On August 17, 1896, Bridget Driscoll became the world’s first recorded traffic fatality. The 44-year-old mother, on foot, was hit in London by what was then one of the very few gasoline-powered automobiles in existence.
The crash was investigated, and the coroner reportedly told the inquest he hoped Driscoll’s would be the last such death.
Of course, tragically, millions of automobile-related deaths followed around the world, and a huge percentage of those have been similar to Driscoll’s — a pe…
Summer is flying by, but don’t forget to slow down on the road and help keep our kids safe.
Three weekdays before the first day of class, school zones will be live. School zone flashers will activate to help you know when it’s time slow down. If your daily commute includes school zones, don’t forget to account for that additional time. If you feel rushed you’re risking driving over that speed limit — and more importantly risking a life.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Flashers begin before the first day to help drivers get used to new or changed school…
Traffic jams, searching for parking, air pollution — these things may feel inevitable in our modern world.
They’re not.
The City of Austin fights congestion, and its bad side effects, with policies and programming that make it easier for people to walk, bike, carpool, take transit or telework — shifting focus from moving vehicles to moving people. The idea is to manage congestion by managing demand — an approach called Transportation Demand Management (TDM).
The City created the TDM Program in 2018, and now, for the first time, the Program has released a…
People driving in Austin, be aware: The City Council approved three new parking prohibitions on February 13, 2025, and enforcement of them began on June 1.
Under the updated ordinance, drivers may be ticketed for:
- Blocking a signed or marked bike lane ($75 standard fine/$50 early payment)
- Blocking an electric vehicle charging station ($50/$35)
- Blocking a right-of-way closure area during special events ($250/$150)
The electric vehicle and special events ordinances are pretty self-explanatory.
The bicyc…
Bike to Work Day is coming up Friday, May 16. Fueling stations will be available along your commute, offering treats like coffee, tacos and snacks; CapMetro Bikeshare will offer free passes; group rides will happen; a celebration will be held at City Hall; and afterparty will be hosted by Central Machine Works.
It’s a celebration we endorse and promote at Austin Transportation and Public Works (TPW), because more people bicycling to work means less traffic congestion and air pollution.
Have y…
You might have come across the many ways CapMetro can get you to Q2 Stadium — a sports venue that was intentionally built with very little car parking.
But would you like to work a little exercise into your commute to the game? Try bicycling! Austin FC offers bicycle valet parking on the east side of the stadium, near the McKalla Station CapMetro Rail stop.
It’s easy to use. Simply present your bike at the valet and take a ticket. Stadium staff guard your bike in the enclosed valet area while you enjoy the match. Present your ticke…
Each year, Earth Day invites us to stop and reflect on the impact we have on our planet’s health. Transportation is perhaps one of the biggest forces behind the impact, particularly when it comes to carbon emissions and air quality. So when we take a moment to look at what we can do to better protect our planet’s future, the easiest place to start is by looking at how we are choosing to get from A to B.
Renewable Energy
With the growing market for electric vehicles, choosing green has never been more accessible. Electric vehicles can offer a smooth and stable…
The City of Austin will build a new segment of urban trail in Southeast Austin that will provide a new option for students biking or walking to Linder Elementary School.
Austin City Council approved the acquisition of a 5.4-acre property for $1.34 million along Metcalfe Road and Burleson Road. In addition to expanding access as part of Austin’s Safe Routes to School program, the trail will also expand access to Mabel Davis Park and improve the existing surface trail along Country Club Creek.
Funding for the acquisition comes from the Parks and Recreation Department, Wat…
Distractions are the primary factor in one out of six Austin traffic crashes that result in death or serious injury — and that’s likely an undercount. Distracted driving is dangerous, and no crash is worth a glimpse at your phone while driving.
Putting your phone in park while your vehicle is in drive is an easy way to save a life. Activate “do not disturb” before getting behind the wheel so you, your passengers and others can arrive safely!
It’s as easy as 1-2-3:
1) Simply open the settings on your phone
2) Locate “do not disturb”
…
As your calendar fills up with more outdoor activities during the sunnier weeks ahead, think about switching up your mode of transportation to practice sustainability and enjoy more vitamin D. Biking in Austin has never been more fun, safe and convenient than it is now. Whether you’re looking to get from home to work and back or add a leisurely scenic ride to your weekend coffee shop date, Austin is full of opportunities to enjoy a safe bicycle commute.
Ride Responsibly
If you’re used to the comfort of traveling in a car, the thought of cycling on the road can feel intimidat…