BYPAD (Bicycle policy audit) is an instrument for evaluating local and regional cycling policy and improvement of its quality. BYPAD has been developed, applied and continuously improved since 1999, with support from the European Commission. Meanwhile more than 100 cities and regions in 20 European countries are evaluating and improving their cycling policy, supervised by 34 certified auditors from these countries. BYPAD has become a European quality standard for cycling policy and a vital European network.

Climate change adaptation is included in the (perhaps not too catchy) motto of the International Disaster and Risk Conference that will be held in Davos, Switzerland in August: "Public-private partnership – Key for integral risk management and climate change adaptation." Both climate change and energy uncertainty are critical risks to society.

Some people, motivated by high fuel prices, are climbing into more fuel-efficient golf carts instead of cars. Police and other public agencies may follow suit. But will these non-standard vehicles be a hazard when they mix with traffic?

Some Idaho Falls city officials are proposing construction of a fuel storage facility that in case of emergency could sustain services, like police and fire, for a month. They estimate that they would require 50,000 gallons of fuel.

With gasoline climbing toward $4 a gallon, police officers around the country are losing the right to take their patrol cars home and are being forced to double up in cruisers and walk the beat more. Some police think it helps them do their job better.

Planning for likely high oil prices and reduced supply of oil is essential to avoid the worst consequences and ensure public services can be provided in a timely and economic manner. Maribyrnong Council's Peak Oil Policy and Action Plan describes how they will continue to deliver community programs and services in spite of global oil price increases.

The Oregon Legislature has approved a bill that funds the further development of the public schools' Farm to School and School Garden programs. Getting local produce into schools has benefits on many levels, not least in that it encourages development of the local food system.

Health care is Pittsburgh's economic anchor. Unfortunately, it is also heavily dependent on cheap petroleum, both as a material for crucial supplies and in the form of cheap energy. Medicine must overcome its conservatism, bureaucracy and ethos of uniqueness to recognize and then respond to the challenge of peak oil; there is much that can be done to become more efficient.

The city of Fort Collins, CO wants to become more energy independent and be involved in the production of "zero-carbon" energy. But they find themselves weighing energy options that may conflict with their convictions and intentions.

Petroleum scarcity will affect the health system in at least 4 ways: through effects on medical supplies and equipment, transportation, energy generation, and food production. This JAMA article examines potential impacts and some steps toward creating contingency plans.