Afternoon links: Transportation no-nos
Don’t lock bikes to trees
It can hurt or even kill a tree to lock a bike to it, plus it’s illegal. Fortunately, sign posts are usually plentiful and not alive, or you can call 311 to ask for a bike rack. (goDCgo)
Just don’t walk there
A new bridge for Norbeck Road over the ICC is totally impassable on foot. A sidewalk is planned for next year, but meanwhile, officials suggest residents “just avoid that area.” (Gazette, Dan M.)
No aerial tram for Ocean City
Some developers suggested an elevated gondola tram along the boardwalk in Ocean City. City officials say laws prohibit it and property owners wouldn’t like having an 8-story structure between them and the ocean. (WAMU)
Hit and run killer convicted
A jury has convicted Jorida Davidson of involuntary manslaughter, who struck and killed Kiela Ryan in Dupont Circle in October while allegedly drunk. The jury deadlocked on voluntary manslaughter. Davidson could face almost 6 years in prison; Ryan’s mother feels that’s not enough. (Post)
Marcie Cohen nominated to zoning board
Mayor Gray has nominated Marcie Cohen to replace Greg Selfridge on the Zoning Commission. Cohen worked in housing finance for the AFL-CIO and before that for HUD. (City Paper)
Norfolk light rail about to open
After several years of construction and 3 missed opening dates, Norfolk’s Tide Light Rail will open to customers August 19. The 7.4-mile line runs from Downtown Norfolk toward Virginia Beach. (Virginian-Pilot)
Bike backlash over
After months of hand-wringing over bicycling, the New York media has gotten tired of the “bike backlash” stories, and residents have started realizing all the bikes aren’t such a bad thing after all. Jason Gay writes, “The revival of urban cycling in this country follows a fairly predictable pattern: nervousness and ridicule, followed by the realization that the truth never matches the fear-mongering.” (WSJ)
Bike sharing sprouting everywhere
Bike sharing is coming to many new cities, and Washington’s experience with CaBi is pointing the way. (AP)