Today, Explained Let's fight over bike lanes
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Jun 15, 2025 
Miles Bryan, a producer with a keen eye for urban issues, joins the discussion on the challenges of bike safety, particularly in Los Angeles. The conversation delves into the historical evolution of bike infrastructure in the U.S., highlighting key moments that shaped urban planning. Bryan shares insights on the funding mechanisms behind successful bike lanes in Washington, D.C., while contrasting them with the political hurdles faced in LA. The episode captures the dynamic tensions between advocates and local communities, emphasizing the ongoing journey towards safer urban cycling.
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Host's Biking Fear and Joy
- Jonquilyn Hill, a podcast host, overcame her fear of biking in the city during a ride in Washington, D.C.
- She rediscovered the joy of cycling despite concerns about safety in urban traffic.
Bikes Paved Way for Cars
- Early bike advocates created paved roads, which eventually enabled car dominance in America.
- The League of American Bicyclists was pivotal in founding federal road infrastructure funding.
Oil Crisis Boosted Bike Planning
- The 1970s oil crisis sparked the first wave of bike infrastructure planning in many U.S. cities.
- Initial bike lanes were usually marked only by signs due to cost constraints of building protected lanes.