The latest version of The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) is drawing heavy criticism for failing to consider non-automotive road users.
MUTCD is an 862-page engineering manual that governs road markings and signs across the U.S. It carries the power of federal regulation and can shield engineers from liability when someone is hurt or killed.
First published in 1935, the manual has been updated and expanded about once per decade. More than a dozen advocacy groups, including the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), the League of American Bicyclists, the National League of Cities, the National Safety Council, and America Walks have asked federal transportation leaders to scrap the current draft and start over.
The major complaint: the manual subordinates pedestrian and cycling safety to vehicle throughput, even as U.S. pedestrian and cycling deaths have been mounting. Critics also say the manual is often used to shut down neighborhood-level campaigns for a new crosswalk or bike lane; essentially lets speeding drivers determine the speed limit; and slows the rollout of bus-only lanes.
Related Stories
| May 27, 2013
Maryland law on codes for wind resistance will take effect in October
The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety says that Maryland citizens will be safer due to legislation passed by the legislature and signed into law by Gov. Martin O’Malley.
| May 23, 2013
AGC Contractors Environmental Conference focuses on compliance issues
The 2013 AGC Contractors Environmental Conference June 13 and 14 in Arlington, Va., will include cost-effective strategies for firms to remain compliant and competitive.
| May 23, 2013
ASTM releases new carbon steel hollow structural sections
ASTM has released a new HSS standard, A1085 - 13 Standard Specification for Cold-Formed Welded Carbon Steel Hollow Structural Sections (HSS).
| May 23, 2013
Group Health Puyallup medical center first project to achieve 'LEED for Health Care' certification
The Group Health Puyallup (Wash.) Medical Center is the first facility to be certified under the LEED for Healthcare (LEED-HC) rating system, earning LEED Gold.
| May 17, 2013
LEED v4 has provision to reduce water use in cooling towers
The next version of the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED rating system will expand water-savings targets to appliances, cooling towers, commercial kitchen equipment, and other areas.
| May 15, 2013
New York City Council okays plans for Cornell's huge net-zero tech campus
Cornell University's proposal to build a two million sf tech campus on Roosevelt Island has been approved by the New York City Council.
| May 15, 2013
Center for Green Schools, Architecture for Humanity release new tool for green schools
The 70-page guide demystifies the processes of identifying building improvement opportunities and finance and implementation strategies.
| May 15, 2013
AAMA extends NAFS certification on fenestration products
The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) announced the release of an interim procedural guide that will provide a documented, optional process to extend current, unexpired AAMA product certification to any edition of AAMA/WDMA(/CSA) 101/I.S.2(/A440), North American Fenestration Standard/Specification for windows, doors, and skylights (NAFS).
| May 9, 2013
New developments would face tougher stormwater rules than redeveloped sites under EPA proposal
New developments would have to meet more stringent stormwater-retention standards than redeveloped sites under a forthcoming Environmental Protection Agency proposal.
| May 9, 2013
Proposed ASHRAE systems manual uniform procedure guideline open for public review
A proposed guideline that will establish a uniform procedure for transmitting design, construction, testing, and operational information to building owners and operators is open for public comment.