Category: road

May 14

3 of the Steepest Streets in the US Don’t Even Look Drivable

Notably, our list is reserved for streets that are drivable by passenger cars and have an official grade, even if the steepest part is only a short section. We’re calling out the three steepest streets in the country below.

Canton Avenue in Pittsburgh

Journalist Ernie Pyle described Pittsburgh in 1937 as looking like “it was laid out by a mountain goat.” As such, there are many vertigo-inducting streets and stairs in the city.

While only 630 feet long, Canton Avenue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was long regarded by PA residents as the steepest street in the world. After all, it has a max gradient of 37% in a certain section. However, even until 2019, when the Guinness Book of World Records presented a plaque to a Welsh street with a 37.45% gradient, Canton Avenue had never been formally dubbed the steepest.

In any case, the cobblestoned road sure is steep. Canton Ave is a particular highlight in the cycling world. Due to the dangers associated with driving downhill, especially during winter weather, vehicle traffic can only go one way: up.

Bradford Street in San Francisco

Many would assume that storied Lombard Street would top the list of steepest drivable paths in San Francisco, California. However, its average gradient is a “mere” 18.7%. That doesn’t even come close to Bradford Street.

While Bradford averages a 24% grade, there’s a section above Tompkins Avenue that nearly doubles in steepness – up to a 41% grade. The section is 30 feet long.

After Bradford, Filbert Street in San Fran is known for a section with a 31.5% grade.

Waipio Valley Road in Hawaii

Located in Honokaa, Hawaii, Waipio Valley Road is nothing short of panic-inducing steepness. Some sections clock a nauseating 45% grade.

The road has been paved and is considered regularly maintained. However, only vehicles with all-wheel-drive are permitted to travel it. What’s more, each direction is known to cause damage to cars.

On the way down, brakes are known to overheat and get damaged. On the way up, engines spike and stall. In fact, driving up is so tough on cars and so tricky for drivers that folks going down must yield to anyone heading to the top.

Recognizably, most of the steepest streets in the U.S. are located in California. Of course, there are many roads around the country that locals consider dangerously steep. Would you take a shot at driving any of the above?

Feb 18

Exploring the Misconceptions: The True Scope of the Interstate System

Understanding the Interstate Designation

The term ‘interstate’ might suggest that these highways must cross state lines due to the prefix “inter-,” but this isn’t always the case. Despite the implication, the definition of an interstate is more about standards and connectivity within the National Highway System rather than geographical span. This explains why regions like Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico house interstates despite their physical separation from the contiguous U.S.

Criteria for Interstate Classification

What qualifies a road as an interstate is rooted deeply in regulatory standards set by federal guidelines. To be part of the interstate system, a highway must adhere to specific construction and design standards, maintain logical connections to existing interstates, or be recognized as part of a future expansion plan that will eventually integrate with the network. This flexibility in definition allows certain roads that don’t cross state borders to qualify as interstates, including those designated in Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico under special congressional legislation.

Design Standards and Regulatory Flexibility

Interstates are designed to accommodate high-speed travel and significant traffic volumes, with general requirements including multiple lanes in each direction and substantial shoulder widths to ensure safety. However, adaptations have been made for specific locations like Alaska and Puerto Rico, where the full interstate standards do not apply but the roads still meet local traffic needs and are integrated into the national system. This tailored approach helps maintain the integrity and functionality of the interstate system across diverse geographic and demographic settings.

Added Factual and Beneficial Information:

The Impact of Interstate Standards on Local Development

The stringent standards required for interstates, including minimum lane widths and speed capacities, play a crucial role in shaping regional infrastructure and development. These highways facilitate efficient transportation and commerce, which are vital for economic growth and connectivity within and across regions. Adhering to these standards ensures that even the most isolated parts of the U.S., like certain areas in Alaska, can enjoy the benefits of a well-connected transportation network.

Misconceptions and Legislative Adaptations

The presence of interstates in non-contiguous states and territories highlights the adaptability of U.S. infrastructure policies to accommodate unique geographical challenges. Legislation allowing for variations in design standards based on local needs illustrates the government’s commitment to providing equitable infrastructure solutions that address both current and future traffic demands. This adaptive policy framework ensures that all areas, regardless of their location or economic status, are integrated into the broader national framework.

Future Directions for the Interstate System

As the U.S. continues to evolve, so too will the standards and definitions governing its interstate system. Future legislative and infrastructural developments may further expand the scope and functionality of interstates, potentially including more advanced traffic management technologies and greener construction practices. These innovations will likely enhance the system’s efficiency and sustainability, ensuring it remains a backbone of American mobility in the changing landscape of transportation.

Jul 11

KTM Unveils New Macina Revelator SX Prime Electric Road Bike

For-sport e-bikes aren’t exactly a new thing. For several years now, bike manufacturers have been supercharging non-electric bikes with electric motors to provide extra range and more enjoyable performance. A lot of these fancy performance-oriented e-bikes are based on existing non-electric models, and thanks to the sophisticated tech thrown into them, provide a seamless and engaging riding experience.

KTM is a brand you may be familiar with from the world of motorcycles. The Austrian brand has decades of experience making some of the winningest motorbikes in the world of motorsports, as well as some thoroughly impressive motorbikes for the street. The brand also has a division specializing in bicycles, and has just released its newest road e-bike, the Macina Revelator SX Prime. While the name is indeed a mouthful and seems perfectly at home in a future iteration of the Transformers movies, its goal is actually pretty simple: provide engaging on-road performance in a lightweight package.

The new KTM Macina Revelator SX Prime features a complete carbon frame that is both lightweight and robust. It has the powerful Bosch Performance Line SX Motor, which is particularly built for lightweight e-bikes. The highest speed is limited to 15.5 miles per hour according to European laws. A Bosch CompactTube 400-Watt-hour battery powers the bike, providing a dependable and efficient energy source. It is also compatible with the Bosch PowerMore 250 Range Extender for increased range, giving riders even more freedom and flexibility.

The Macina Revelator SX Prime has a built-in Classified hub, which provides a broad range of gear ratios for improved performance. Alongside this, the Shimano 105 Di2 R7150-12 shadow rear derailleur ensures smooth, accurate shifting. The Bosch Mini Remote Dropbar allows riders to easily regulate the degree of assistance, giving them fast access to power options. The bike is also compatible with the Bosch eBike Flow app, which allows users to fine-tune settings and personalize their riding experience.

Aside from its impressive specs, the Macina Revelator SX Prime includes a Revelator Premium Carbon F15 suspension fork, which provides improved shock absorption and a smoother ride. Shimano 105 R7170 hydraulic disc brakes provide accurate and consistent stopping power in a variety of settings. When the pedals are removed, the carbon-framed e-bike weighs only 13.3 kilograms. The KTM Macina Revelator SX Prime e-bike will cost €7,899 (equal to $8,600 USD) when it is released in 2024.