Safety

Court Ruling Puts the Brakes on Philadelphia’s Bike Lane Safety Upgrades, Sparking Debate Over Street Safety

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A Philadelphia judge’s ruling on Wednesday has significant implications for bike lane safety throughout the city. The court order blocks the creation of new loading zones on Spruce and Pine streets, part of a broader effort aimed at enhancing cycling safety in the area. The initiative was designed to establish designated areas for vehicles to temporarily stop, thereby preventing obstructions in bike lanes. This move followed the recent transformation of existing bike lanes from “no parking zones” to “no stopping zones,” allowing for the issuance of tickets to drivers who block these lanes, even for … Read more

Highland Park City Council Stands Firm on E-Bike Regulations Amid Safety Concerns and Community Debate

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Highland Park, Illinois, is grappling with the regulation of electric bikes and scooters as safety concerns continue to spark debate among city officials. On Monday, the City Council opted not to amend its recently implemented traffic laws, which currently restrict where these electric vehicles can operate. The decision was made by a narrow 4-3 vote, with the council agreeing to revisit the regulations in October. In June, the council voted 6-1 to introduce stricter rules, banning electric bikes and scooters from parks, sidewalks, and bike trails owned by the city. These vehicles may only operate … Read more

Colorado Advocates Launch Urgent Petition to Reform Competency Laws Amid Rising Public Safety Concerns

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DENVER — A growing movement in Colorado is calling for significant changes to state laws regarding mental competency in criminal cases. The Colorado Parents Advocacy Network has initiated a petition aimed at urging district attorneys to persuade the governor to convene an emergency special session for potential amendments or repeals of these laws. This push comes in the wake of several high-profile cases where charges were dismissed against offenders, including those accused of serious crimes such as murder and kidnapping, due to determinations of incompetency to stand trial. Currently, Colorado law mandates that charges must … Read more

U.S. Politicians Rally Against U.K. Online Safety Law, Fear for Free Speech and Privacy Rights

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LONDON, United Kingdom — A growing contingent of U.S. lawmakers is vocally opposing a recently enacted British law that mandates certain websites and apps to verify the ages of users, including those based in the United States. This concern has escalated following the implementation of the U.K.’s Online Safety Act, which took effect on July 25. A bipartisan delegation of Congress members traveled to London to express their apprehensions about the new law, which critics claim infringes upon free speech and targets vulnerable populations. Vice President JD Vance has been particularly vocal about the law’s … Read more