Photo by Matt Johnson on Flicker.

2014’s top stories

What will be the region’s top transportation stories to unfold in 2014? The Silver Line, progress on DC streetcar network, the M Street bike lane, and the completion of toll highways all made the Washington Post’s list.  

Ceremonial Metro ride

Want to catch a glimpse of the new Metro cars? Governor O’Malley and Mayor Gray will take a ceremonial ride on a 7000-series railcar today. The new cars will not run in service until the end of the year. (WAMU, WBJ)  

What can you build near Metro?

We’ve already talked about development plans at Brookland, but WMATA also has concept ideas for Morgan Boulevard, Grosvenor, Fort Totten, and Navy Yard. (Post)  

Metro considered it

Why hasn’t WMATA considered a line in the place you think one should go? Chances are, they have. (PlanItMetro)  

Park plans on hold in Arlington

Arlington will delay plans to expand Long Bridge Park and add a pool and gym. Construction bids came in higher than county officials anticipated. The county budgeted $79.3 million for the project. (WTOP)  

Stadium deal looking like a giveaway

Mayor Gray proposed last month a tax break for DC United in exchange for a share of stadium revenue. But the revenue share wasn’t new, so the city would just give a new tax break for nothing in return. (City Paper)  

Laws change for bikes

Cyclists in DC can now legally cross when pedestrians get a “leading” walk sign, and must

no longer need to have a bell. There are new penalties for not yielding to and hitting cyclists. (TheWashCycle)  

Montreal’s unconventional streetlights

Montreal’s streets just got a bit more interesting with comic-book inspired “Speech Bubble” streetlights. The award-winning design will be displayed for the next two winters. (Atlantic Cities)  

And…

Most people in a poll don’t want to change the name of the Washington Redskins. (DCist) … The Spy Museum wants to build a glassy structure on Mount Vernon Square. (Hill Rag) … London could get bike paths in the sky. (Guardian)