Why U.S. cities are becoming more dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians

Why U.S. cities are becoming mora dangerous for cyclists and pedestriansWhy U.S. cities are becoming mora dangerous for cyclists and pedestriansAs cities strive to improve the quality of life for their residents, many are working to promote walking and biking. Such policies make sense, since they can, in the long run, lead to less traffic, cleaner air and healthier people. But the results arent all positive, especially in the short to medium term.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreIn Washington D.C., for example, traffic fatalities as a whole declined in 2018 compared to the year before, but the number of pedestrian and bicyclist deaths increased by 20 percent. Pedestrian deaths also have risen in New York, and pedestrian and cycling fatalities have increased in denn man tau Angeles in the past several years.Across the nation, cyclist fatalities have increased by 25 percent since 2 010 and pedestrian deaths have risen by a staggering 45 percent. More people are being killed because cities are encouraging residents to walk and bike, but their roads are still dominated by fast-moving vehicular traffic. As my research has shown, this shifting mix can be deadly.Cyclists walk their bikes through a downtown Los Angeles intersection on a car-free day in parts of the city, Oct. 18, 2015.AP Photo/Richard VogelThe long decline in traffic fatalitiesFrom a long-term perspective, traffic fatalities in the United States are declining. In the early 1970s, almost 55,000 Americans were killed in traffic accidents yearly, including people in vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. By 2017 that figure had fallen to around 40,000, even with an increase in the number of vehicle miles driven.The overall decline is a confirmation of Smeeds Law, named after R.J. Smeed, a scholar at the United Kingdoms Road Research Laboratory. Smeed found that initially, with the early introduction of mo tor vehicles, traffic deaths tend to rise. Around the world, almost 1.35 million people die each year in traffic accidents, but 93 percent of those fatalities occur in low- and middle- income countries where mass vehicle usage is a recent phenomenon.As manufacturers produce safer vehicles, cities improve roads and drivers become more adept, fatalities tend to decline. But Smeeds Law only seems to hold up for people in cars notlage for other road users.A global status report shows that road traffic injuries are now the single biggest cause of death for children and young adults, and that more than half of all traffic deaths are pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists. In the United States, driver fatalities fell from 27,348 in 2006 to 23,611 in 2017, but pedestrian and cyclist fatalities increased from 5,567 to 6,760.Lower-density cities that are heavily car-dependent, such as Phoenix, tend to be more dangerous for pedestrians.The vehicle-centric cityModern U.S. cities are designe d largely for motor vehicles. At the turn of the 20th century, people and cars shared city streets, which served as places for children to play, adults to walk and neighbors to meet. From the 1900s to the early 1930s a battle was fought as motor vehicles became increasingly dominant. As traffic fatalities rose, angry mobs dragged reckless drivers from their cars, and some cities printed murder maps showing where people had been killed in traffic.However, automotive interests won out. From the 1950s forward, city streets schwefellost their conviviality. Roads were engineered for fast-moving and unhindered vehicular traffic, with few pedestrian crossings or bike lanes.Even today, motorists in many cities are able to turn onto streets at intersections where pedestrians are also crossing. Most pedestrians and bicyclists are killed or injured while they are obeying the law.A new Wild WestIn the 21st century, a new city ideal has emerged of a more bike-friendly, walking-oriented city. But piecemeal implementation of bike lanes, pedestrianized zones and traffic calming measures often just adds to the confusion.Many bike lanes and pedestrianized zones only extend for short distances. Most American drivers have yet to fully appreciate that urban streets are to be shared. And even in the best of times, cars and trucks are not good at sharing the road. Vehicle drivers are often moving too fast to identify and respond to pedestrians and bicyclists. Blind spots for drivers can be death traps for other road users.Then theres the asymmetry. Drivers are operating fast-moving lethal weapons, and are encased in a protective shield. And speed literally kills. A car hitting a pedestrian at 36 to 45 mph per hour is four times more likely to cause death than a vehicle traveling between 26 to 30 mph.Adding to the dangers are distracted drivers and pedestrians and the introduction of electric scooters. Some observers also believe an epidemic of narcissism is causing more aggressive d riving.All of these factors are making walking and bicycling more dangerous. While pedestrian deaths in Norway declined by 37 percent from 2010 to 2016, in the United States they increased by 39 percent. Non-driver traffic fatalities are increasing in the United States at higher rates than most other wealthy nations.Large trucks turning right are particularly dangerous for cyclists.A better visionVision Zero, a strategy first proposed in Sweden in 1997, imagines cities with no traffic fatalities or serious injuries. At least 18 U.S. cities and states have signed on to reach that goal by 2024, including Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and Washington D.C.Strategies vary from one city to another. Boston, for example, has reduced the city speed limit from 30 miles per hour to 25 mph. Washington D.C. is improving 36 intersections that pose threats to pedestrians and enacting more bicycle-friendly policies. These cities still have far to go, but they are moving in the right directi on.There are many more options. Manufacturers can make vehicles less threatening to pedestrians and bicyclists by reducing the height of front bumpers. And cities can make streets safer with a combination of speed limit reductions, traffic calming measures, road diets for neighborhoods that limit traffic speed and volume, and better education for all road users.Initiatives to create more pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly infrastructure should also be sensitive to social and class differences that may shape local priorities. And advocates contend that shifting to autonomous vehicles could make streets safer, although the verdict is still out on this claim.The most radical shift will require not only re-engineering urban traffic, but also reimagining our cities. In my view, we need to think of them as shared spaces with slower traffic, and see neighborhood streets as places to live in and share, not just to drive through at high speed.John Rennie Short, Professor, School of Public Poli cy, University of Maryland, Baltimore CountyThis article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will ersatzdarsteller your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

Chief Experience Officer Job and Salary

Chief Experience Officer Job and SalaryChief Experience Officer Job and SalaryMobile devices are dominating the technological landscape, and busy consumers are leading increasingly connected lives that allow them to interact with companies and brands both online and offline. As a result, more businesses are placing focus on the customer experience (or CX) to ensure shoppers and clients are satisfied and keep coming back. This trend has led to the development of one of todays most in-demand executive roles - the chief experience officer (CXO).In practical terms, CX is the overall feeling or opinion a consumer has based on the total of their interactions with all facets of a brand or organization, from absatzwirtschaft strategies and mobile apps to untersttzung services and brick-and-mortar stores. The customer experience starts at the time advertising is first encountered and continues until a product or service is purchased or engaged and - in some cases - is no longer needed. It is the responsibility of the chief experience officer to ensure each step of the buyers journey and customer life cycle is positive, user friendly and productive.The role of the chief experience officer is new to the C-suite, having only begun to emerge in recent years. That newness can mean dynamic responsibilities, making for an exciting career thats both challenging and rewarding.Are you interested in someday becoming a CXO? Read on to learn what you need to know, from the requirements of the job to earning potential.Duties and expectationsChief experience officers must continually evaluate business practices, methods and strategies to improve customer interactions. They must boost the overall impression of and trust in a company, business or brand.Specific duties in a typical chief experience officer job description includeOverseeing a team of planers, developers and researchers dedicated to improving user experienceEmphasizing to employees and internal teams the importance of u nderstanding consumers and their motivations, the ease of their encounters and their takeawaysFostering an understanding throughout the organization of the buyers journey and customer life cycleWorking across marketing channels to develop and launch campaigns that help improve customer satisfaction, loyalty and brand imageAdvocating for consumer needs in the development and deployment of projects and strategies throughout the organizationMeasuring and tracking acquisition, retention and overall customer sentimentFostering positive CX through employee experiencesFactors such as advertising and online interactions are not the only touchpoints that influence consumers. There is also the experience they have when working directly with a companys employees - either in person, over the phone or in online chats handled by humans. Since CXOs want these encounters to be positive for the consumer, they try to enrich the employee experience at their firms. The CXO does this by ensuring employ ees are engaged, satisfied and hopefully even passionate about the companys products and services so that this spirit comes across when working with customers.Theres another, perhaps roundabout, way the CXO can enhance the employee experience. As they advise other departments in the customer experience aspects of digital transformation, they play a role in technology taking over routine jobs and freeing up employees to focus on more complex initiatives. This can boost employee satisfaction as staff are increasingly allowed to apply their own unique set of skills, knowledge and talents to their work.Experience and skillsUnsurprisingly, a strong marketing background is a must in order to thrive as a CXO. Most employers will require a masters degree in marketing, public relations, business administration or a similar field, along with at least 10 years of relevant work experience.Additionally, CXO candidates must possess a complete understanding of the buyers journey and customer life cycle, as well as a proven record of being able to optimize and enhance the consumer experience.Many chief experience officers will play a role in the management of digital assets - like e-commerce sites and apps - and should have solid working knowledge of web development best practices. CXOs must be comfortable conceptualizing improvements and translating their ideas to design and development teams.Experience across various digital marketing channels - including email, social media and display advertising - is often required. Depending on the industry, a background in more traditional marketing and advertising methods, such as direct mail, television and radio may be a plus.Along with these technical competencies, chief experience officers should possess common soft skills, including exemplary written and verbal communication abilities, leadership prowess, an aptitude for problem solving and expertise in multitasking to keep up with project demands.Chief experience officer sal aryWhile the chief experience officer job is a relatively new lage, the growing demand for this role has resulted in significant earning potential. So, what can you expect to make as a CXO? The midpoint base salary for a chief experience officer is around $165,000, though this can vary depending on experience, location and company size. In some cases, these executives may earn up to $198,000 per year.High demand now, higher demand laterThe management of the consumer experience - and by extension, employee experience - may be relatively new to the executive table, but the CXO position is likely to last. As the emphasis on customer satisfaction rises, companies will continue to rely on talented professionals who understand consumer needs and motivations and can develop business strategies that retain customers, increase sales and grow the bottom line.Watch this video to find out more about how digital transformation is impacting creative teams and professionals.

Why Face-to-Face Workplace Communication Is So Vital in the Digital Era

Why Face-to-Face Workplace Communication Is So Vital in the Digital Era Why Face-to-Face Workplace Communication Is So Vital in the Digital Era From the coworker who is constantly getting dings on their phone to our cultures obsession with social media, theres good reason for the growing concern regarding the way we engage with digital tools to communicate in the workplace.In fact, much of the technology designed to make us more productive in the professional world can actually do the exact opposite. For starters, instantaneous communication can make it challenging for employees to concentrate on one task at a time, especially if they are frequently being interruptedby an endless flow of texts, emails, and phone calls.In addition, while digital communication tools can help us increase productivity and boost efficiency at work, our escalating and intense relationship with this technology can send us down the road to bad habits - especially if this technology starts to replace mensc henwrdig interaction.In 2016, Randstad askedemployees around the globe whether technology helps or hinders their ability to relate to and build relationships with colleagues. More than half of the respondents said they feel technology makes them feel less connected to people in the real world, and89 percentsaid face-to-face meetings were the best way to interact with others at work.The Paradoxical Way Communication Technology Hinders CommunicationAs an author, communication expert, and international speaker, I firmly believe our reliance on technology at work can be a hindranceto effective communication, especially if it ends up as a complete substitute for face-to-face interaction.Smartphones, tablets, and computers have all contributed to a reduction in the number of face-to-face interactions we have with our coworkers, managers, and clients. It is much easier to send a quick text or email than it is to actually take the time and effort to talk to someone in personfor even a few m inutes.While this approach is clearly advantageous with regard to efficiency, there is value to the face-to-face dialogue that seems to be turning into a lost art. We tend to build better relationships with each other, and our customers, viadirect, in-person interactions.If we want our work environments to promote creativity, collaboration, and effective communication, we must approach digital workplace policies with a top-down strategy. After all, management platzdeckchens the tone for what is - and what is not - acceptable.Todays geschftliches miteinander leaders must create cultures of transparency regarding how and when mobile devices can be used in the office. They must help employees understand that while digital communication tends to be more efficient, face-to-face interaction is still the most powerful way to achieve business goals.Being in the presence of other people allows us to hear what they are really saying. We can read and assess their body language, nonverbal cue s, and emotional state, and we formulate appropriate responses. With face-to-face communication,we can also minimize misunderstandings and provide more opportunities for clarification.Furthermore, communicating with colleagues and clients in person allows us to exhibit more genuine reactions and use our own body language as a cue for others. It also helps develop more trusting and meaningful connections.Finding the Right BalanceIt is important to understand that even the best technology and digital communication tools are only as effective as the people using them.At the end of the day, communication still requires input from humans - and it always will if we want to do it successfully. Finding a healthy balance of how and when your employees utilize digital tools versus in-person communication ultimately depends on your ability as a manager to set clear boundaries and communicate expectations company-wide.The bottom line The more transparent and engaged each employee is on a perso nal level, the easier it will be to promote a healthy mix of digital habits and face-to-face communication in the long run.Ulrich Kellerer is an inspirational business leader, international speaker, and mental health activist. Connect with him on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

Fix Your Personal Branding Strategy in 30 Minutes -The Muse

Fix Your Personal Branding Strategy in 30 Minutes -The MuseFix Your Personal Branding Strategy in 30 MinutesYoure ready to make a career move- maybe youre looking for a new job, launching a side business, or eyeing a promotion. In all of ansicht instances, boosting your personal brand can help you achieve your goal. Thats because a strong personal brand is a carefully designed message thats compelling and attracts the right people. It helps you stand out for who you are and what you do best.Youre probably nodding along, because you already know all of this. You dont need to be convinced how valuable personal branding is Whats holding you back is the time commitment. Thats why you have a LinkedIn Profile, even though you havent updated it since you set it up. After all, who can devote hours each week on top of working or job searching? Well, believe it or not, 30 minutes is all you need to take your efforts to the next level. Heres how to spend themMinutes 1-10 Evaluate What Makes You Stand OutThe first thing you want to do is perform a self-assessment. This step is often overlooked, but itll be super helpful as you find your voice in a sea of professionals with similar experience.This evaluation helps you have a clear geistesbild of your USP, or unique selling proposition, which is just a fancy term for the value you offer to your target audience.Here are some questions to get you startedWhat are you passionate about? You want to think about what excites you, and what things you truly enjoy doing.What are your core beliefs? This is important because its like a mission statement. Itll help you relay your personal approach to getting things done.What are your top four strengths? Thisll help you share what you do better than anyone else, to set you apart from the competition.Are you a good leader or a good doer- or both? This is good to know because its a way to identify and highlight the kind of roles that complement your strengths. What do others say about you? Ask around You may have strengths youre unaware of, or talents you need to put more emphasis on so people know they exist. To be clear, I dont expect you to answer these questions with witty taglines. This exercise is to help you target your branding efforts. So, answer the question(s) that inspire you by jotting down notes, and honestly writing what comes to mind.Minutes 10-20 Compare That to What You Already HaveNow that youve done some reflection on what you want to say, its time to see how it stacks up against whats already out there.If someone were to read your LinkedIn profile, tweets, or personal website, would they see messaging that points them toward the answers you came up with? You might be thinking Wait, I only have 10 minutes, thats not enough time to read my whole website or review my LinkedIn line by line. But, heres the thing, people who click into one of your social profiles or visit your website are probably going to spend a fraction of that time looking at it. So , you want to look for things that shout what you do. On LinkedIn, that means moving beyond filling out the basics and adding links to media, writing posts, and getting endorsements for skills. On your website, that might mean building a portfolio. On Twitter, its about not just following influencers, but composing tweets, too.This step is about comparing what you want to highlight to what you have and asking yourself Whats missing? What can I add?Minutes 20-30 Create a ScheduleTruth talk Personal branding isnt a set it and forget it kind of thing. Once youve figured out what you want your message to be and how you can share it more effectively, youre going to need to start posting- consistently. A helpful way to be consistent is to set a schedule that you can use as a guide. It shouldnt feel like a chore, but if youre anything like me, if you dont schedule it, it could get back-burnered. All I ask is that you give it 10 minutes a day Heres an example of a schedule you can start wit hMonday Make (or update) a list of people youd like to engage with more (a former manager) or simply connect with (an industry influencer). Tuesday Reach out to someone from that list. If its someone youre reconnecting with, try one of these ideas. If its a stranger, you can test out this Twitter trick, or, if youre brave, just send a cold LinkedIn invite using these templates. Wednesday Spend time looking for industry-related articles in publications popular in your field and share one. Or, alternatively, comment on someone elses post (or at a minimum, share it).Thursday Make (or update) your list of improvements youd like to make to your online presence. Break it down into baby steps. For example, you wouldnt write, Build personal site. Youd write, Look into site designers and write copy for personal site bio.Friday Spend today looking yesterdays list and knocking just one thing off. Of course, you can tailor your plan to whatever works best for you. Honestly, if you just do the f ive things above even once a month, youll see traction. Regardless of the schedule you choose, feel free to switch it up, and see what gets the best response. You wont see results overnight, but, thats OK.My final piece of advice is to avoid being misled by the term personal branding. What I mean is The most successful brands arent just about you. Take the time to know your target audience, and listening to whats on their minds as well. Genuinely connect and build relationships As best-selling author Dale Carnegie said, To be interesting, be interested.

Ace Performance Reviews in a Down Economy

Ace Performance Reviews in a Down EconomyAce Performance Reviews in a Down EconomyA raise is a reward, not a right. In the current economy, focus on ROI to get ahead.If youre expecting a performance review soon, understand that theres no place to hide nowadays.

Detailed Notes on Email with Resume in Simple Step by Step Order

Detailed Notes on Email with Resume in Simple Step by Step Order Introducing Email with Resume Job postings frequently dont list the anthroponym of somebody to contact and just offer an email address. Its possible to also add an email signature featuring your contact information so the recruiter can observe how to get hold of you at a glance. The Downside Risk of Email with Resume If you want the latter, your email message ought to be brief. There is an assortment of steps involved with sending a resume via email. After that, move to LinkedIn to see whether you can locate their email address. Ensure that youre employing an accurate email address. Therefore, you must have an official approach to writing your email job application. When you send an email to possible employer, make sure its flawless when it regards the spelling and the grammar aspect. As soon as youve written your extraordinary titelblatt letter providing mora info on your expertise and the way it is relate d to the job that youre applying for, its crucial to format it correctly before sending it to any recruiters. You have to get your cover letter facing the folks that are doing the hiring. Gossip, Lies and Email with Resume Its possible to still attach your cover letter in a different file, just be sure it matches the content of your cover email. If you wish to compose your very own e-mail cover letter, or only a cover letter generally, but doesnt have any idea on the best way to write one, ourSample Application Cover Lettersmay help you regarding your problem.Heres my resume, please tell me in case you have any jobs I might fill isnt a cover letter and doesnt encourage anyone to have a look at your resume. In the event the company has not specified their preference, it is all up to you how youd love to send your cover letter to them. When youre requested to email your work application to a company, its possible to either copy and paste your cover letter into the body of your e mail, or you are able to attach it like a file, together with your resume. If you will do an internet application, bear in mind that before downloading your resume, the very first thing that the employer is going to do is to read your cover letter. Life After Email with Resume Utilizing a short, direct, concise, yet intriguing e-mail will make it possible for the hiring manager to rapidly see that you might be the suitable candidate the organization is seeking. Focus on what you could give the employer rather than that which you aspire to learn or gain. You can also incorporate your complete name and position (if its a work application email). A work application email, together with a cover letter and resume, is a fantastic way of getting an edge over other candidates while applying for work. All recruiters are trying to discover the ideal candidate. It is crucial to incorporate an email signature with all your contact info, therefore its easy for hiring managers and recruit ers to become in contact with you. Its a lot simpler for a hiring manager to go the standard route to locate your resume. You might not know the hiring manager, but you probably know somebody who does. When you send a resume to a possible employee, attempt to demonstrate that youre passionate in regards to the job. It is always recommended for candidates to send emails in accordance with the employers preference. You always ought to apply the way in which the employer asks. You may believe you understand how to email a resume to a possible employer. Your goal with the very first email is to find a yes to the introduction and a little request, not a work offer. You are mora inclined to receive a reply from your possible customer, if they are aware that you are extremely much passionate and serious about your work. As a consequence the email ought to be short and easy and ought to be in point. Youre more inclined to receive a response from a cold email in the event the rec ipient knows youre seriously interested in pursuing your career of choice, and the best method to express that is to clearly show your work. If you dont have the appropriate email address, you are able to look up the firms profile on Google, LinkedIn, the site, or related public platforms. So long as it should be to incorporate all the above mentioned info and as short as possible. There are steps that you may take to make your resume email stick out from the rest. If you dont know the name of the contact person, research his name on the web or call the provider.

Speak Up, Introverts! How to Get Your Voice Heard in Meetings

Speak Up, Introverts How to Get Your Voice Heard in Meetings Its tough to be an introvert sometimes. Im speaking from experience here, being a proud member of thatless-socially-brashclan myself.One of the toughest situations to be in as an introvert is the company meeting. Meetings are necessary theyre how collaboration happens, how people stay informed. But for introverts, meetings can also be super stressful. It can be hard enough to speak up in more casual group settings. During formal meetings, it only gets more difficult.And then theres your extraverted coworkers, who move the conversation along so quickly that your comments become irrelevant before youve even had time to formulate your thoughts.But dont worry, my fellow introverts. We are not doomed to suffer silently in meetings forever. Thats what this new infographicfromOn Stride Financial is here for. Checkout An Introverts Guide to Getting Your Voice Heard in a Meeting below