-loop-elon-musk-answer-to-traffic-jams
#cars #congestion #traffic #cardependent #MobilityDesign #TerritoryforTheTaking #tunnels #climate #ExtremeHeat #EmptySpace #UndergroundRealm #TerraNullius #environment #deregulation

Nudging drivers to share the roads with wildlife

"Motorists are being urged to slow down and stay alert for wildlife as Transport for NSW launches its annual “Animals on Country Roads” safety campaign.

"Between 2016 and 2025, 26 people were killed and more than 1,250 crashes resulted in injuries involving animals on country roads. Kangaroos were involved in the highest proportion of fatal crashes involving animals in NSW, accounting for 44 per cent of deaths over the past decade."

“Driving on country roads means sharing the road with animals that can move quickly and unpredictably...Slow down, stay alert – especially at dawn and dusk – and take note of the animal warning signs. Also look out for animals near creeks and waterholes."

"The campaign runs until 30 June, encouraging motorists to take extra care on country roads and be prepared for unexpected wildlife hazards, including reporting injured animals to WIRES on 1300 094 737." >>
https://nambuccavalley.newsofthearea.com.au/look-out-for-wildlife-campaign
#cars #motorists #speeding #MobilityDesign #roads #HabitatFragmentation #wildlife #livestock #RoadKill #RoadTrauma
Image: Young passenger's view of native wildlife on NSW road shoulder

Nudging drivers to share the roads with wildlife

"Motorists are being urged to slow down and stay alert for wildlife as Transport for NSW launches its annual “Animals on Country Roads” safety campaign.

"Between 2016 and 2025, 26 people were killed and more than 1,250 crashes resulted in injuries involving animals on country roads. Kangaroos were involved in the highest proportion of fatal crashes involving animals in NSW, accounting for 44 per cent of deaths over the past decade."

“Driving on country roads means sharing the road with animals that can move quickly and unpredictably...Slow down, stay alert – especially at dawn and dusk – and take note of the animal warning signs. Also look out for animals near creeks and waterholes."

"The campaign runs until 30 June, encouraging motorists to take extra care on country roads and be prepared for unexpected wildlife hazards, including reporting injured animals to WIRES on 1300 094 737." >>
https://nambuccavalley.newsofthearea.com.au/look-out-for-wildlife-campaign
#cars #motorists #speeding #MobilityDesign #roads #HabitatFragmentation #wildlife #livestock #RoadKill #RoadTrauma
Image: Young passenger's view of native wildlife on NSW road shoulder

Crashes at Lavenders Bridge, North Bellingen

* Just a short time ago two women were killed and another seriously injured after a motorist 'lost control' near the notorious Lavender Bridge and smashed into two cars parked at the riverside swimming spot. >>
https://coffscoast.newsofthearea.com.au/a-woman-has-tragically-died-in-a-crash-at-bellingen-on-thursday-afternoon

* Today there was another serious incident involving two e-bikes. An ambulance was seen at the crash zone. An injured person was seen lying on the ground. (The ambulance is visible on the Kombu Flood Camera at 2026-05-24 11.26 ) >>
https://kombuwholefoods.com.au/floodcam/

* The long road to a bike-friendly Australia >>
https://mastodon.au/@Bellingen/116626357349183983

* In the design of the new 'Lavenders Bridge Replacement' bikes and foot traffic do not seem to be a feature. A lot of bitumen was smeared over the river banks to facilitate the convenience for cars (parking).

Image: North Bellingen, Lavender Bridge Black Spot by design

#MobilityDesign #LavendersBridge #cars #motorists #infrastructure #climate #ActiveTransport #footpaths #SharedStreet #cyclists #ProtectedBikeLanes #dehumanisation #sprawl #suburbia #traffic #aggression #RoadRage #RoadTrauma #CarDependency #FossilFuels #BellingenShire #accidents #crash #pedestrians

Crashes at Lavenders Bridge, North Bellingen

* Just a short time ago two women were killed and another seriously injured after a motorist 'lost control' near the notorious Lavender Bridge and smashed into two cars parked at the riverside swimming spot. >>
https://coffscoast.newsofthearea.com.au/a-woman-has-tragically-died-in-a-crash-at-bellingen-on-thursday-afternoon

* Today there was another serious incident involving two e-bikes. An ambulance was seen at the crash zone. An injured person was seen lying on the ground. (The ambulance is visible on the Kombu Flood Camera at 2026-05-24 11.26 ) >>
https://kombuwholefoods.com.au/floodcam/

* The long road to a bike-friendly Australia >>
https://mastodon.au/@Bellingen/116626357349183983

* In the design of the new 'Lavenders Bridge Replacement' bikes and foot traffic do not seem to be a feature. A lot of bitumen was smeared over the river banks to facilitate the convenience for cars (parking).

Image: North Bellingen, Lavender Bridge Black Spot by design

#MobilityDesign #LavendersBridge #cars #motorists #infrastructure #climate #ActiveTransport #footpaths #SharedStreet #cyclists #ProtectedBikeLanes #dehumanisation #sprawl #suburbia #traffic #aggression #RoadRage #RoadTrauma #CarDependency #FossilFuels #BellingenShire #accidents #crash #pedestrians

The long road to a bike-friendly Australia
and the dehumanisation of cyclists

* "At the rate Australian cities are building cycling networks, a cohesive system is probably decades away. What’s taking so long?

"NSW wants to double active transport trips in 20 years...But at the rate Australian cities are building cycling networks, a cohesive system is probably another 50 years away, experts speaking to The Fifth Estate warned. Progress is slow. (One bike bridge was recently installed in Melbourne after 37 years of lobbying and discussion.)"

"A 2024 report by The Australia Institute points out that less than 1 per cent of federal road funding goes to active transport infrastructure."

"Richter was one of 49 bike riders who died on Australian roads last year, up on the average of around 38 deaths per year between 2012-23. (Thousands more were hospitalised with serious injuries during that period.)." >>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-24/active-transport-cycling-bikes-cities-safety/106710436

* Dehumanization of cyclists predicts self-reported aggressive behaviour toward them: A pilot study >>
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1369847818308593?dgcid=author

#MobilityDesign #cars #motorists #infrastructure #climate #ActiveTransport #footpaths #SharedStreet #cyclists #ProtectedBikeLanes #dehumanisation #sprawl #suburbia #traffic #aggression #RoadRage #RoadTrauma #CarDependency #FossilFuels #Australia

IMAGE: Children on scooters on a 'normal' Bellingen bitumen streetscape lacking a footpath or a cycle path. Nothing is protecting the flesh and blood from metal and steel.

The long road to a bike-friendly Australia
and the dehumanisation of cyclists

* "At the rate Australian cities are building cycling networks, a cohesive system is probably decades away. What’s taking so long?

"NSW wants to double active transport trips in 20 years...But at the rate Australian cities are building cycling networks, a cohesive system is probably another 50 years away, experts speaking to The Fifth Estate warned. Progress is slow. (One bike bridge was recently installed in Melbourne after 37 years of lobbying and discussion.)"

"A 2024 report by The Australia Institute points out that less than 1 per cent of federal road funding goes to active transport infrastructure."

"Richter was one of 49 bike riders who died on Australian roads last year, up on the average of around 38 deaths per year between 2012-23. (Thousands more were hospitalised with serious injuries during that period.)." >>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-24/active-transport-cycling-bikes-cities-safety/106710436

* Dehumanization of cyclists predicts self-reported aggressive behaviour toward them: A pilot study >>
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1369847818308593?dgcid=author

#MobilityDesign #cars #motorists #infrastructure #climate #ActiveTransport #footpaths #SharedStreet #cyclists #ProtectedBikeLanes #dehumanisation #sprawl #suburbia #traffic #aggression #RoadRage #RoadTrauma #CarDependency #FossilFuels #Australia

IMAGE: Children on scooters on a 'normal' Bellingen bitumen streetscape lacking a footpath or a cycle path. Nothing is protecting the flesh and blood from metal and steel.

Get a mayor

It is said that Australia is currently experiencing a nationwide pothole crisis, driven by the combustion of fossil fuel. (Extreme weather, flooding, and aging infrastructure)

Motorists (and other residents) could elect a mayor who actually acts on worn out roads as well as taking action to address issues of pressing public concerns.

* Potholes everywhere: how climate change is trashing Australia’s roads >>
https://theconversation.com/intense-rain-landslides-and-potholes-everywhere-how-climate-change-is-trashing-australias-roads-264328

* "Mamdani has also filled over 100,000 potholes. I’m no expert, but the data suggests that is a remarkable rate of hole-filling." >>
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/may/19/when-i-look-zohran-mamdani-jealous-of-new-yorkers

* Here’s a list of things Zohran Mamdani has done in just four months , First Dog on the Moon >>
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/picture/2026/may/18/heres-a-list-of-things-zohran-mamdani-has-done-in-just-four-months

Image: First Dog on the Moon, Guardian
#councils #CivicLeadership #mayors #PublicConcerns #action #inequality #BellingenShire #climate #FossilFuels #MobilityDesign #housing

Get a mayor

It is said that Australia is currently experiencing a nationwide pothole crisis, driven by the combustion of fossil fuel. (Extreme weather, flooding, and aging infrastructure)

Motorists (and other residents) could elect a mayor who actually acts on worn out roads as well as taking action to address issues of pressing public concerns.

* Potholes everywhere: how climate change is trashing Australia’s roads >>
https://theconversation.com/intense-rain-landslides-and-potholes-everywhere-how-climate-change-is-trashing-australias-roads-264328

* "Mamdani has also filled over 100,000 potholes. I’m no expert, but the data suggests that is a remarkable rate of hole-filling." >>
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/may/19/when-i-look-zohran-mamdani-jealous-of-new-yorkers

* Here’s a list of things Zohran Mamdani has done in just four months , First Dog on the Moon >>
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/picture/2026/may/18/heres-a-list-of-things-zohran-mamdani-has-done-in-just-four-months

Image: First Dog on the Moon, Guardian
#councils #CivicLeadership #mayors #PublicConcerns #action #inequality #BellingenShire #climate #FossilFuels #MobilityDesign #housing

The state of young Australians
A crisis of social reproduction

* “Many Australian children struggle with their mental health. Recent data shows around one in seven children (13.9%) aged 4–17 experiences a diagnosable mental illness.”

“…We estimated that reducing factors such as parental psychological distress, hostile parenting and partner violence could potentially prevent up to 40% of severe and persistent mental health problems in young Australians.” >>
https://theconversation.com/to-improve-childrens-mental-health-start-by-supporting-their-parents-271944

* Young Australians kept in the dark
Australia’s social media ban preventing teenagers from accessing the news, research finds >>
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/may/19/australias-social-media-ban-preventing-teens-from-accessing-the-news-research-finds

* Sydney mum reveals the huge cost of the school run (Young people's socialisation into (car) dependency)
"She would easily spend $170 a week on petrol, and drives between 80km and 90km often six or seven days a week, depending on what’s on. In 2024, the average household should budget between $10,000 and $25,000 a year to own car." >>
https://www.drive.com.au/caradvice/scool-run-australia-cost-2024/
#SocialReproduction #StateRetreat #CareDeficit #MentalHealth #anxiety #children #parenting #carers #family #DomesticViolence #violence #suburbia #sprawl #cars #MobilityDesign #CarDependency #work #WageStagnation #inequality #housing #instability #DoubleBurden #financialisation #outsourcing #SocialMedia #MSM #independence #citizens

The state of young Australians
A crisis of social reproduction

* “Many Australian children struggle with their mental health. Recent data shows around one in seven children (13.9%) aged 4–17 experiences a diagnosable mental illness.”

“…We estimated that reducing factors such as parental psychological distress, hostile parenting and partner violence could potentially prevent up to 40% of severe and persistent mental health problems in young Australians.” >>
https://theconversation.com/to-improve-childrens-mental-health-start-by-supporting-their-parents-271944

* Young Australians kept in the dark
Australia’s social media ban preventing teenagers from accessing the news, research finds >>
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/may/19/australias-social-media-ban-preventing-teens-from-accessing-the-news-research-finds

* Sydney mum reveals the huge cost of the school run (Young people's socialisation into (car) dependency)
"She would easily spend $170 a week on petrol, and drives between 80km and 90km often six or seven days a week, depending on what’s on. In 2024, the average household should budget between $10,000 and $25,000 a year to own car." >>
https://www.drive.com.au/caradvice/scool-run-australia-cost-2024/
#SocialReproduction #StateRetreat #CareDeficit #MentalHealth #anxiety #children #parenting #carers #family #DomesticViolence #violence #suburbia #sprawl #cars #MobilityDesign #CarDependency #work #WageStagnation #inequality #housing #instability #DoubleBurden #financialisation #outsourcing #SocialMedia #MSM #independence #citizens

Sprawl, cars and climate
Transport set to be Australia’s top-emitting sector by 2030, private cars (SUVs) still dominate.

“If you’re in suburbia or regional Australia and you’re trying to make a journey, often you’ll find public transport is just not a viable option and you have no choice but to drive."

"Experts have pointed towards an Australian love for US-style SUVs as a contributing factor to the rising death toll on roads nationwide, which has climbed every year since the pandemic, with NSW the highest of any state." >>
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/may/07/sprawling-city-public-transit-work-sydney-right-track
#sprawl #cars #SUVs #DeathToll #transport #climate #PublicTransport #NSW #MobilityDesign

Sprawl, cars and climate
Transport set to be Australia’s top-emitting sector by 2030, private cars (SUVs) still dominate.

“If you’re in suburbia or regional Australia and you’re trying to make a journey, often you’ll find public transport is just not a viable option and you have no choice but to drive."

"Experts have pointed towards an Australian love for US-style SUVs as a contributing factor to the rising death toll on roads nationwide, which has climbed every year since the pandemic, with NSW the highest of any state." >>
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/may/07/sprawling-city-public-transit-work-sydney-right-track
#sprawl #cars #SUVs #DeathToll #transport #climate #PublicTransport #NSW #MobilityDesign

Biodiversity under the wheels

Koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and other wildlife are forced to dwell in fragmented spaces having to cross many roads to go about their life. Mobility design is primarily for combustion machines to fly along their supply chains. The mobility needs of the un-motorised is not taken care of with the existing infrastructure.

"Tens of thousands of collisions with animals are recorded each year across Australia and the number appears to be rising. According to NRMA Insurance claims data, there was a 21% rise in animal collision claims from 2024-2025."

"Many large animals, including kangaroos, are most active at dusk and night, often moving to feed along roadside vegetation. Insurance data shows collisions are concentrated on regional and rural roads, where higher speeds, limited lighting and greater exposure to wildlife increase risk." >>
https://theconversation.com/crashes-involving-animals-spike-in-winter-heres-how-to-avoid-them-281531
#biodiversity #wildlife #MobilityDesign #vehicles #roads #speed #RoadTrauma #kangaroos #wallabies #koalas #wombats #birds #crashes

Biodiversity under the wheels

Koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and other wildlife are forced to dwell in fragmented spaces having to cross many roads to go about their life. Mobility design is primarily for combustion machines to fly along their supply chains. The mobility needs of the un-motorised is not taken care of with the existing infrastructure.

"Tens of thousands of collisions with animals are recorded each year across Australia and the number appears to be rising. According to NRMA Insurance claims data, there was a 21% rise in animal collision claims from 2024-2025."

"Many large animals, including kangaroos, are most active at dusk and night, often moving to feed along roadside vegetation. Insurance data shows collisions are concentrated on regional and rural roads, where higher speeds, limited lighting and greater exposure to wildlife increase risk." >>
https://theconversation.com/crashes-involving-animals-spike-in-winter-heres-how-to-avoid-them-281531
#biodiversity #wildlife #MobilityDesign #vehicles #roads #speed #RoadTrauma #kangaroos #wallabies #koalas #wombats #birds #crashes

Harvesting fruit and vegetables 'in the middle of nowhere': The Pacific Islander farm workers scheme

"With about 30,000 PALM workers in Australia as of October, that equates to about 30 deaths per 100,000 people — more than six times the national average of 4.8 per 100,000."

"Back home, I usually drive for no more than 30 minutes before reaching my destination. Here, I'd drive for hours... after working 12-hour shifts." >>
https://www.abc.net.au/pacific/palm-workers-urged-to-obey-australian-driving-laws-/104730954

"Two Pacific Islander farm workers dead" >>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-06/manjimup-fatal-crash-pacific-farm-workers/106636166
#PALM #workers #food #farms #work #AgriculturalIndustry #SettlerSociety #roads #TyrannyOfDistance #transport #rural #cars #Australia #exploitation #plantations #MobilityDesign #WideOpenSpaces #FossilFuel #FoodMiles
Image: The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, 1939

Harvesting fruit and vegetables 'in the middle of nowhere': The Pacific Islander farm workers scheme

"With about 30,000 PALM workers in Australia as of October, that equates to about 30 deaths per 100,000 people — more than six times the national average of 4.8 per 100,000."

"Back home, I usually drive for no more than 30 minutes before reaching my destination. Here, I'd drive for hours... after working 12-hour shifts." >>
https://www.abc.net.au/pacific/palm-workers-urged-to-obey-australian-driving-laws-/104730954

"Two Pacific Islander farm workers dead" >>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-06/manjimup-fatal-crash-pacific-farm-workers/106636166
#PALM #workers #food #farms #work #AgriculturalIndustry #SettlerSociety #roads #TyrannyOfDistance #transport #rural #cars #Australia #exploitation #plantations #MobilityDesign #WideOpenSpaces #FossilFuel #FoodMiles
Image: The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, 1939

Make cycling ordinary again

Cycling "in Australia, is still closely tied to being male, wearing a lot of Lycra, owning an expensive bike and costly cycling gear and riding really fast."

"In places where cycling functions as everyday transport – such as large parts of Europe and Asia – people ride in work clothes, at relaxed speeds, on practical bikes."
https://theconversation.com/you-dont-have-to-be-a-cyclist-to-ride-a-bike-heres-how-to-start-again-280451
#BicycleInfrastructure #CarCulture #OutdoorGym #Energy #uncertainty #FossilFuels #Australia #Paris #MobilityDesign

Image: Drive the car to have a bicycle ride somewhere. It is 'sport' here. In many other places it belongs to active and fossil fuel free mobility integrated into everyday life. Bellingen recreational bike strapped to a car roof

Make cycling ordinary again

Cycling "in Australia, is still closely tied to being male, wearing a lot of Lycra, owning an expensive bike and costly cycling gear and riding really fast."

"In places where cycling functions as everyday transport – such as large parts of Europe and Asia – people ride in work clothes, at relaxed speeds, on practical bikes."
https://theconversation.com/you-dont-have-to-be-a-cyclist-to-ride-a-bike-heres-how-to-start-again-280451
#BicycleInfrastructure #CarCulture #OutdoorGym #Energy #uncertainty #FossilFuels #Australia #Paris #MobilityDesign

Image: Drive the car to have a bicycle ride somewhere. It is 'sport' here. In many other places it belongs to active and fossil fuel free mobility integrated into everyday life. Bellingen recreational bike strapped to a car roof

It is not a fuel crisis,
it is a fossil fuel crisis!

Oh dear, We forgot to transition our mobility system
Go e-anything now without the matching active mobility infrastructure.

This fuel crisis could last for a while. It’s time for a new approach to fuel use – end it. >>
https://theconversation.com/this-fuel-crisis-could-last-for-a-while-its-time-for-a-new-approach-to-fuel-use-end-it-280454

#MobilityDesign #FossilFuels #CarDependency #oil #war #CarMinds #HabitFormation #idling #speeding #EnergyTransition #infrastructure #machinery #ActiveMobility #sprawl #walkability #bikepaths #EMobility #ClimateCrisis

It is not a fuel crisis,
it is a fossil fuel crisis!

Oh dear, We forgot to transition our mobility system
Go e-anything now without the matching active mobility infrastructure.

This fuel crisis could last for a while. It’s time for a new approach to fuel use – end it. >>
https://theconversation.com/this-fuel-crisis-could-last-for-a-while-its-time-for-a-new-approach-to-fuel-use-end-it-280454

#MobilityDesign #FossilFuels #CarDependency #oil #war #CarMinds #HabitFormation #idling #speeding #EnergyTransition #infrastructure #machinery #ActiveMobility #sprawl #walkability #bikepaths #EMobility #ClimateCrisis

The fuel crisis and Australians’ love affair with petrol guzzling monster cars

Now that the government is spruiking BIG car owners to "unload excess weight" and do their 'little bit' because of dwindling reserves, we are looking back on last year 's headlines to unravel how we got here.:

" Australians are obsessed with SUVs and huge utes, but experts say they are making our roads deadlier
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/13/australian-suv-huge-ute-obsession-roads-more-dangerous

* Big cars are increasing Australia’s emission and fuel bills – but what are the alternatives for families?
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/30/australia-fuel-efficient-family-cars-guide-best

* ‘You have unmet needs’: the psychology behind Australia’s love affair with big cars
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/15/you-have-unmet-needs-the-psychology-behind-australias-love-affair-with-big-cars

* Road hogs: what is Australia’s love of big cars costing us all?
https://www.theguardian.com/global/2025/mar/16/road-hogs-what-is-australias-love-of-big-cars-costing-us-all

* The cars eating Australia: should we be trying to reverse our attraction to SUVs and utes?
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/17/the-cars-eating-australia-should-we-be-trying-to-reverse-our-attraction-to-suvs-and-utes

** The Government launches $20 million fuel saving campaign: "Every little bit helps" Along with asking the public to consider using their car less, the ads promote tips to improve vehicle fuel efficiency, such as "driving smoothly" and "unloading excess weight". >>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-04-11/government-launches-multi-million-dollar-fuel-saving-campaign/106555004

Image: Australia loves huge SUVs and trucks. First Dog on the Moon
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/18/australia-loves-huge-suvs-and-trucks-will-nobody-think-of-the-car-parks

#FossilFuel #fuel #petrol #cars #vehicles #SUVs #CarDependency #PetrolDependency #EnergySecurity #consumption #climate #pollution #RaodTrauma #BigCars #BigCarparks #FuelGuzzlers #FuelSaving #TaxPerks #NegativeExternalities #RoadFatalities #RoadDeaths #speed #pedestrians #MobilityDesign #governance #Australia #love #big #ExcessWeight #roads

The fuel crisis and Australians’ love affair with petrol guzzling monster cars

Now that the government is spruiking BIG car owners to "unload excess weight" and do their 'little bit' because of dwindling reserves, we are looking back on last year 's headlines to unravel how we got here.:

" Australians are obsessed with SUVs and huge utes, but experts say they are making our roads deadlier
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/13/australian-suv-huge-ute-obsession-roads-more-dangerous

* Big cars are increasing Australia’s emission and fuel bills – but what are the alternatives for families?
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/30/australia-fuel-efficient-family-cars-guide-best

* ‘You have unmet needs’: the psychology behind Australia’s love affair with big cars
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/15/you-have-unmet-needs-the-psychology-behind-australias-love-affair-with-big-cars

* Road hogs: what is Australia’s love of big cars costing us all?
https://www.theguardian.com/global/2025/mar/16/road-hogs-what-is-australias-love-of-big-cars-costing-us-all

* The cars eating Australia: should we be trying to reverse our attraction to SUVs and utes?
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/17/the-cars-eating-australia-should-we-be-trying-to-reverse-our-attraction-to-suvs-and-utes

** The Government launches $20 million fuel saving campaign: "Every little bit helps" Along with asking the public to consider using their car less, the ads promote tips to improve vehicle fuel efficiency, such as "driving smoothly" and "unloading excess weight". >>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-04-11/government-launches-multi-million-dollar-fuel-saving-campaign/106555004

Image: Australia loves huge SUVs and trucks. First Dog on the Moon
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/18/australia-loves-huge-suvs-and-trucks-will-nobody-think-of-the-car-parks

#FossilFuel #fuel #petrol #cars #vehicles #SUVs #CarDependency #PetrolDependency #EnergySecurity #consumption #climate #pollution #RaodTrauma #BigCars #BigCarparks #FuelGuzzlers #FuelSaving #TaxPerks #NegativeExternalities #RoadFatalities #RoadDeaths #speed #pedestrians #MobilityDesign #governance #Australia #love #big #ExcessWeight #roads

Suburban sprawl and public transport deserts

"From the 1950s, sprawling low-density suburbs have been built on the assumption that households would own cars and that public transport was unnecessary."

“It’s really too late to do much in the short term, because we’ve spent 70 years planning in the other direction...The hole has been dug.”

“If we’re interested in equity and justice in our cities, then we need to be providing people, no matter where they live, with a good quality level of public transport access that allows them to get jobs, services and education that are available to people in inner-city areas." >>
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/apr/10/fuel-crisis-australia-public-transport-not-an-option
#FossilFuel #petrol #CarDependency #Suburbia #sprawl #biodiversity #extinction #PublicTransportDeserts #MobilityDesign #inequality #war #ClimateDisruption #CarMinds #malls #parking #obesity #walking #infrastructure #SmallShops #TyrannyOfDistance

Suburban sprawl and public transport deserts

"From the 1950s, sprawling low-density suburbs have been built on the assumption that households would own cars and that public transport was unnecessary."

“It’s really too late to do much in the short term, because we’ve spent 70 years planning in the other direction...The hole has been dug.”

“If we’re interested in equity and justice in our cities, then we need to be providing people, no matter where they live, with a good quality level of public transport access that allows them to get jobs, services and education that are available to people in inner-city areas." >>
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/apr/10/fuel-crisis-australia-public-transport-not-an-option
#FossilFuel #petrol #CarDependency #Suburbia #sprawl #biodiversity #extinction #PublicTransportDeserts #MobilityDesign #inequality #war #ClimateDisruption #CarMinds #malls #parking #obesity #walking #infrastructure #SmallShops #TyrannyOfDistance

World held hostage by reliance on fossil fuels,
Christiana Figueres warns – and climate health impacts are ‘mother of all injustices’

* "While the timing of the announcement – amid the US-Israel war on Iran – is coincidental, Figueres said the fuel crisis was “dramatic proof” of the global dependence on fossil fuels that is driving geopolitical instability and the health impacts the commission will examine."

“Companies should understand for their business continuation, they should reduce emissions. Governments should understand that in order for them to stabilise their economy, and protect their people, they should reduce emissions...I just think that enlightened self-interest based on scientific facts – which is what the commission is going to put forward – is a much more effective route to emission reductions than a legally binding agreement from which anybody can withdraw.”
https://www.theguardian.com/society/ng-interactive/2026/apr/08/world-held-hostage-reliance-fossil-fuels-health-christiana-figueres

* Sea-level rise is a health crisis and we must hold polluters accountable >>
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/apr/07/sea-level-rise-health-crisis-christiana-figueres
#FossilFuel #climate #war #harm #oil #petrol #SeaLevelRise #coast #Pacific #inequality #ClimateCrisis #PolyCrisis #MobilityDesign #cars #accountability #liability

World held hostage by reliance on fossil fuels,
Christiana Figueres warns – and climate health impacts are ‘mother of all injustices’

* "While the timing of the announcement – amid the US-Israel war on Iran – is coincidental, Figueres said the fuel crisis was “dramatic proof” of the global dependence on fossil fuels that is driving geopolitical instability and the health impacts the commission will examine."

“Companies should understand for their business continuation, they should reduce emissions. Governments should understand that in order for them to stabilise their economy, and protect their people, they should reduce emissions...I just think that enlightened self-interest based on scientific facts – which is what the commission is going to put forward – is a much more effective route to emission reductions than a legally binding agreement from which anybody can withdraw.”
https://www.theguardian.com/society/ng-interactive/2026/apr/08/world-held-hostage-reliance-fossil-fuels-health-christiana-figueres

* Sea-level rise is a health crisis and we must hold polluters accountable >>
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/apr/07/sea-level-rise-health-crisis-christiana-figueres
#FossilFuel #climate #war #harm #oil #petrol #SeaLevelRise #coast #Pacific #inequality #ClimateCrisis #PolyCrisis #MobilityDesign #cars #accountability #liability

E-mobility as a cost-of-living fix

The Australian hip pocket nerve, not the motivation for a liveable future is forcing some people to take up active mobility without a safe network of walking and cycling infrastructure.
>>
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/apr/06/fuel-crisis-sydney-commuters-cycling
#FossilFuels #cars #MobilityDesign #walking #cycling #infrastructure #transition ##NoKerbsideChargers Ebikes #HipPocket #climate

Image: Bike on wood chips without a bike rack or cycle path, Bellingen

E-mobility as a cost-of-living fix

The Australian hip pocket nerve, not the motivation for a liveable future is forcing some people to take up active mobility without a safe network of walking and cycling infrastructure.
>>
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/apr/06/fuel-crisis-sydney-commuters-cycling
#FossilFuels #cars #MobilityDesign #walking #cycling #infrastructure #transition ##NoKerbsideChargers Ebikes #HipPocket #climate

Image: Bike on wood chips without a bike rack or cycle path, Bellingen

'Sounds of Australia' nominations

You think the combustion engine would be a winner but no it is the pedestrian button, also know as the beg button.

The beg button is 'an icon of Australian design' that makes distinctive sounds to signal to pedestrians that is o.k. to quickly interrupt the supply chain of combustion engine vehicles.

The sound of our cities: why the Australian pedestrian button belongs in our archives >>
https://theconversation.com/the-sound-of-our-cities-why-the-australian-pedestrian-button-belongs-in-our-archives-279559

The beg button sound>
https://www.nfsa.gov.au/collection/item/pb-5-pedestrian-crossing-button
#noise #pollution #cars #pedestrians #soundecology #sounds #roads #MobilityDesign #BegButton #FootTraffic

'Sounds of Australia' nominations

You think the combustion engine would be a winner but no it is the pedestrian button, also know as the beg button.

The beg button is 'an icon of Australian design' that makes distinctive sounds to signal to pedestrians that is o.k. to quickly interrupt the supply chain of combustion engine vehicles.

The sound of our cities: why the Australian pedestrian button belongs in our archives >>
https://theconversation.com/the-sound-of-our-cities-why-the-australian-pedestrian-button-belongs-in-our-archives-279559

The beg button sound>
https://www.nfsa.gov.au/collection/item/pb-5-pedestrian-crossing-button
#noise #pollution #cars #pedestrians #soundecology #sounds #roads #MobilityDesign #BegButton #FootTraffic

A fuel crisis and no footpaths >>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-04-05/research-shows-walkable-towns-a-win-for-residents/106520554
#MobilityDesign #FossilFuels #roads #cars #connectivity #FootTraffic #footpaths #BikePaths #walking #ActiveMobility #BellingenShire

A fuel crisis and no footpaths >>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-04-05/research-shows-walkable-towns-a-win-for-residents/106520554
#MobilityDesign #FossilFuels #roads #cars #connectivity #FootTraffic #footpaths #BikePaths #walking #ActiveMobility #BellingenShire

More people are killed on Australian roads.

"Deaths on Australian roads have increased every year since 2020. This is despite the Australian government’s commitment to Vision Zero – having zero deaths or serious injuries on our roads by 2050."

"Unfortunately, 1,317 road deaths were recorded in 2025, a 1.9% increase from 2024. Land transport accidents also remain a leading cause of death for children and young adults, and the third leading cause of injury hospitalisations." >>
https://theconversation.com/more-people-are-dying-on-australian-roads-this-program-could-make-drivers-safer-276970

Comments: To "look at the entire system of road use" one must not just have the car as the road user in mind but the entire mobility design and their associated industries. The focus should be on public infrastructure that enable active and safe mobility (walking and cycling) for all. "Good mobility design" does not kill, maim, pollute or leads to planetary heating.

#cars #roads #RoadTrauma #RoadDeaths #crash #VisionZero #failure #IntegralAccident #MobilityDesign #cyclists #pedestrians #KillerRoads #wildlife #SacrificeZone #FossilFuels #climate

Image: Somewhere on Wikipedia. A time when people could not accept that motorists can just kill people and call it an 'accident'.

More people are killed on Australian roads.

"Deaths on Australian roads have increased every year since 2020. This is despite the Australian government’s commitment to Vision Zero – having zero deaths or serious injuries on our roads by 2050."

"Unfortunately, 1,317 road deaths were recorded in 2025, a 1.9% increase from 2024. Land transport accidents also remain a leading cause of death for children and young adults, and the third leading cause of injury hospitalisations." >>
https://theconversation.com/more-people-are-dying-on-australian-roads-this-program-could-make-drivers-safer-276970

Comments: To "look at the entire system of road use" one must not just have the car as the road user in mind but the entire mobility design and their associated industries. The focus should be on public infrastructure that enable active and safe mobility (walking and cycling) for all. "Good mobility design" does not kill, maim, pollute or leads to planetary heating.

#cars #roads #RoadTrauma #RoadDeaths #crash #VisionZero #failure #IntegralAccident #MobilityDesign #cyclists #pedestrians #KillerRoads #wildlife #SacrificeZone #FossilFuels #climate

Image: Somewhere on Wikipedia. A time when people could not accept that motorists can just kill people and call it an 'accident'.

Seven charts that reveal how unprepared Australia was for the (fossil) fuel crisis

"It’s worth pointing out that the International Energy Agency (IEA) requires all member countries which are net importers of oil and oil products (including Australia) to maintain reserves equivalent to at least 90 days of imports."

"We’ve never fulfilled that requirement, and in fact have the lowest reserves by this measure among all IEA countries." >>
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/mar/24/seven-charts-that-reveal-how-unprepared-australia-was-for-the-fuel-crisis

The 'petrol crisis' is not noticeable around here, it is the same speeding and idling behaviour as before.
#FossilFuels #dependency #oil #EnergySecurity #machines #cars #motorists #combustion #fuel #SupplyChain #energy #OilCrisis #MobilityDesign

Seven charts that reveal how unprepared Australia was for the (fossil) fuel crisis

"It’s worth pointing out that the International Energy Agency (IEA) requires all member countries which are net importers of oil and oil products (including Australia) to maintain reserves equivalent to at least 90 days of imports."

"We’ve never fulfilled that requirement, and in fact have the lowest reserves by this measure among all IEA countries." >>
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/mar/24/seven-charts-that-reveal-how-unprepared-australia-was-for-the-fuel-crisis

The 'petrol crisis' is not noticeable around here, it is the same speeding and idling behaviour as before.
#FossilFuels #dependency #oil #EnergySecurity #machines #cars #motorists #combustion #fuel #SupplyChain #energy #OilCrisis #MobilityDesign

Why car dependence is now a strategic liability

Failure to electrify
Road projects and mega-highway projects are unaffordable
No walking, cycling infrastructure or EV bus improvements

Every bus electrified, every cycleway built, every train funded is a direct reduction in exposure to the next crisis. The question now is whether (your place) begins to treat the car dependence not as a lifestyle choice but as a strategic liability. >>
https://theconversation.com/iran-oil-crisis-why-nzs-car-dependence-is-now-a-strategic-liability-278526
#FossilFuels #cars #CarDependence #roads #infrastructure #war #MegaHighwayProjects #PacificHighway #MobilityDesign #dependency

Why car dependence is now a strategic liability

Failure to electrify
Road projects and mega-highway projects are unaffordable
No walking, cycling infrastructure or EV bus improvements

Every bus electrified, every cycleway built, every train funded is a direct reduction in exposure to the next crisis. The question now is whether (your place) begins to treat the car dependence not as a lifestyle choice but as a strategic liability. >>
https://theconversation.com/iran-oil-crisis-why-nzs-car-dependence-is-now-a-strategic-liability-278526
#FossilFuels #cars #CarDependence #roads #infrastructure #war #MegaHighwayProjects #PacificHighway #MobilityDesign #dependency

Car Dependency - Petrol is running out! Is it time to panic?! Help help, First Dog on the Moon >>
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/picture/2026/mar/16/petrol-is-running-out-is-it-time-to-panic-help-help
#Fossilfuel #cars #wars #pollution #climate #CarDependency #MobilityDesign
Image: First Dog on the Moon

Car Dependency - Petrol is running out! Is it time to panic?! Help help, First Dog on the Moon >>
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/picture/2026/mar/16/petrol-is-running-out-is-it-time-to-panic-help-help
#Fossilfuel #cars #wars #pollution #climate #CarDependency #MobilityDesign
Image: First Dog on the Moon

In Bellingen all space seems devoted to parking for combustion machines. Every lawn, river banks, footpaths - everywhere space is eaten by cars with an expensive need for petrol from the Middle East. Carparks litter the landscape of the small town that has very few footpaths.

Image: Bellingen, Church street, Public toilet pathway blocked by oil guzzlers
#Bellingen #access #accessibility #AccessibleAmenities #footpaths #cars #SUVs #storage #hazards #MobilityDesign #walking #climate

In Bellingen all space seems devoted to parking for combustion machines. Every lawn, river banks, footpaths - everywhere space is eaten by cars with an expensive need for petrol from the Middle East. Carparks litter the landscape of the small town that has very few footpaths.

Image: Bellingen, Church street, Public toilet pathway blocked by oil guzzlers
#Bellingen #access #accessibility #AccessibleAmenities #footpaths #cars #SUVs #storage #hazards #MobilityDesign #walking #climate

Zero Road Deaths?
Killer roads - Can Australia reduce road deaths to zero by 2080?

* Helsinki just went a full year without a single traffic death
"The capital city is Finnish’ed with car-related fatalities. Capped speed limits and investments in pedestrian, cycling and public transport infrastructure have helped reduce traffic deaths in Helsink" >>
https://www.politico.eu/article/helsinki-no-traffic-death-roads-eu-accident-finland-driving-transport/

* 355 people - killed on NSW roads in 2025
The injured, the life-altering injuries and killed wildlife are not in these statistics.
https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-releases/minns-government-calls-on-drivers-to-slow-down-355-lives-lost-on-nsw-roads-2025

* Australian road deaths are following dangerous USA trend, expert warns
"A recent rise in Australia’s road toll suggests we are following a USA precedent of rising pedestrian deaths that started long ago." >>
https://www.drive.com.au/news/australian-road-deaths-are-following-dangerous-usa-trend-expert-warns/

* Can we cut road deaths to zero by 2050? Current trends say no. What’s going wrong? >>
https://theconversation.com/can-we-cut-road-deaths-to-zero-by-2050-current-trends-say-no-whats-going-wrong-220289
#Roads #cars #SUVs #speed #RoadTrauma #RoadFatalities #NSW #MobilityDesign #pedestrians #cyclists #infrastructure #PublicTransportation #SacrificeZone #wildlife

Zero Road Deaths?
Killer roads - Can Australia reduce road deaths to zero by 2080?

* Helsinki just went a full year without a single traffic death
"The capital city is Finnish’ed with car-related fatalities. Capped speed limits and investments in pedestrian, cycling and public transport infrastructure have helped reduce traffic deaths in Helsink" >>
https://www.politico.eu/article/helsinki-no-traffic-death-roads-eu-accident-finland-driving-transport/

* 355 people - killed on NSW roads in 2025
The injured, the life-altering injuries and killed wildlife are not in these statistics.
https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-releases/minns-government-calls-on-drivers-to-slow-down-355-lives-lost-on-nsw-roads-2025

* Australian road deaths are following dangerous USA trend, expert warns
"A recent rise in Australia’s road toll suggests we are following a USA precedent of rising pedestrian deaths that started long ago." >>
https://www.drive.com.au/news/australian-road-deaths-are-following-dangerous-usa-trend-expert-warns/

* Can we cut road deaths to zero by 2050? Current trends say no. What’s going wrong? >>
https://theconversation.com/can-we-cut-road-deaths-to-zero-by-2050-current-trends-say-no-whats-going-wrong-220289
#Roads #cars #SUVs #speed #RoadTrauma #RoadFatalities #NSW #MobilityDesign #pedestrians #cyclists #infrastructure #PublicTransportation #SacrificeZone #wildlife

Mobility design for all

The cost of doing b̶u̶s̶i̶n̶e̶s̶s̶/ transport should factor in wildlife bridges /corridors at reasonable intervals. When they can construct 40,000-vehicle-a-day conveyor belts through wildlife ecosystems, then they could ensure mobility for koalas, gliders, swamp wallabies and wombats too.
Elsewhere motorways are being retrofitted to allow animals to move safely between fragmented sections of bushland. >>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-22/cawleys-bridge-wildlife-crossing-retrofit/106365756

Coffs Harbour bypass >>
https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/projects/coffs-harbour-bypass
#biodiversity #wildlife #mobility #WildlifeBridges #MobilityDesign #roads #highways #CODB #cars #PacificHighway #RoadTrauma #CoffsHarbour

Mobility design for all

The cost of doing b̶u̶s̶i̶n̶e̶s̶s̶/ transport should factor in wildlife bridges /corridors at reasonable intervals. When they can construct 40,000-vehicle-a-day conveyor belts through wildlife ecosystems, then they could ensure mobility for koalas, gliders, swamp wallabies and wombats too.
Elsewhere motorways are being retrofitted to allow animals to move safely between fragmented sections of bushland. >>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-22/cawleys-bridge-wildlife-crossing-retrofit/106365756

Coffs Harbour bypass >>
https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/projects/coffs-harbour-bypass
#biodiversity #wildlife #mobility #WildlifeBridges #MobilityDesign #roads #highways #CODB #cars #PacificHighway #RoadTrauma #CoffsHarbour

Achieving meaningful lives within planetary boundaries?

"Renewables are already much cheaper than fossil fuels. Alas, fossil fuels are up to three times as profitable. Thus capital forces governments to link electricity prices to the price of the most expensive liquified natural gas, not of cheap solar energy. Similarly, building and maintaining motorways is many times more lucrative for private contractors, car manufacturers and oil companies than a modern network of superfast, safe public railways. So capitalists continue to push our governments to subsidise fossil fuels and road building, even while the world burns."

"...Capital uses every tool at its disposal – debt, sanctions, coups and even outright military invasion to keep southern economies subordinate."
>>
We can move beyond the capitalist model and save the climate – here are the first three steps, Jason Hickel and Yanis Varoufakis
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/commentisfree/2026/feb/12/capitalist-model-climate-growth-capitalism-species-humanity
#FossilFuels #biodiversity #Roads #MobilityDesign #motorways #climate #DeliberativeDemocracy #DemocraticBacksliding #autogolpe #SelfCoup #governance
Image: Houses and landscapes destroyed for every wider roads to provide a conveyor belt for combustion vehicles, Coffs Harbour

Achieving meaningful lives within planetary boundaries?

"Renewables are already much cheaper than fossil fuels. Alas, fossil fuels are up to three times as profitable. Thus capital forces governments to link electricity prices to the price of the most expensive liquified natural gas, not of cheap solar energy. Similarly, building and maintaining motorways is many times more lucrative for private contractors, car manufacturers and oil companies than a modern network of superfast, safe public railways. So capitalists continue to push our governments to subsidise fossil fuels and road building, even while the world burns."

"...Capital uses every tool at its disposal – debt, sanctions, coups and even outright military invasion to keep southern economies subordinate."
>>
We can move beyond the capitalist model and save the climate – here are the first three steps, Jason Hickel and Yanis Varoufakis
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/commentisfree/2026/feb/12/capitalist-model-climate-growth-capitalism-species-humanity
#FossilFuels #biodiversity #Roads #MobilityDesign #motorways #climate #DeliberativeDemocracy #DemocraticBacksliding #autogolpe #SelfCoup #governance
Image: Houses and landscapes destroyed for every wider roads to provide a conveyor belt for combustion vehicles, Coffs Harbour

Tolerating the crushing of pedestrians, cyclists and wildlife with bull bars

" Bull bars are rigid or semi-rigid metal or composite frames mounted to the front of a vehicle.

Pedestrian deaths just reached an 18-year high. Bull bars are part of the problem
In 2025, 197 pedestrians were killed on Australian roads, the highest number since 2007. Almost every state recorded a noticeable spike in pedestrian deaths compared to last year.

Cyclist deaths also climbed to 49, up 32% from last year – the highest since 2013.
One key reason appears to be the growing size and weight of vehicles, which can increase the risk of death and injury.

Evidence shows bull bars can significantly increase the severity of pedestrian injuries, even in low-speed urban crashes.

Bull bars are not banned in Australian cities. Instead, they are regulated through design standards that are weaker than European pedestrian-protection rules. "
>>
https://theconversation.com/pedestrian-deaths-just-reached-an-18-year-high-bull-bars-are-part-of-the-problem-273362
#cars #SUVs #crashes #MobilityDesign #regulation #speeding #pedestrians #cyclists #wildlife #RoadTrauma #Bullbars #RooBars #VehicleRamming #HostileVehicleMitigation

Tolerating the crushing of pedestrians, cyclists and wildlife with bull bars

" Bull bars are rigid or semi-rigid metal or composite frames mounted to the front of a vehicle.

Pedestrian deaths just reached an 18-year high. Bull bars are part of the problem
In 2025, 197 pedestrians were killed on Australian roads, the highest number since 2007. Almost every state recorded a noticeable spike in pedestrian deaths compared to last year.

Cyclist deaths also climbed to 49, up 32% from last year – the highest since 2013.
One key reason appears to be the growing size and weight of vehicles, which can increase the risk of death and injury.

Evidence shows bull bars can significantly increase the severity of pedestrian injuries, even in low-speed urban crashes.

Bull bars are not banned in Australian cities. Instead, they are regulated through design standards that are weaker than European pedestrian-protection rules. "
>>
https://theconversation.com/pedestrian-deaths-just-reached-an-18-year-high-bull-bars-are-part-of-the-problem-273362
#cars #SUVs #crashes #MobilityDesign #regulation #speeding #pedestrians #cyclists #wildlife #RoadTrauma #Bullbars #RooBars #VehicleRamming #HostileVehicleMitigation

The planet is boiling and burning

“Human activity helped make 2025 third-hottest year on record…The atmosphere is sending us a message.” >>
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/jan/14/human-activity-helped-make-2025-third-hottest-year-on-record-experts-say
#FossilFuel #pollution #energy #consumption #denial #ExistentialThreat #Heat #HotPlanet #MobilityDesign #HomoSapiens #biodiversity #SocietalCollapse #ClimateBarbarism

The planet is boiling and burning

“Human activity helped make 2025 third-hottest year on record…The atmosphere is sending us a message.” >>
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/jan/14/human-activity-helped-make-2025-third-hottest-year-on-record-experts-say
#FossilFuel #pollution #energy #consumption #denial #ExistentialThreat #Heat #HotPlanet #MobilityDesign #HomoSapiens #biodiversity #SocietalCollapse #ClimateBarbarism