In Montpelier, Vermont, city leaders are enlisting the help of residents to keep their neighbors safe during the winter, when many are expected to be at risk due to the cost of heating fuel. The volunteers will be helping to share information and assembling a bit of a social safety net.

As more and more commuters shift from cars to bikes, how does a city government address traffic safety? Many are turning to education to supplement infrastructure improvements in helping to smooth the transition.

Small train stations are experiencing a rebirth in France, where the fast intercity trains have ruled of late. Renewed service in small towns is a response to higher demand.

The residents of rural Freiamt, Germany produce 17 percent more electricity than they use, boosting their bottom line and proving that green isn’t just for geeky idealists.

After the Peak Oil Task Force of coastal Westerly, R.I. presented their report to the Town Council on August 18, they were asked to continue their work and to work with the town solicitor to draft proposed ordinances to carry out the report's recommendations.

The dilemma for governments is that forecasting has such a poor track record that forgoing today's pressing needs to prepare for an uncertain future carries considerable political risk. Making the wrong choices will lead to unfortunate consequences either way.

A panel of national and state experts focused on the role of transportation in a future marked by steeply rising energy costs, global warming and economic uncertainties at a "Transportation 2035" symposium on June 26, sponsored by the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA). Daniel Lerch was among the panel speakers.

Cities like Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio are deciding that now is the time to install or reinstall streetcar systems - both because of their revitalizing effect on downtowns, and because fuel and project costs will continue to rise into the future.

A shift to alternative energy sources and energy efficiency is creating jobs in Oregon, where turbines, solar panels and other technologies need to be designed, built, installed, and maintained. Schools and unions are filling a great demand for new training.

Washington, D.C. has installed the first high-tech public bike-sharing program in the United States. SmartBike DC will rent 120 bikes at 10 self-service racks mostly in the downtown area, including near the Gallery Place, Shaw and Judiciary Square Metrorail stations.