Posts by Mitch Wander — Contributor
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I drive for Uber and Lyft. Here are nine tips for making your ride go more smoothly.
I wanted to do some hands-on learning about ride hailing as well as make some extra money, so two months ago, I started using our family minivan to drive for Uber. Recently, I added Lyft. The trips I’ve driven have gone best when passengers make it easy to find them and ask for pickup at a location that makes sense given the time and where they’re heading, and when they order the right kind of car and look out for their own safety. Keep reading…
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How urban foresters made Canal Road’s new traffic signal way more useful
In December, a traffic signal went up on Canal Road near Fletcher’s Boathouse, meaning there’s now a safe way for pedestrians and cyclists to cross that very recently did not exist. But if it weren’t for the work of DDOT’s urban foresters, a key sidewalk leading up to the crossing would still be totally useless. Keep reading…
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When “aging in place” efforts extend beyond the elderly, everyone benefits
Across the region, grassroots efforts are underway to make it easier for elderly people to independently take care of errands and chores. But one group is recognizing the importance of mitigating these kinds of challenges for people of all ages. Keep reading…
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We can all help during a snow storm. Here’s how.
There are lots of ways to help keep your neighborhood safe during a storm, and speed recovery once it passes. From pitching in to clean up snow and ice to just staying off the roads or visiting neighbors, every little bit helps. Keep reading…
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The National Zoo has clarified its safety concerns. Turns out you’re the problem.
The National Zoo is changing its hours because of safety concerns, but Zoo users aren’t so sure that’s necessary. The Zoo director clarified Friday that his concerns aren’t about crime or animal safety; what he’s really worried about are people jogging and running into Zoo maintenance vehicles. A November 6th email from Lyn Mento, the executive director… Keep reading…
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The National Zoo will be open for 1,000 fewer hours in 2016
Starting in 2016, the National Zoo’s grounds will be open for three fewer hours per day. Beyond not having as many chances to see the animals, the change means people who use the Zoo to walk and exercise early in the morning or late in the afternoon won’t be able to anymore. Keep reading…
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A stretch of Wisconsin Avenue will test whether narrow lanes work on major roads
For the first time, there are lane markings on the narrow section of Wisconsin Avenue NW that runs from Q Street to R. They make for a nice opportunity to study how narrow lanes work on major roadways in the District. Keep reading…
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How two families dealt with Metro problems and other transportation options in the snow
There was track work on the Red Line last weekend, and as it turned out, a smoke incident as well. Both Mitch Wander and David Alpert were riding the Red Line, and the experiences yielded plenty of examples of the bad and the good of Metro and other transportation choices. Keep reading…
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Who can help when a bus shelter map is missing?
I frequently notice bus shelters whose big paper maps are missing. Who is supposed to replace them? Keep reading…
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DC’s street trees are thriving. Here’s why
Trees give us shade and beauty, so it’s no wonder a lot of DC residents would want to help care for them. But while residents are still the first line of care for older trees, DDOT has a great safety net that boosts their efforts and helps new street trees thrive. DDOT’s Urban Forestry Administration (UFA) inspects all of its new trees within the first year of planting,… Keep reading…