European Infrastructure Approach Highlights U.S. Shortcomings

European countries are making strides toward saving their most vulnerable road users and the climate — even as the U.S. Congress plods toward an infrastructure deal that will funnel billions into new roads for drivers.

The United Kingdom Department of Transport recently announced that it will revise the next edition of the Highway Code — a sort of master document of national traffic safety laws and road design guidelines — to give the default right of way to the most vulnerable road users in almost all crosswalks, sidewalks and other shared street spaces. Best of all, the department will back up the changes with £338 million ($469 million) to “boost cycling and walking [and] sustain the increase in active travel during the pandemic,” including through new infrastructure.