Rockville Pike. Photo by thecourtyard on Flickr.

Struck in Montgomery County

It’s been a bad few days for pedestrians in Montgomery County. A driver hit a child in a stroller in Aspen Hill on Friday, then a possibly-drunk driver killed two 26-year-olds on Rockville Pike around White Flint yesterday, and today a Gaithersburg police cruiser and its driver hit a 14-year-old boy while another driver hit a 7-year-old and an adult in Silver Spring, but all three only suffered minor injuries. (TBD)  

Transformers unscripted

Several streets along the Mall were closed for the filming of Transformers 3.  Unfortunately, a sports car Transformer named Bumblebee collided with a real police car while filming a car chase. (DCist, Eric Fidler)  

Virginia to keep WMATA seats for now

The Northern Virginia Transportation Commission voted down the attempt by Governor McDonnell to take over two Metro seats currently occupied by Northern Virginia leaders. NVTC did promise to work with state officials to discuss how to improve Metro and give the state a role. (Post)  

The Monday Metropocalypse that wasn’t

Yesterday, the Orange and Blue Lines were still closed through downtown while many non-government workers still had to commute. But despite fears, Metro handled yesterday’s service without much of a hitch. (TBD)  

Exercising her right to pee

Yesterday Malcolm Kenton posted about the lack of public restrooms. Another issue is that many locations make it too hard to use bathrooms. One blogger recounts her encounter with a “bathroom bouncer” who demanded she present a receipt, even though her boyfriend was in the process of ordering. (Chele’s Blog)  

DC a bargain for singles, PG for families

DC is the most affordable place for singles to live in the metropolitan area, according to a recent report from Wider Opportunities for Women (PDF, see page 11). One of the reasons was that transportation costs in suburban areas took up a higher percentage of income. Prince George’s County beat out DC in costs for families.  

Chevy Chase retail less limited

The Montgomery Planning Board will allow Chevy Chase Center at Friendship Heights to increase its retail space limit, allowing larger shops and restaurants. (TBD, Eric Fidler)  

Step it up

A Univ. of Tennessee study found that Americans take only 5,117 steps a day compared to Australians (9,695), Swiss (9,650), and Japanese (7,168).  The study faults car-dependence as a leading factor. (Yahoo! News, Eric Fidler)