Breakfast links: Faster, faster, slower, slower
Pick up the pace
DDOT only installed two of its planned seven and a half miles of bike lanes this year. Most of the current lanes were low hanging fruit connecting existing routes. Now DDOT has to figure out how to put lanes on narrow roads where they compete with parking and driving lanes. (Post)
Slow down for the children
Mayor Bowser asked motorists to slow down on the first day of school in the District. One resident said it would take enforcement, and not just signs, to get drivers to pay attention to the speed limit. (City Paper)
The bus stops here
DC Public Schools will no longer provide busing for students who transferred to better schools. Students can ride Metro for free or change schools, but some parents worry about their kids taking public transit on their own. (Post)
Exurban transit
Two towns in Prince William County want transit. The mayor of Dumfries wants to study a Metro extension to the town, while Haymarket is supporting a study to extend VRE service. (Potomac Local)
You really gotta shovel this year
Residents and business that don’t shovel sidewalks after a snow could start facing fines this winter under new rules. The fine would be $25 for residential buildings up to 3 units and $150 for others. (WAMU)
Pilgrims on a train
Amtrak is expecting large numbers of passengers riding the northeast corridor when the Pope visits the US at the end of September. As a response, the company is adding more trains to accommodate them. (TheHill)
Fighting inequality
Housing subsidies have a stronger impact than tax deductions and help reduce income inequality. A report shows that housing assistance funds can make a difference. (Urban Institute)
Studying Freddie Gray
A new law class at the University of Maryland is focusing on Freddie Gray’s death and problems in Baltimore related to the laws of housing, education, policing, and more. (NPR)
Help us, Congress
Virginia is set to lose out again if another round of sequestration happens and Congress cuts defense spending. The state’s economy hasn’t been growing recently, and contractors have been leaving Northern Virginia offices. (Post)