In this episode of Look Both Ways, David & Wes explain why an online kerfuffle about autonomous vehicle safety unexpectedly put David himself in the spotlight. They unpack why autonomous vehicle debates so often generate more noise than insight, how narratives take on a life of their own, and what cities should be paying attention to right now. Listeners will come away with a clear sense of where autonomous vehicles truly stand and why context, logic, and governance matter more than bold promises.

Other topics: 🔹 The quick start to the Mamdani era in NYC 🔹 Listener questions & what mode of transportation would win Survivor 🔹 A rehash of our first ever in-person Rail Drinks in DC

Stay tuned for biweekly conversations about all things transportation.

Additional resources: Officials showed off a robo-bus in D.C. It got hit by a Tesla driver

NCHRP Project 17-97: “Strategies to Improve Pedestrian Safety at Night”

David’s Original Stories… Bloomberg: We Still Don’t Know if Robotaxis Are Safer Than Human Drivers

Financial Times: Europe doesn’t need driverless cars

And the back-and-forth... Why David Zipper is Wrong

Why David Zipper is Right (by Peter Norton)

NYC doing things… Mamdani Takes the Bite Out of ‘the Bump,’ Paving Over Hated Road Hazard

Mayor Mamdani Announces City to Complete Redesign on McGuinness Boulevard

Fast Buses: Mamdani Administration Moves Forward With Stalled Madison Avenue Bus Lane Project