George Spies
@georgespies.bsky.social
Safe streets, active transpo, dense urbanism, everybody in, nobody out. I like making stuff. Active member of Traffic Violence Rapid Response as well as Seamless Bay Area.
Mr. Fietser is speaking to you.
We all say we want the street on the left, but the street on the right is the receipt for our online shopping habits.
You can't have Amazon convenience and Main Street charm. Corporate convenience shopping will cannibalize small businesses commerce.
You can't have Amazon convenience and Main Street charm. Corporate convenience shopping will cannibalize small businesses commerce.
December 23, 2025 at 5:26 PM
Mr. Fietser is speaking to you.
Reposted by George Spies
The plastic posts and speed cushions installed on International Blvd successfully reduced pedestrian deaths to zero by discouraging speeding in the bus-only lanes
This intervention saved many of our neighbors lives this year and will continue to save lives into the future
Now make it permanent
This intervention saved many of our neighbors lives this year and will continue to save lives into the future
Now make it permanent
A new bus-only lane was criticized for years for a design that encouraged illegal speeding. But simple interventions, including bollards, have drastically reduced fatalities.
International Boulevard’s makeover ended pedestrian deaths this year
A new bus-only lane was criticized for years for a design that encouraged illegal speeding. But simple interventions, including bollards, have drastically reduced fatalities.
oaklandside.org
December 22, 2025 at 10:05 PM
The plastic posts and speed cushions installed on International Blvd successfully reduced pedestrian deaths to zero by discouraging speeding in the bus-only lanes
This intervention saved many of our neighbors lives this year and will continue to save lives into the future
Now make it permanent
This intervention saved many of our neighbors lives this year and will continue to save lives into the future
Now make it permanent
The senator goes there
More than 48 hours into the PG&E meltdown & most of the Muni subway is still down. Right as people get ready for the holiday.
It’s outrageous & unacceptable. It’s time for serious accountability. It’s time for San Francisco to break away from PG&E & create a public utility.
It’s outrageous & unacceptable. It’s time for serious accountability. It’s time for San Francisco to break away from PG&E & create a public utility.
December 23, 2025 at 7:06 AM
The senator goes there
I’m liking FDR’s delivery here. I like his speaking style
i feel like this from roosevelt's 1942 state of the union address still works as a mantra today for our fight
December 23, 2025 at 6:49 AM
I’m liking FDR’s delivery here. I like his speaking style
Watch it here
here's the 60 minutes cecot video part 1 of 5 - recorded/uploaded by and all credit to @jasonparis.bsky.social
I just reduced background noise, chopped the 14 minutes into 3 minute segments each compressed under 100 mb for bsky's limits, cropped and rotated a few degrees for easier viewing on here
I just reduced background noise, chopped the 14 minutes into 3 minute segments each compressed under 100 mb for bsky's limits, cropped and rotated a few degrees for easier viewing on here
December 23, 2025 at 3:11 AM
Watch it here
A 49-post thread to set the record straight on why fossil fuels are still bad, and how we have better alternatives that are growing quickly. We’re winning, but we haven’t won yet.
This Yglesias piece in the NYT is horrifically bad. Almost every "fact" it cites is provably false. At best it is cocktail party banter from a pundit who knows nothing of energy. At worst, it was cut/paste from oil industry talking points. So, a rebuttal: www.nytimes.com/2025/12/18/o...
Opinion | Obama Supported It. The Left in Canada and Norway Does. Why Don’t Democrats?
www.nytimes.com
December 21, 2025 at 2:41 PM
A 49-post thread to set the record straight on why fossil fuels are still bad, and how we have better alternatives that are growing quickly. We’re winning, but we haven’t won yet.
Brooks is dirty
Steve Kerr called the second Draymond Green technical “weak” and brought up the Dillon Brooks “premeditated” flagrant on Steph Curry the other night
“This is a guy who broke Gary’s elbow in the playoffs clotheslining him on one of the dirtiest plays I’ve ever seen.”
“This is a guy who broke Gary’s elbow in the playoffs clotheslining him on one of the dirtiest plays I’ve ever seen.”
December 21, 2025 at 7:11 AM
Brooks is dirty
Reposted by George Spies
Also the signal timing for getting to/from the center islands needs to prioritize pedestrians. On International the wait times were 1-2 minutes for those 1/2 crossings & even w no traffic around. As such riders got accustomed to crossing against the signal, which was associated w at least 1 death.
December 19, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Also the signal timing for getting to/from the center islands needs to prioritize pedestrians. On International the wait times were 1-2 minutes for those 1/2 crossings & even w no traffic around. As such riders got accustomed to crossing against the signal, which was associated w at least 1 death.
I think most Americans don’t actually think that there are people (like them) that live in these buildings. I think their minds categorize this like Disney World or the Universal Studios lot. It’s a stage set for their vacation. Just can’t grasp that locals live right here, in these buildings here.
The people yearn for dense, walkable urban areas with public plazas!
Americans are hungry for community. So why don’t we have more European-style squares? | CNN
As travel abroad has become common for more Americans, many have enjoyed Europe’s vibrant squares. Why doesn’t the United States have more of that kind of gathering spot and is change afoot?
www.cnn.com
December 19, 2025 at 4:16 PM
I think most Americans don’t actually think that there are people (like them) that live in these buildings. I think their minds categorize this like Disney World or the Universal Studios lot. It’s a stage set for their vacation. Just can’t grasp that locals live right here, in these buildings here.
Reposted by George Spies
The most important thing AC Transit can do is to set actual speed, frequency and reliability service goals (vision timetable) for the network.
That way ACT, host cities, the public and funders know what discrete improvements are supposed to add up to.
That way ACT, host cities, the public and funders know what discrete improvements are supposed to add up to.
Open question to the people: how would fix AC Transit?
The main goals:
- Increase bus frequency
- Reverse 20 year ridership decline
- Improve BART transfers
Go!
The main goals:
- Increase bus frequency
- Reverse 20 year ridership decline
- Improve BART transfers
Go!
December 19, 2025 at 3:27 PM
The most important thing AC Transit can do is to set actual speed, frequency and reliability service goals (vision timetable) for the network.
That way ACT, host cities, the public and funders know what discrete improvements are supposed to add up to.
That way ACT, host cities, the public and funders know what discrete improvements are supposed to add up to.
Reposted by George Spies
If any journalist wants to talk to a trans man with a PhD in Human Genomics who was trained in labs that studied the evolution of sex, I'm right here
Or just keep platforming Republicans who have a 5th grade understanding of biology so they get more trans people killed, sure 🤷🏻♂️
Or just keep platforming Republicans who have a 5th grade understanding of biology so they get more trans people killed, sure 🤷🏻♂️
December 18, 2025 at 5:27 PM
If any journalist wants to talk to a trans man with a PhD in Human Genomics who was trained in labs that studied the evolution of sex, I'm right here
Or just keep platforming Republicans who have a 5th grade understanding of biology so they get more trans people killed, sure 🤷🏻♂️
Or just keep platforming Republicans who have a 5th grade understanding of biology so they get more trans people killed, sure 🤷🏻♂️
I’ve been thinking this for weeks
I keep saying this but no one is connecting the dots. The war is to satisfy legal preconditions for mass removal *domestically* of Latinos (i.e., suddenly a lot of people are going to be “Venezuelan” for purposes of removal). This is 100% Stephen Miller…oil claim is to make grandpa go along
There is no national security logic that would impel the US to want to do regime change in Venezuela. It's simply not that important. I'm not even sure wag the dog is the right metaphor for what's happening here. Seems like an insane misallocation of US national security assets and attention.
December 19, 2025 at 7:40 AM
I’ve been thinking this for weeks
Reposted by George Spies
If pedestrian deaths can be eliminated on the previously deadly International Boulevard, we should be able to eliminate them on every other street.
We just need the will to do it, especially from policymakers and Caltrans.
Thanks @tvrr.bsky.social for tireless advocacy to achieve this huge win!
We just need the will to do it, especially from policymakers and Caltrans.
Thanks @tvrr.bsky.social for tireless advocacy to achieve this huge win!
For those who haven't been on the boulevard in thew last year, the data alone tells us that there has been a positive transformation: pedestrian deaths fell from 7 in 2023 to 0 so far this year. Yep, zero. More yet to do!
@tvrr.bsky.social
www.oakrapidresponse.org/posts/intern...
@tvrr.bsky.social
www.oakrapidresponse.org/posts/intern...
International Blvd is Now Much Safer
Last week, OakDOT and AC Transit shared the results of the International BRT Safety Project and frankly the results are an eye-popping success! Traffic calming infrastructure saves lives! Please write...
www.oakrapidresponse.org
December 19, 2025 at 3:34 AM
If pedestrian deaths can be eliminated on the previously deadly International Boulevard, we should be able to eliminate them on every other street.
We just need the will to do it, especially from policymakers and Caltrans.
Thanks @tvrr.bsky.social for tireless advocacy to achieve this huge win!
We just need the will to do it, especially from policymakers and Caltrans.
Thanks @tvrr.bsky.social for tireless advocacy to achieve this huge win!
Reposted by George Spies
Transit sweaters UNITE!
Lovely to see @therealjeanwalsh.bsky.social @rebeccaforec.bsky.social @georgespies.bsky.social @shegabme.bsky.social and more at the car-free happy hour in Berkeley last night!
(The background was drab, so I cheated and used a little open-source holidAI magic!)
Lovely to see @therealjeanwalsh.bsky.social @rebeccaforec.bsky.social @georgespies.bsky.social @shegabme.bsky.social and more at the car-free happy hour in Berkeley last night!
(The background was drab, so I cheated and used a little open-source holidAI magic!)
December 19, 2025 at 1:41 AM
Transit sweaters UNITE!
Lovely to see @therealjeanwalsh.bsky.social @rebeccaforec.bsky.social @georgespies.bsky.social @shegabme.bsky.social and more at the car-free happy hour in Berkeley last night!
(The background was drab, so I cheated and used a little open-source holidAI magic!)
Lovely to see @therealjeanwalsh.bsky.social @rebeccaforec.bsky.social @georgespies.bsky.social @shegabme.bsky.social and more at the car-free happy hour in Berkeley last night!
(The background was drab, so I cheated and used a little open-source holidAI magic!)
The best QP🧵 any organization could ask for. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this solution a reality, and may the memory of those lost be a blessing, esp to those who continue to work to save lives on the streets in Oakland.
@tvrr.bsky.social
@tvrr.bsky.social
Massive congratulations are owed to the folks at @tvrr.bsky.social for their work on International Boulevard.
It is *unquestionable* that their advocacy has saved multiple lives, something not many people can say.
Quick 🧵on their blog post.
www.oakrapidresponse.org/posts/intern...
It is *unquestionable* that their advocacy has saved multiple lives, something not many people can say.
Quick 🧵on their blog post.
www.oakrapidresponse.org/posts/intern...
International Blvd is Now Much Safer
Last week, OakDOT and AC Transit shared the results of the International BRT Safety Project and frankly the results are an eye-popping success! Traffic calming infrastructure saves lives! Please write...
www.oakrapidresponse.org
December 18, 2025 at 10:59 PM
The best QP🧵 any organization could ask for. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this solution a reality, and may the memory of those lost be a blessing, esp to those who continue to work to save lives on the streets in Oakland.
@tvrr.bsky.social
@tvrr.bsky.social
I am enraged by the callous brutality against the most vulnerable among us. But step back and ask yourself, "why are trans youth vulnerable?"
It's because the rest of us are not standing up, en masse, to shout down this horrific cruelty. The fascists start with the smallest, weakest groups. Say no!
It's because the rest of us are not standing up, en masse, to shout down this horrific cruelty. The fascists start with the smallest, weakest groups. Say no!
Cis people really have no idea how it feels to watch a regime hold a press conference to admit, on camera, the pogrom against trans people they've been waging for 11 months is not only real, but they're going to double down on genocide and try to wipe out all the children first.
December 18, 2025 at 7:57 PM
I am enraged by the callous brutality against the most vulnerable among us. But step back and ask yourself, "why are trans youth vulnerable?"
It's because the rest of us are not standing up, en masse, to shout down this horrific cruelty. The fascists start with the smallest, weakest groups. Say no!
It's because the rest of us are not standing up, en masse, to shout down this horrific cruelty. The fascists start with the smallest, weakest groups. Say no!
For those who haven't been on the boulevard in thew last year, the data alone tells us that there has been a positive transformation: pedestrian deaths fell from 7 in 2023 to 0 so far this year. Yep, zero. More yet to do!
@tvrr.bsky.social
www.oakrapidresponse.org/posts/intern...
@tvrr.bsky.social
www.oakrapidresponse.org/posts/intern...
International Blvd is Now Much Safer
Last week, OakDOT and AC Transit shared the results of the International BRT Safety Project and frankly the results are an eye-popping success! Traffic calming infrastructure saves lives! Please write...
www.oakrapidresponse.org
December 18, 2025 at 7:02 PM
For those who haven't been on the boulevard in thew last year, the data alone tells us that there has been a positive transformation: pedestrian deaths fell from 7 in 2023 to 0 so far this year. Yep, zero. More yet to do!
@tvrr.bsky.social
www.oakrapidresponse.org/posts/intern...
@tvrr.bsky.social
www.oakrapidresponse.org/posts/intern...
Reposted by George Spies
“The average American can no more imagine the texture, habits, and routines of everyday life in a walkable urban community than they can imagine completely cutting meat out of their diet. Maybe less so.” @ad-mastro.bsky.social
Asking Americans if they prefer suburbia over dense, urban, walkable places is like asking them if they prefer cats over unicorns.
Have You Ever Seen A City?
When we talk about urbanism, most of us don't know what we're talking about
www.thedeletedscenes.com
December 18, 2025 at 1:57 PM
“The average American can no more imagine the texture, habits, and routines of everyday life in a walkable urban community than they can imagine completely cutting meat out of their diet. Maybe less so.” @ad-mastro.bsky.social
Reposted by George Spies
Be like Governor Pritzker
Public transportation is crucial for our economy, communities, and people.
And here in Illinois, we are on the verge of delivering a world-class transportation network.
The Northern Illinois Transit Authority is our step toward a future of having the best transit system.
And here in Illinois, we are on the verge of delivering a world-class transportation network.
The Northern Illinois Transit Authority is our step toward a future of having the best transit system.
December 18, 2025 at 12:23 AM
Be like Governor Pritzker
Reposted by George Spies
New research finds that car touchscreens are so distracting that they induce "significant performance degradation" among drivers.
Meanwhile, in-vehicle touchscreens remain completely unregulated in the US.
doi.org/10.1145/3746...
Meanwhile, in-vehicle touchscreens remain completely unregulated in the US.
doi.org/10.1145/3746...
December 17, 2025 at 5:23 PM
New research finds that car touchscreens are so distracting that they induce "significant performance degradation" among drivers.
Meanwhile, in-vehicle touchscreens remain completely unregulated in the US.
doi.org/10.1145/3746...
Meanwhile, in-vehicle touchscreens remain completely unregulated in the US.
doi.org/10.1145/3746...
Miller asks the photographer to be kind to him, recognizing the power to choose to be kind or not. Does he then recognize that he is himself choosing to be not only unkind, but cruel and evil? Or does he also lack the capacity for even the most basic humanity?
The Vanity Fair photographer from the Susie Wiles story.
Holy. Shit.
www.washingtonpost.com/style/power/...
Holy. Shit.
www.washingtonpost.com/style/power/...
December 18, 2025 at 5:37 AM
Miller asks the photographer to be kind to him, recognizing the power to choose to be kind or not. Does he then recognize that he is himself choosing to be not only unkind, but cruel and evil? Or does he also lack the capacity for even the most basic humanity?
Straight white cis middle agers for trans rights! Love and acceptance for all!
Also, can we please teach political tactics in high school, so people can recognize a wedge issue when they see one??? Or moral panic, etc
Also, can we please teach political tactics in high school, so people can recognize a wedge issue when they see one??? Or moral panic, etc
They developed the "high school girl's sports" angle as a wedge issue, to lever their way up to full society-wide discrimination. What's endlessly stunning to me is how many purported liberals a) helped them when it started & b) are still helping them even after the larger purpose has become clear!
December 18, 2025 at 1:15 AM
Straight white cis middle agers for trans rights! Love and acceptance for all!
Also, can we please teach political tactics in high school, so people can recognize a wedge issue when they see one??? Or moral panic, etc
Also, can we please teach political tactics in high school, so people can recognize a wedge issue when they see one??? Or moral panic, etc
Reposted by George Spies
hi, cis folks!
today, congress votes on 2 bills —HR498 & HR3492—one bans medicaid funds for providers of trans youth care; the other criminalizes that care, imposing penalties including jail.
either one passing destroys lives. we need you to call & tell your rep to vote no.
tap into the 🧵for more
today, congress votes on 2 bills —HR498 & HR3492—one bans medicaid funds for providers of trans youth care; the other criminalizes that care, imposing penalties including jail.
either one passing destroys lives. we need you to call & tell your rep to vote no.
tap into the 🧵for more
December 17, 2025 at 4:50 AM
hi, cis folks!
today, congress votes on 2 bills —HR498 & HR3492—one bans medicaid funds for providers of trans youth care; the other criminalizes that care, imposing penalties including jail.
either one passing destroys lives. we need you to call & tell your rep to vote no.
tap into the 🧵for more
today, congress votes on 2 bills —HR498 & HR3492—one bans medicaid funds for providers of trans youth care; the other criminalizes that care, imposing penalties including jail.
either one passing destroys lives. we need you to call & tell your rep to vote no.
tap into the 🧵for more
This was signed by Pritzker this week. Huge step forward, and needs to be adopted by other states, especially California. Read into this thread for how to align decisions with global best practices!
As promised, a thread highlighting the transit project delivery reforms for the NITA bill for metro Chicago transit SB 3438.
Summary here metroplanning.org/wp-content/u...
Summary here metroplanning.org/wp-content/u...
December 17, 2025 at 7:02 PM
This was signed by Pritzker this week. Huge step forward, and needs to be adopted by other states, especially California. Read into this thread for how to align decisions with global best practices!
Reposted by George Spies
Simply getting the state to socialize all that risk is not an alternative to substantially reducing the risk. If you do the former without the latter, you're basically hamstringing the state and penalizing low-income Californians who live outside the WUI.
This is what passes for progressivism and climate policy in California. Jane Kim’s answer for elevated fire risk and actuarial risk? Put it on the public dime. Urban renters should bail out well to do exurban property owners and landlords in fire zones. FAIR plan is already a ticking time bomb!
December 16, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Simply getting the state to socialize all that risk is not an alternative to substantially reducing the risk. If you do the former without the latter, you're basically hamstringing the state and penalizing low-income Californians who live outside the WUI.