An adult tricycle. Photo by neas.

Bikes becoming fashionable in NYC

Dutch style bikes, which have wider handlebars and position the rider in a more standing position, are becoming more common in New York City. Protected bike lanes and laws allowing office workers to bring their cycles into buildings are making the city more bike-friendly. Will biking become a fashionable mode of commuting for office workers, as it is in Amsterdam?  

Arlington pushes trikes

Arlington is creating a “trike pool” for county employees to get around in a sustainable way on adult tricycles. Despite some snickers from DCist, the cargo capacity of the tricycles make them a useful choice in dense Arlington. (Post, Stephen Miller)  

Montgomery pushes cars

Meanwhile, Montgomery County plans to let 200 police officers who live up to 15 miles outside the County use their cruisers for personal use, with the County paying for all gas and maintenance. No other jurisdiction allows its officers to do this, except for small numbers of SWAT team officers and others who need to go on duty at short notice. Council President Phil Andrews criticized the move, saying it would create an incentive for officers to live farther from their jobs. (Post, Stephen Miller) Fairfax, meanwhile, is reducing take-home vehicle use. (Examiner)  (Tip: Stephen Miller)  

No eating unless you’re a cop

One rider encountered Metro police eating on the subway platform, in violation of a strictly enforced rule. Their answer when confronted? They’re “starving”. (Unsuck DC Metro)  

Lewis calls out the antis

Roger Lewis criticizes neighborhood opponents for their vociferous opposition to the Wisconsin Giant and to the Tenley-Janney public-private partnership. He writes, “Some residents of the District cling to a suburban mentality. This mentality, coupled with government mismanagement, can obstruct desirable redevelopment. Living in cities means accepting and even embracing change.” (Post)  

What’s wrong with Franklin Square?

Franklin Square is not a successful urban park. Maybe it’s the size? Richard Layman argues that it’s mismanagement by the National Park Service.  

Rail should replace short flights

Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, a supporter of high-speed rail, calls for rail to replace all short air trips of 500 miles or fewer. A good rail system should easily be able to make those trips faster from downtown to downtown than an airline flight does today. (Infrastructurist)  

Short buildings equal job sprawl

Matthew Yglesias points out some of the costs of the height limit, including job sprawl and lower tax revenue.  

Korea has “women-only” parking spaces

The parking spaces are wider “offering aid to women drivers unskilled at parking.” No commentary seems appropriate. (Sociological Images via How We Drive)  

Bags for the City

Bread for the City rebuts the main arguments from “bag bill” opponents about equity, the impact on hunger nonprofits, and more.