Image from wfpman.

Very bad day for vertical transport

Good thing Metro got the money for escalator and elevator repair, among other things. Multiple escalators broke down at Dupont Circle yesterday morning, causing chaos, and then smoke started coming from an escalator during the evening rush, closing the north entrance. Now, this morning, the south escalators are out, and it’s not the only escalator problem in the system, either. On top of that, a family got stuck in the elevator at Cleveland Park. (Dr. Gridlock, Examiner)  

Golfers irate at pro-bicycle management

When we linked to new of the Army Navy County Club allowing a bike trail across their property, some of you expressed amazement that a country club was willing to allow a trail. Well, 14 members sued the club because they hadn’t gotten to vote the idea down. (Post)  

You can’t air condition the outdoors

In the high heat, many stores leave their doors open, providing brief flashes of cool for passerby but wasting huge amounts of energy. Nicko Margolies advocates for banning the practice, as NYC did recently. (DCist, Post)  (Tip: Nicko)  

It was better before?

Stan Cox goes even farther and suggests getting rid of air conditioning. DC survived before it was invented, though the heat forced the federal government to take a break, which he considers a good thing. Also, people went outside more and interacted with their neighbors. (Post)  

Bikes less limited on Capitol Limited

Amtrak will now allow unboxed bicycles on the Capitol Limited, which parallels the Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal from Pittsburgh to DC. Cyclists have long wanted to be able to ride the train one way and bike the other. (Daily American)  

In Arlington, now

American Flatbread lost its bid for patio seating in Clarendon, but can set up a few outdoor tables on the sidewalk (ARLnow, Gavin) … Northrop didn’t even call the Arlington Economic Development officials who’d been working with them before announcing the selection of a Fairfax side (WBJ) … the County will study how to curb speeding on Pershing Drive in Lyon Park and Ashton Heights. (Sun Gazette, Gavin)  (Tip: Gavin)  

Tourist pedestrian child dies

A 10-year-old Texas boy died after being struck by a car and its driver in Georgetown. Witnesses say the boy and his family ran out into the street outside any crosswalks. (ABC 7)  

Road projects on hold

Jurisdictions are having to scale back their road plans, sometimes for better or worse. Berwyn Heights had to cut many intersection safety fixes after a development project and its $1 million infrastructure payment evaporated (Gazette) … And Your Piece of the Planet argues that Prince William County might have to start actually building near transit because of VDOT cuts.