Skip to Content
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Log In
Election 2008

Where They Stand: Obama and McCain on Transportation

2887816920_248097e966_o.jpgWith a few hours to go until what will be the season's first presidential debate, we're looking over a report from the Brookings Institution, which outlines each candidate's positions on transportation.

The six-page report [PDF]
holds few if any surprises for Streetsbloggers, but it nicely
highlights respective statements from McCain and Obama on topics like
federal spending, road pricing and public transportation, with links to
source materials.

One category in particular caught our attention: "Smart Growth Considerations," from page five.

"Obamawill build upon his efforts in the Senate to ensure that moreMetropolitan Planning Organizations create policies to incentivizegreater bicycle and pedestrian usage of roads and sidewalks. Aspresident, Obama will work to provide states and local governments withthe resources they need to address sprawl and create more livablecommunities." –BarackObama.com

"McCain hasn't released a formal policy identified as targeting urban issues." –WSJ.com

While
it's true that much of "heartland" America still couldn't care less
about bike lanes and sidewalks, as we've seen, livable streets issues
are pushing further into the mainstream.
Whether those issues, and the often starkly differing views held by the
candidates, will emerge as part of the national discussion over the
next five weeks remains to be seen.

As confirmed in many
respects by the Brookings breakdown, one thing is a near certainty: the
composition of next year's federal funding package will vary
dramatically based on who takes the White House.

Photo: Chesi - Fotos CC/Flickr

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog Los Angeles

July 2024 Metro Board Meeting: Ridership Up, Security Measures, LAX, and More

LAX station will open this November. Metro will expand security measures, from TAP-to-Exit to turnstile hardening. Plus more Metro action!

July 25, 2024

Covina to Begin Construction on Recreation Village

The new facility will be next to the Metrolink station and include a variety of opportunities for fitness and amusement

July 25, 2024

Incomplete Streets Part 2: in OC Caltrans Ignores Caltrans Policy on Bike and Pedestrian Needs

Caltrans has a policy requiring Complete Streets in its projects, but Caltrans Districts routinely ignore it

July 24, 2024
See all posts