Morning links: Don’t walk here, bike over there
Reckless walking
A taxi hit CQ writer Josh Rogin in Adams Morgan, but MPD ticketed him instead for “reckless walking.” Now he’s trying to get every Senator to sign his cast. (FishbowlDC via @streetsblog)
Giving a lane to bikes makes all traffic better
Vancouver recently shut down a lane of traffic on a congested bridge for bikes. Despite predictions of disaster, traffic flowed smoothly. (The Province via Freakonomics, RDHD, Stan Y.) (Tip: RDHD)
Berliner calls for “sustainable transportation corridor”
Montgomery Councilmember Roger Berliner (Bethesda/Chevy Chase) wants Maryland to fund Rockville Pike as a “Sustainable Transportation Corridor”, which would consider the entire corridor holistically to “significantly reduce vehicle miles traveled, expand transit options, and encourage more biking and walking.” (Maryland Politics Watch)
Secret affordable housing
Many DC development deals using public land require the developer to build affordable units, but has no rules for how to market the units. As a result, many real estate agents and even building reps don’t know what’s available, and buyers have no good way to find out. Once inclusionary zoning goes into effect and adds even more units to the pool, there will be a new housing lottery system and Web site to standardize this. (Housing Complex)
Walking through 16th and Park? We don’t care
Prince of Petworth wonders why the small triangle at 16th and Park has metal barricades keeping pedestrians out. This isn’t how we should be designing intersections.
Not even pretending anymore
National Harbor was supposed to be a walkable city on the shores of the Potomac. Never mind that it’s far from almost everything and totally unserved by transit. Now, the developer is building a gas station, fast food restaurant, and convenience store at the edge of the property facing the Oxon Hill community. So much for its supposed walkable design. (Post)
On the slow track
MARC spent tens of millions for new locomotives, but they’re still being tested, with MTA unwilling to give any timeframe for when riders can expect them. (Inside Charm City)
Not necessarily the best car
Kent found this very amusing 1909 ad for a car that bills itself as “not necessarily the best car built, but the best car at anywhere near its price.” Maybe some of our failing automakers should try that slogan. Or maybe not. (Washington Kaleidoscope)
Bike to brothel
A German brothel is giving customers a discount if they arrive by bicycle. (BBC)