Breakfast links: The WMATA board may restructure in a bid to get funding
The WMATA board may cut back on committee members
The WMATA board is set to vote (preliminarily) today on whether to cut the amount of members on each committee and let non-voting members lead committees. Proponents say changes are needed to convince jurisdictions that WMATA should get dedicated funding. (Martin Di Caro / WAMU)
Residents are lukewarm on the Columbia Pike “Premium Transit Network”
After years of setbacks, the Columbia Pike “Premium Transit Network” is making some progress in winning over community members. With standard buses and a lack of dedicated bus lanes, some members of the community wonder what exactly makes it “premium.” (Chris Teale / ARLnow)
DC graduation numbers are up, but success in college is down
Graduation rates in DC have risen in the last 5 years, but students have struggled to find success afterwards. The DC State Board of Education will review graduation requirements to make sure students have the right tools to go to college or find jobs. (Alejandra Matos / Post)
Arlington County may say “no” to plans for a revamped Rossyln Metro Center
The planning staff for Arlington County has reviewed plans to revamp the Rosslyn Metro Center's retail space and found it lacking in several regards - primarily the negative impact on pedestrian use and changes to the Metro entrance that WMATA has not agreed to. (Karen Goff / WBJ)
Last call for public feedback on Pennsylvania Avenue cycletracks
July 20 will be the last public opportunity to weigh in on protected bike lanes on Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House to Washington Circle. Planners will present the final options for the bike lanes, each with their own positives and negatives. (WashCycle)
Another attempt to change National Airport’s flight rules, this time from Texas
Flights in and out of National Airport can only go a certain distance, to the chagrin of Congress members who are beyond the perimeter - but now Rep. Henry Cuellar from Texas is taking a new approach, attaching an amendment to a Department of Defense authorization act. (Lori Aratani / Post)
Oregon introduces bike tax despite resistance
Despite opposition, Oregon has enacted a $15 tax on all new bicycles priced at $200 or more. The tax is expected to bring in over $1 million that will be set aside for bike infrastructure, but Oregon bike advocates expect the funds to towards highways instead. (Angie Schmitt / Streetsblog USA)
NYC has gained 250,000 new riders in the last 5 years
New York City has seen an increase of 250,000 new, regular cyclists over the past 5 years. More bike lanes. bike-focused traffic signals, bike-sharing programs like CitiBike, and new technology like electric bikes have jump-started popularity. (Matthew DeBord / BusinessInsider)
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